TAQUERIA EL RANCHITO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090 - Comments: Previous serious violation not corrected: 7-26-2011, report #557461: 18-Evidence of live insects found on premises. Houseflies on premises in prep, basement, dining and storage area. #35-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. #41-Excessive clutter thru-out kitchen and basement must remove unnecessary articles, clean and organize to prevent pest harbonage.

Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.

Previous critical violations must be corrected.

All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: Outside garbage area not maintained or cleaned. Excessive clutter and debris stored outside of rear exit door.Instructed remove all garbage and debris from rear.

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.

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: Install proper disposable towel dipensers at all hand sinks, provide covers for soap dispensers.-----Provide tight fitting lids for garbage containers through-out

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: Fan covers and sinks not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize. Clean all equipment and containers (greasetraps, sinks, coolers/cabinets etc), remove all grease, dirt, food debris etc.

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: Floors thru-out premises not cleaned or maintained. Instructed to detail clean floor in prep and basement and remove excessive water on basement floor and replace missing floor tile in prep and storage areas. Clean all floor drains through-out, remove food debris.

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: Light and ventilation covers/ceiling tiles thru-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean, remove accumulated dust. Must replace all missing wall and coving tile and seal all openings and gaps. Must remove foam(great stuff) and properly seal holes. Stainless steel panel behind cooking equipment not maintained. Instructed to remove or properly attach to wall.----Replace missing/broken weather stripping between 2 outermost front doors

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: Adequate light not provided in basement. Instructed to install more light.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: Adequate light not provided in basement. Instructed to install more light.

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.