FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
RITZ-CARLTON WATER TOWER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
RITZ-CARLTON WATER TOWER
(AKA: MAIN KITCHEN/ EMPLOYEES CAFETERIA)
160 E PEARSON ST, CHICAGO 60611
Restaurant
February 21, 2019
Canvass
License #1823689
12
Total Violations
6
Critical
1
Major
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on February 21, 2019. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 12 violations during this inspection, including 6 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
12
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST INSTALL A HANDWASH SINK IN THE DISHWASH ROOMS ON THE 11TH FLOOR AND THE 12TH FLOOR. MUST INSTALL A HANDWASH SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE DINING SERVING LINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: MUST PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING THE PREPERATION AND CONSUME BY/DISCARD DATE OF ALL REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: MUST PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE, AND REMINDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROX 12 LIVE COCKROACHES WERE OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE FOOD PREP COOLERS IN THE ST CLAIR KITCHEN. MUST REMOVE ALL ROACHES, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR FURTHER SERVICE AND INSTRUCTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED DRY FOOD GOODS STORED DIRECTLY UNDER WASTE WATER LINES IN THE BR DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE FROM AREA OR PROVIDE AN INTERCEPTOR BETWEEN THE WATER LINES AND THE DRY GOODS.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED A SLIGHT LEAK IN FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE LARGE SOAK TUB BY THE 3 COMP SINK DISH WASH AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED AN EXCESS ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/FOOD DEBRIS IN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CRACKED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES ON THE 12 FLOOR BY THE ICE MACHINES. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING CEILING IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM IN THE PASTRY PREP KITCHEN. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE 12 FLOOR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE 12 FLOOR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection