PUNTA CANA RESTAURANT INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: Observed 20 mouse droppings along both sides of the basement wall that separates the side behind the freezers and the side near the walk in cooler. Also found 15 mouse droppings in the first floor furnace closet. Instructed facility to remove all pests and evidence, clean affected areas, and maintain. Recommended to contact a licensed pest control provider for service. Serious violation 7-38-020.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: Previous minor violation not corrected from report # 2082020, dated 9-13-17: Violation 38- "EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEEDED IN FRONT KITCHEN PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER." Instructed to comply and maintain. Serious violation 7-42-090.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Observed deep, dark grooves in the large square cutting board on the rolling cart in the rear prep area. Instructed facility to replace/repair and maintain. Observed torn refrigeration gaskets on the tall 2 door cooler in the rear prep area. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: Observed dirt accumulated in the refrigeration gaskets at the front prep 2 door cooler. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: Observed dirt and food debris on the floors throughout facility: under and around equipment and along wall bases. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: Observed dirt and food debris on the floors throughout facility: under and around equipment and along wall bases. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.