TACONAZO EL ORIGINAL #1 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: 4-301.11 OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE WALK-IN COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50.7F. THE OPERATOR WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WAS DISCARDING FOOD DURING THE INSPECTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE DINING AREA AND BASEMENT. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND ON THE DINING ROOM TABLE. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. PRIORITY 7-38-020(A). NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.112 OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. ALSO OBSERVED DEAD FLIES ON THE FLOOR AND STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE LIGHT SHIELDS, GRILLS, OVENS, MICROWAVES, AND STEAM TABLES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS. CLEAN THE STORAGE SHELVES IN THE BASEMENT AND FOOD PREP AREAS.

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.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.110 OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GREASE ON THE TOP AND SIDES OF THE GREASE DUMPSTER IN THE ALLEY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE GREASE DUMPSTER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.

Refuse must be properly contained and removed.

Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND UNUSED ARTICLES FROM THE AREA OUTSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT TO ELIMINATE PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.

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: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES IN THE BASEMENT AND FOOD PREP AREAS.

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: 6-501.11 SEAL AND CLOSE ALL OPENINGS IN THE WALLS, CEILING AND FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT.

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: 6-202.11 OBSERVED SEVERAL LIGHT FIXTURES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT LIGHT SHIELDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WHERE MISSING.

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: 6-202.11 OBSERVED SEVERAL LIGHT FIXTURES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT LIGHT SHIELDS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WHERE MISSING.

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.