TACOS EL REY Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (PORK,STEAK,BEEF RIBS,BEANS,ETC)MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:17 A.M. MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. (COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED)

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.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINKS ON SITE IN 1ST FL. REAR BAR /PREP AREA AND IN BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA WHILE FOOD AND DRINKS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME.MUST INSTALL HAND SINKS WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER WITH SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)

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 HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD SUCH AS 11LBS. PORK ON A SPIT AT 51.6F.1LB.S COOKED BEEF RIBS 47.1F.AND 1LB. COOKED PORK RIBS 58.5F ON STEAM TABLE.1LBS. COOKED ONIONS AND PEPPERS 46.2F ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE, APPX.14LBS. $39.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 75 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR AND WOOD LEDGE AT FRONT CASHIER AREA,ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN CLUTTER IN CLOSET AND FURNACE ROOM,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS .1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING IN BETWEEN WOOD BEAMS UNDERNEATH REAR BAR SERVICE COUNTER AND SEVERAL DEAD ON FLOOR UNDER BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/16/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(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: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR IN LEFT CORNER MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

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.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVES OF STEAM TABLES.

Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.

Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.

Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE.

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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON BASEMENT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.OBSERVED RAW WOOD AT REAR BAR AREA MUST APPLY A SEALANT.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DRAINBOARD AT REAR BAR/PREP AREA FOR MANUAL WARE WASHING OF UTENSILS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025)(CITATION ISSUED)

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE,COOLERS.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED SEVERAL HOLE IN BASEMENT TOILET ROOM DOOR,GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE IN FRONT LOBBY AREA BEHIND PLANTERS.

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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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: MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE OR REMOVE MASSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE CLOSET AND OUTSIDE OF SAME AND IN FURNANCE ROOM.

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: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE 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: MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN BASEMENT STAFF TOILET ROOM.

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: MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN BASEMENT STAFF TOILET ROOM.

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.