TAQUERIA EL RANCHITO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION CONTROLLED I.E. CUTTING BOARDS, FOOD HANDLERS, UTENSILS, ETC - Comments: All food shall be protected from contamination and the elements, and so shall all food equipment, containers, utensils, food contact surfaces and devices, and vehicles. OBSERVED RAW BEEF ABOVE AN OPEN CONTAINER WITH UNCOVED DELI MEATS,[TURKEY, HAM] SOURCE OF CROSS CONTAMINATION. RAW AND COOKED FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED, IN COVERED CONTAINERS. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005[A] CRITICAL.

These activities introduce saliva and contaminants into food areas, potentially spreading bacteria and viruses to customers.

Food employees must not eat, drink, or use tobacco in food preparation areas.

Eating, drinking, tobacco use only in designated areas; Closed beverage containers with straw allowed in some areas; Proper tasting using clean utensil each time; No personal items in food prep areas.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF INSECTS; NOTED OVER 8 LIVE ROACHES ON BASEMENT FLOOR AND 3 LIVE ROACHES INSIDE BAR CABINETS. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE AREAS AND SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ENCOURAGED TO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-020 SERIOUS.

Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.

Building openings must be protected against pest entry.

Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL PREP FOODS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.

Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.

Approved cooling methods must be used.

Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLER DOORS AT REAR PREP AREA AND SEAL RUSTY BOTTOM PANELS OF ON TWO PREP TABLES.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE; COOLERS, FREEZERS, BAR AREA CABINETS, ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, MICROWAVE OVENS, STORAGE SHELVES THRU-OUT BASEMENT, EXPOSED SINKS, AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS THRU-OUT KITCHEN AND BASEMENT. KEEP BASEMENT FLOOR DRY TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST SEAL OPENINGS THRU-OUT KITCHEN AND BASEMENT WALLS AND CEILINGS, CLEAN WALLS THRU-OUT SAME AREAS REPAIR NORTH WALL NEAR WALK IN COOLER NEAR KITCHEN AND CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN AND CLEAN CEILING ATTACHMENT THRU-OUT.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST SEAL RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER BAR AREA 3PART SINK.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST SEAL RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER BAR AREA 3PART SINK.

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.