SUPERMERCADO EL RANCHITO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 45.1F AND THE TAQUERIA PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 46F. BOTH COOLERS WERE USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS PORK AND CHICKEN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLERS BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

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.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND TAQUERIA PREP COOLER. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: SOUR CREAM AT 45.4F, EGGS AT 50.5F, PORK AT 48.5F, CHICKEN AT 45.6F, COOKED CACTUS AT 44.7F, HAM AT 44.8F, CHEESE AT 45.6F, CUT TOMATOES AT 45.4F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 300# OF FOOD WORTH $600. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND STOCK IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND STORAGE AREA. 25 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. 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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS TO THE TAQUERIA PREP COOLERS. MUST REPAIR. OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE FROZEN MEATS IN THE FREEZERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

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 SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE DOORS TO THE TAQUERIA PREP COOLERS. MUST REPAIR. OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE FROZEN MEATS IN THE FREEZERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.

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.