TAQUERIA EL RANCHITO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

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 DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED REFRIGERATED READY-TO-EAT (TCS FOODS) HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (COOKED CHICKEN WINGS,PORK STEW,COOKED POTATOES,BEEF SOUP)IN WALK-IN-COOLER NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEARLY DATE MARK ALL REFRIGERATED,READY-TO-EAT (TCS FOODS) HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.(COS).

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE THE CAKE/PASTRIES DISPLAY COOLER LOCATED IN DINING AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE WORKING THERMOMETER IN COOLER.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED GAP OPENING AND BROKEN WEATHER-STRIP AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST PEST PROOF SAID DOOR ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROX:30 RODENT(MICE)DROPPINGS ON FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE STORAGE SHELFS IN THE BASEMENT SOUTH DRY STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS;ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED MANAGER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.(COS)

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER OUTSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE.

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.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS AT FRONT COUNTER (SPOONS,FORKS ETC.)HANDLES-UP TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE CHEST FREEZERS.INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CRACKED AND BROKEN LID ON CHEST FREEZER DIRECTLY ACROSS THE WALK-IN-COOLER IN MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE COOKING STOVE/OVEN, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS,STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYERS.

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: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET OF THE KITCHEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING AND WATER STAINED DAMAGED CEILING TILES AT FRONT ENTRANCE AREA AND AT REAR OF KITCHEN PREP AREA NEAR THE EXIT DOOR.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN PREP/3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND BASEMENT PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS WITH WITH FOOD DEBRI SPILLAGE/LITTER AND DETAIL CLEAN WALLS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS TO REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS.

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: OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED CHEST FREEZER,OLD RUSTED GRILL EQUIPMENT PARTS ETC..INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS/UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM PREMISES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOODS/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP 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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS FOR LIGHT FIXTURES IN KITCHEN PREP/3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED SOME FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.