TAQUERIA AMIGO CHINO 2 Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE STATED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE A 2 DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED ACROSS FROM FRYERS: CHICKEN AT 51.4F, CHICKEN AT 51.9F, BEEF AT 60.8F, SHRIMP AT 46.5, CHICKEN 45.1, CHICKEN 52.1, PORK AT 46.5F, CHICKEN AT 50.0, AND SAUSAGE AT 48.7F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $100. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL TCS ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F AT ALL TIMES. 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 COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN MAIN PREP AREA OPPOSITE FRYERS CONTAINING TCS ITEMS SUCH, CHICKEN, BEEF, AND SHRIMP MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 50.9F. REFRIGERATOR TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. 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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED 2 BUCKETS OF REFRIED BEANS LEFT ON BASEMENT FLOOR TO THAW. INSTRUCTED TO THAW ITEMS UNDER COLD, RUNNING WATER.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE PLASTIC BARRELS OF RICE AND BEANS IN BASEMENT WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH 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: OBSERVED ITEMS IN WALK-IN FREEZER STORED IN GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOOD PRODUCTS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM CONDENSER LOCATED IN 1ST FLOOR WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM FAUCET OF EXPOSED HAND SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GRIME INSIDE FRYER CABINET AND UNDERNEATH OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GRIME INSIDE FRYER CABINET AND UNDERNEATH OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.