TAQUERIA ATOTONILCO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: REACH IN COOLER WITH DRAWERS AT FRONT PREP LINE CURRENTLY IN USE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE, 46.0F. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. VIOLATION 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

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.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN DRAWER COOLER: STEAK 46.4, CHICKEN 45.9F, EGGS 43.2F, HAM 44.2F. ALL PRODUCT DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME. APPR0X 30LBS $200 VALUE. VIOLATION 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. - Comments: FOOD HANDLER USING BARE HAND CONTACT TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS. MALE FOOD HANDLER TOUCHING LETTUCE AND TOMATOES WITH BARE HANDS AND PLACING ON TACOS. BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS IS PROHIBITED. VIOLATION 7-38-010A CRITICAL.

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: EXPOSED HANDSINK IN REAR COOKING AREA AND MAIN DISHWASHING AREA NOT MAINTAINED, PIPE UNDERNEATH HEAVILY LEAKING ONTO FLOOR WHEN HANDSINK IN USE. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. VIOLATION 7-38-030 CRITICAL.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: LARGE 30-45 GALLON CONTAINERS BEING USED TO STORE READY TO EAT LETTUCE, CARROTS, AND SALSA. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND ABLE TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.

Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.

Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.

Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.

APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: BOWLS STORED IN ICE MACHINE AND BEING USED TO DISPENSE ICE. INSTD TO USE PROPER ICE DISPENSING UTENSILS AND STORE PROPERLY.

Unwashed produce can harbor pathogens and chemical residues.

Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed before use.

Wash thoroughly under running water; Before cutting, combining, cooking, or serving; Remove soil and contaminants.

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN SANTIZING SOLUTION.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN SANTIZING SOLUTION.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.