TAQUERIA EL JEFE LOCO CO. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE'S STYROFOAM DRINKING CUP WITH STRAW AND LIQUID CONTENTS ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. NO PERSONAL DRINKING CUPS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.

Food allergen training required for certified managers.

Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.