TACO MORO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED THE PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE DURING THE INSPECTION. OBSERVED KNIFE SHARPENING TOOL INSIDE THE SINK AND OBSERVED EMPLOYEE USING THE SINK TO CLEAN SOILED WIPING CLOTHES SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE INSPECTION. REVIEWED WITH MANAGEMENT THE HAND WASHING SINK IS FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.

PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE, DEEP COOKING POT ON THE KITCHEN PREP TABLE WITH COOKED RICE INSIDE AND TIGHTLY COVERED WITH THE LID. MANAGER STATED THE RICE WAS COOLING. RICE TEMPERATURE NOTED AT 169.3F. REVIEWED WITH MANAGER THE PROPER METHODS OF COOLING COOKED FOODS SUCH AS THE RICE AND OTHER COOKED AND COOLED FOODS NOTED IN LARGE CONTAINERS IN THE COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE SUCH AS THE MENTIONED BEEF AND COOKED BEANS. RECOMMENDED TO MANAGER OBTAINING AN ICE MACHINE/ICE FOR COOLING. DEMONSTRATED TO MANAGER HOW TO TRANSFER RICE TO SMALLER, SHALLOW PANS AND QUICK CHILLED IN THE BOX FREEZERS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 SEE VIOLATION #22 FOR CITATION.

Slow cooling allows spore-forming bacteria like C. perfringens to germinate and multiply to dangerous levels.

Foods must be rapidly cooled to safe temperatures.

Cool from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then to 41°F within 4 additional hours; Use shallow pans, ice baths, cooling wands, or blast chillers; Monitor with thermometer.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS IN THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLER AND TWO DOOR COOLER AT DISH AREA HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. COOKED BEEF AT 86.1F AND 44.4F TIGHTLY COVERED WITH PLASTIC WRAP AT THE DISH AREA COOLER. COOKED RICE AT 48.7F, COOKED BEANS AT 49.2F, SOUR CREAM AT 45.6F. COOKED SALSA AT 48.5F IN THE REAR COOLER. REVIEWED REQUIRED COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND PROPER COOLING METHODS AND COOLING PROCESS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. 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.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS PREPARED TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED MEATS, BEEF CONSUME', COOKED BEANS WITH EITHER NO DATES OR PREP DATES ONLY. NO EXPIRATION DATES ON PREPARED FOODS. REVIEWED ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: NOTED A COLD HOLDING UNIT IN THE DINING ROOM WITH READY TO EAT TACO TOPPINGS SUCH AS VARIOUS SALSAS AND HOT PEPPERS WITHOUT ADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARDS, OPEN TO CUSTOMERS AND POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE SNEEZE GUARDS PROTECTING THE FOODS ON DISPLAY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ICE SCOOP NOTED IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE ICE OF THE SMALL, TABLE TOP ICE MACHINE. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. NOTED FOOD SCOOPS INSIDE FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE COOLER WITHOUT HANDLES. PLATES AND CUPS BEING USED. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING BAGGED ONIONS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS GUARDS UNDER THE LEGS OF THE COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT.

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 TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET ON THE PREP AREA ONE DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL RAW WOOD AT THE FRONT CASHIER/SERVER AREA AND RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE REAR PREP COOLER MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT. ALSO NOTED EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER ON THE RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE REAR PREP COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON METAL PREP TABLE SHELVING BEING USED AS A PROTECTANT.----NOTED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER FOR SHELVING.----UNSEALED PRESSED WOOD BEING USED AS SHELVING FOR DRY FOODS.----TINFOIL AS LINER FOR WALL AT THE DISH AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.

All surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: NOTED A PORTABLE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DINING ROOM FOR CUSTOMER USE NOT PROPERLY PLUMBED UNDER CITY PRESURE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THAT PROPERLY DRAINS. MUST REMOVE FROM THE PREMISES OR PROVIDE A VARIANCE APPROVAL FROM THE CITY OF CHICAGO BUILDING DEPT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.

Adequate hot and cold running water required.

Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CHIPPING/DAMAGED PLASTER AND PEELING PAINT THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS AND AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR ALL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----FLOOR AROUND THE GREASE TRAP WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT THE REAR KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.

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: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE ELECTRIC SCOOTERS IN THE REAR REFRIGERATION AREA.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.