TAQUERIA EL CHARO DE SAN FRANCISCO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: 3-301.11(B) OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING READY TO EAT FOODS (TORTA) WITH BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD SAID FOOD AND NEVER TOUCH ANY READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS, INSTEAD USE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES PROPERLY ALWAYS WASHING HANDS FIRST BEFORE GLOVE USE. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED FOOD, WASH HIS HANDS AND PUT ON FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

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: 6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS LOCATED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITH EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (COOKED RICE, COOKED BEEF) BEING STORED IN CONTAINERS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES; 20 LBS COOKED CHICKEN AT 105F, ABOUT 20 LBS OF COOKED BEEF AT 100F, ABOUT 10 LBS OF COOKED RICE AT 98F. ALSO OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF A PREP COOLER LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA; 10 LBS OF COOKED PORK AT 57F, 2 LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 50F, 2 LBS OF SHREDDED LETTUCE AT 52F, 1 LB OF SOUR CREAM AT 53F AND 5 LBS OF COOKED BEEF AT 56F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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 DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS, HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS IN A PREP COOLER AND NOT LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL FOODS (FOODS MENTIONED IN VIOLATION #22). EMPLOYEE DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL SAID FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: 4-301.11 OBSERVED A PREP COOLER WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 57.6F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLER OR IN THE REACH IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: 3-302.12 OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS (RICE, BEANS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 25 LIVE SMALL FLIES LOCATED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE FOOD PREP AREA, IN THE UTILITY CLOSET AND IN THE MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE INSECT ACTIVITY AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: 4-502.13 OBSERVED SINGLE USE GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED GLOVES NOT BEING USED TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO TRAIN FOOD HANDLERS ON PROPER GLOVE USE.

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-603.15 OBSERVED POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROPER PROCEDURE FOR WASHING LARGE POTS OR REMOVE LARGE POTS OR INSTALL A LARGER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

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: 4-601.11 OBSERVED ALL EQUIPMENT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH A SLITE BROWNISH SUBSTANCE BY THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.

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: 5-204.12 UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE DRINK DISPENSERS. INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.

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.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17 OBSERVED CLOSED RECEPTACLES ARE NEEDED INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.13 OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT AND DUST DEBRIS. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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: 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. OBSERVED OLD DIRTY EQUIPMENT BEING STORED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REMOVE OLD EQUIPMENT.

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: 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. OBSERVED OLD DIRTY EQUIPMENT BEING STORED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REMOVE OLD EQUIPMENT.

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.