RESTAURANT EL RANCHITO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.

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 PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTEDC MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOYNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

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 NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT BAR AREA, FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN THE 2-DOOR REAR PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT INTHE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING HAIR RETRAINTS WHILE FOOS IS BEING PREPARED . INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDEOF ICE BININ FRONT BAR AREA AND REAR AND REAR FOOD PREPA AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING IN REAR PREP DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQAUTE WORKING STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR STORAGES ROOMS. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE SHELVING.

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: OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ALL COOLERS THROUGHT REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLOW LEAKING PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED SOILED MOPS STORED ON FLOOR NEAR REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROPERLY STORED MOPS.

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: OBSERVED GREASE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS BEHIND REFRIGERAION UNITS IN FRONT BAR AREA, UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL COOKIING EQUIPMEN AND REFRIGERATION UNITS REAR DISHWASHING AREA AND UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST ELEVATED ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR IN FRONT BAR AREA REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.

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: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER ON WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLES IN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 SEAL ALL GAPS CRACKS CREVICES IN WALLS IN FOOD PREPARATION AREAS AND REA STORAGE AREA AND MUST MAINTAIN.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOODS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 07/20/2020 INSPECTION REPORT#1273737. # 47OBSERVED LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT IN DISREPAIR. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE LID. MUST MAINTAIN SAME. OBSERVED 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAME 48 OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR DRAINS AT BAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR ALL BASINS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME 55 OBSERVED MISSING/DAMAGED TILES AROUND SINK IN MEN'S RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.

Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.

Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.

Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 07/20/2020 INSPECTION REPORT#1273737. # 47OBSERVED LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT IN DISREPAIR. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE LID. MUST MAINTAIN SAME. OBSERVED 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN KITCHEN LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SAME 48 OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR DRAINS AT BAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR ALL BASINS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME 55 OBSERVED MISSING/DAMAGED TILES AROUND SINK IN MEN'S RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090.

Deviating from approved procedures removes critical safety controls.

Must comply with all approved plans and procedures.

Follow approved plans; Maintain required records; Operate as permitted; No unauthorized changes.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.