TAPICOZZA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.

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 (TACOS, PIZZA, CALZONES, ETC) MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY TO EAT FOOD (TACOS) WITH BARE HAND. FOOD EMPLOYEES' MAY NOT CONTACT EXPOSED, READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS AND SHALL USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE-USE GLOVES, OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE HAND-SINK IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWELS FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.

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: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.

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.