RAMIREZ FAST FOOD Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATOR AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED EGGS AT 57F, COOKED STEAK AT 60F, CHEESE AT 56F, AND RANCH DRESSING AT 60F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 62F. THE REFRIGERATOR WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS EGGS AND COOKED STEAK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE REFRIGERATOR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED A CASE OF FROZEN BEEF CHEEK MEAT THAWING ON THE PREP TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW ALL TCS FOODS PROPERLY.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE RUST AND HOLES IN THE TOP OF THE GREASE TRAP LID LOCATED UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE GREASE TRAP TO PREVENT LEAKING WASTE WATER.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: REPAIR THE CEILING IN FRONT OF THE WASHROOM DOOR. REPLACE THE BROKEN AND MISSING WALL TILES IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD.

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: REPAIR THE CEILING IN FRONT OF THE WASHROOM DOOR. REPLACE THE BROKEN AND MISSING WALL TILES IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, ESPECIALLY UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD.

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.