SUPER MERCADO EL GUERRO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT EXPOSED SINK IN DELI/MEAT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT EXPOSED SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR NEAR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG SOUTH WALL BEHIND POP STORAGE AREA, 5 MICE DROPPINGS ON POP STORAGE PALLET IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1/4" GAP ON LEFT SIDE OF OUTER ENTRANCE DOOR. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK - Comments: NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030

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.

DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR COOKING AREA NOT MAINTAINED, WATER BACKING UP IN COMPARTMENTS WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR 3-COMPARTMENT TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030

Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.

Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.

3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL AND DATE ALL PACKAGED DELI MEATS AND CHEESE FOR SALE IN DISPLAY COOLERS.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: DEFROST INTERIOR OF MEAT DISPLAY COOLER(ICE BUILDUP).

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF PALLETS IN STORAGE AREAS, SHELVES IN CHECK STAND AREA, PREP TABLES, GRINDER, CUTTING EQUIPMENT IN MEAT PREP AREAS.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN WASHROOM AND PREP AREAS. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS. REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN DELI PREP AREA.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALLS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS IN MEAT PREP AREA. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN MEAT PREP AREA.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTER PROOF BULBS IN REAR COOKING AREA.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN MEAT PREP AREA. SEAL SMALL HOLES IN BASIN OF EXPOSED SINK IN REAR COOKING AREA.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN PEPSI COLA REACH-IN COOLER CONTAINING DELI SALADS IN DELI PREP AREA.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN PEPSI COLA REACH-IN COOLER CONTAINING DELI SALADS IN DELI PREP AREA.

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.