PUNTA CANA RESTAURANT INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A ROLLING TABLE STORED IN FRONT OF REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA HAND SINK.ROLLING TABLE HAS BEEN REMOVED,MUST KEEP SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK.SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST KEEP MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)VIOLATION CONSOLIDATED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT FRONT HAND WASHING SINK AND BASEMENT TOILET ROOM.PAPER TOWELS ARE NOW PROVIDED.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 5LBS.COOKED PLAINTAIN 127.4F,.5LB COOKED PORK CHOP 118.7F.2LBS. COOKED LIVER 122.4F.FOOD WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 7.5LBS.$11.50.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED OX TAILS 47.1F,1LB COOKED PORK 45.3F.MANAGER DISCARDED FOOD.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.4LBS. $18.(COS) (PRIORITY FOUNDATION)VIOLATION CONSOLIDATED.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF COOLERS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU OF THE RISK OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 107.6F.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.MANAGER ADJUSTED THERMOSTATE ON HOT HOLDING UNIT.AIR TEMPERATURE NOW ID 167.8F.MAY RESUME USAGE.(COS)(PRIORITY 7038-005)

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER.OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON BRICK LEDGES,ALONG WALLS AND BEHIND FREEZERS & COOLERS,UNDER SHELVING UNITS,LEDGE OF ELECTRICAL METERS IN BASEMENT,1ST FL. FURNANCE ROOM AND A DEAD RODENT ON GLUE BOARD BEHIND SHELVING UNIT IN BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/12/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF REAR SIDE DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON REAR 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER,BROKEN HANDLE ON TOPSIDE OF PREP COOLER.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FRYER CABINET,INTERIOR OF OVEN,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.

Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.

All surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOW WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR GARBAGE CAN IN UNISEX STAFF TOILET ROOM.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES IN 1ST FL. REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA,BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN SAME AREAS.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA AND BASEMENT STORGAE AREAS.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN PREP AREAS,DINING AREA AND BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREAS.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRIANING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRIANING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.