SEOUL TACO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT ON PREMISES WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED A PERSON IN CHARGE SHALL BE PRESENT DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION AND SHALL HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT ON PREMISES WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED A PERSON IN CHARGE SHALL BE PRESENT DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION AND SHALL HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012 CITATION 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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED WHISK IN HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED DESIGNATED HANDWASHING SINKS ARE FOR HANDWASHING ONLY. CORRECTED ON SITE WHISK REMOVED FROM HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: FOUND 32 LBS OF KIMCHI THAT WAS MADE ON SITE WITHOUT APPROVED HACCP AND VARIANCE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE SUCH PROCESS UNTIL OBTAINING AN APPROVED VARIANCE FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPROVAL IS REQUIRED BEFORE USING SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED KIMCHI(32LBS/($95) BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: FOUND 32 LBS OF KIMCHI THAT WAS MADE ON SITE WITHOUT APPROVED HACCP AND VARIANCE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE SUCH PROCESS UNTIL OBTAINING AN APPROVED VARIANCE FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT APPROVAL IS REQUIRED BEFORE USING SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED KIMCHI(32LBS/($95) BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. REFER TO VIOLATION #29 FOR PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION THAT WAS ISSUED.

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES TO ENSURE ATTAINMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

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: OBSERVED LARGE CLEAR CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT UNDER PREP TABLE WITH BROWN SUGAR AND WHITE SUGAR AND LARGE WHITE CONTAINER WITH RICE IN KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD WHEN FOOD, SPICE OR CONDIMENTS ARE NOT IN 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVRED DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON RIGHT SIDE BASE OF WALKIN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON WALKIN FREEZER.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WASTE WATER FROM DRAIN PIPE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT DRAINING INTO FLOOR DRAIN PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DRAIN PIPE FROM HANDWASHING SINK NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER DRAINAGE OF WASTE WATER INTO FLOOR DRAIN.

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: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN BASEMENT.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE CONTAINER AND GROUND SURROUNDING GREASE CONTAINER. OBSERVED GREASE CONTAINER OPEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE GREASE CONTAINER LID. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR OF GREASE CONTAINER AND GROUND SURROUNDING GREASE CONTAINER. OBSERVED GREASE CONTAINER OPEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE GREASE CONTAINER LID. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.