RAMIREZ FAST FOOD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: AIR TEMPERATURE TAKEN OF THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA WAS .50.2F ALSO THERMOMETER ON OUTSIDE OF COOLER ALSO READING 50 F WHICH HAD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE COOLER,COOLER WILL BE TAGED AT THIS TIME MUST FAX A LETTER FOR TAG REMOVAL WHEN COOLER IS REPAIRED FAX# 312 -746-4240 ATTENTION ARLEEN LOPEZ,SUPERVISOR CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKEN OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDIUS FOODS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA RANGE FROM 50.9F TO 55.3F FOOD ITEMS WERE SAUSAGE PATTIES AND RAW SHRIMP FOOD ITEMS WERE DENATURED AND DESTROYED TOTAL WEIGHT 11LBS AND TOTAL COST $55.00 CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)

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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF HAS A 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR,(0UTER DOOR) MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY ALSO OBSERVED SOME LIVE FLIES (3) INSIDE PREMISE DURING INSPECTION CITATION ISSUED 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.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: MUST LABEL COOKED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REMOVE CHIP PAINT FROM WOODEN SHELVES IN THE REAR PREP AREA,MUST USE A NON-TOXIC PAINT

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: CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES NEED GENERAL CLEANING AND HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA OVER OVENS

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST REMOVE CHIP PAINT ON WALL NEXT TO CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA AND CEILING TILES ARE IN POOR REPAIR IN THE HOT WATER TANK AREA

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPRING ON THE WASHROOM DOOR FOR SELF-CLOSING

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: VENTILATION NOT WORKING IN THE WASHROOM IN REAR OF PREMISES

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.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN AREA WHERE THE HOT WATER TANK IS STORED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN AREA WHERE THE HOT WATER TANK IS STORED TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.