SEOUL TACO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 48.0-51.8F(EGGS IN SHELL 51.8F, CHICKEN 50.2F, PORK 50.2F AND STEAK 48.0F). INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $193 WEIGHING 63LBS. 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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: FOUND 45LBS OF KIMCHI THAT WAS FERMENTED ON SITE,IN WALK IN COOLER AND COLD HOLDING UNIT, WITHOUT CDPH APPROVED HACCP AND VARIANCE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE SUCH PROCESS UNTIL OBTAINING AN APPROVED HACCP AND VARIANCE FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, APPROVAL IS REQUIRED BEFORE USING SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED KIMCHI(45LBS/($272) 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: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS IN FACILITY NOTED FOUND 45LBS OF KIMCHI THAT WAS FERMENTED ON SITE,IN WALK IN COOLER AND COLD HOLDING UNIT DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT DOCUMENTATION AND PROCEDURES MUST BE SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BY CDPH BEFORE PERFORMING SUCH SPECIALIZED FOOD PROCESSES AND MUST BE MAINTAINED. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED KIMCHI(45LBS/($272) BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #29

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED SMALL BLACK TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FIRST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA USED TO HOLD COLD TCS FOOD AT AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 48.7F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON SMALL BLACK TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FIRST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA. 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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MULTIPLE AREAS OF DAMAGED DOOR GASKET OF WALKIN FREEZER DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE ALL DAMAGED AREAS OF DOOR GASKET ON WALKIN FREEZER DOOR 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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM STOPPER OF RINSE COMPARTMENT AND LEAK FROM DRAINPIPE OF SANITIZER COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL LEAKS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK 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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED UNCLOSED LIDS OF OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS USED FOR TRASH AND RECYCLING UP AND NOT PREVENTING PEST FROM ENTERING DUMPSTERS. CORRECTED ON SITE TRASH AND RECYCLING IN DUMPSTERS PUSHED DOWN BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION, LIDS ON DUMPSTERS ARE CLOSED AND TIGHTLY FITTING AFTER TRASH AND RECYCLING WAS PUSHED DOWN. 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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN BASEMENT CEILING ON EASTSIDE OF PREP ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR LARGE HOLE IN BASEMENT CEILING ON EASTSIDE OF PREP ROOM FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED LEFT SIDE FAN OF WALK IN FREEZER CONDENSOR NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LEFT SIDE FAN OF WALK IN FREEZER CONDENSOR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR AROUND DRAIN ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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 LARGE HOLE IN BASEMENT CEILING ON EASTSIDE OF PREP ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR LARGE HOLE IN BASEMENT CEILING ON EASTSIDE OF PREP ROOM FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY. OBSERVED LEFT SIDE FAN OF WALK IN FREEZER CONDENSOR NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LEFT SIDE FAN OF WALK IN FREEZER CONDENSOR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR AROUND DRAIN ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

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.