SEOUL TACO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED. THE PERSON IN CHARGE HAS A SERV SAFE CERTIFICATE ISSUED MAY 6, 2019. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND OVER 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA ON THE FLOOR, ON THE BASEMENT STAIRS AND WALL LEDGE. FOUND 30 DROPPINGS IN THE CLOSET NEXT TO THE SODA MACHINE IN THE DINING AREA AND 30 ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER AREA UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: FOUND NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR THE THREE COMP SINK TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE CHEMICAL SANITIZER WHEN WASH RINSE AND SANITIZING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT (FRYER, GRILL, REFRIGERATION UNITS), INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN AREAS MENTIONED IN VIOLATION #38 AND UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPEMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND OTHER DEBRIS.

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 THE VENTS IN THE HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING; CLEAN VENTS 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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

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: INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

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.