SU TAQUERIA THALY'S INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: NOTED FOOD HANDLERS DRINK ON PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE AND CONSUME FOOD AND BEVERAGE IN DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY.

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE OF WATER RESEVIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. NOTED YELLOW SUBTANCE ON SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER#2: BEANS 44 F, SALSA VERDE 46.3 F, SALSA ROJO 54.0 F, POZOLE 45.3 F, MENUDO 45.6 F. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 20 LBS VALUED AT $140 PRIORTY 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.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: NOTED PASTOR BASE IN WALK-IN COOLER AND SALSA ROJO COOLING ON KITCHEN PREP TABLE STORED IN A BUCKET THAT PREVIOUSLY HELD DISH SOAP. DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 28 LBS, VALUED AT $50. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.

Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.

Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER#2. AMBIENT AIR RECORDED 45.0 F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO USE WALK-IN COOLER #1 AND REFRIGERATORS ON SITE AND NOT TO USE TAGGED WALK-IN COOLER #2 UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (CDPH). TAGGED UNIT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. 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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: NOTED FOOD HANDLER IN KITCHEN AND PREP AREA WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLERS WITH MOLD AN FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED REMOVE AND DEEP CLEAN/SANITIZE.

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: NOTED FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLERS WITH MOLD AN FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED REMOVE AND DEEP CLEAN/SANITIZE.

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.