TACONAZO EL ORIGINAL #1 Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD HOLDING IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED SOUP AT 48F, CHICKEN AT 51.8F, COOKED RICE AT 54.3F, AND REFRIED BEANS AT 47.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 80# OF FOOD WORTH $550. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED COOKED RICE AND FROZEN MEATS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLERS, FREEZERS AND HOT HOLDING UNITS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS ONLY.

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: CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE PREP TABLES AND DEEP FRYER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALLS OF THE REAR FOOD PREP 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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: REPLACE THE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: REPLACE THE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.