SWEETWATER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED A PREP COOLER, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS(CHOPPED GREENS, SLICED TOMATOES) INSIDE, AT AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

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 AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES; 15LBS OF RAW TUNA STEAKS AT 82F SITTING OUT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, 1 LB OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 51.2F, 5 LBS OF CHEESES FROM 50.4F-52.9F, 20 LBS OF CHOPPED GREENS AT 50F, ALL SAID ITEMS WERE LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

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 REVOLVING DOOR STRIPS (2) NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH 1 INCH GAPS AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID REVOLVING DOORS. OBSERVED 10 SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE REVOLVING DOORS RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN AND TO CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS FROM PEST ACTIVITY. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. 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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: OBSERVED PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2010083 DATED 4/10/17; 32 OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS STAINED WITH DARK GROOVES LOCATED ATTACHED ON THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. 38 OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET ON THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED BEHIND THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: OBSERVED MINOR DUST DEBRIS LOCATED INSIDE OF THE FRYERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED NEXT TO THE ICE MACHINES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED MINOR ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS LOCATED ON THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: OBSERVED MINOR ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS LOCATED ON THE VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.