TAQUERIA GOMEZ Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Adequate and convenient toilet facilities shall be provided. They should be properly designed, maintained, and accessible to employees at all times.OBSERVED HAND SINK IN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE TO WHERE A PREP TABLE IS IN FRONT OF HAND SINK NOT ABLE TO GET TO SINK TO WASH HANDS,INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE PREP TABLE TO HAVE ACCESSIBILTY TO WASH HANDS.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene practices and potential fecal contamination.

Sufficient, properly maintained toilet facilities required.

Adequate number for staff; Convenient location; Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Maintained clean; Proper ventilation.

FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation.OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED 2 CHEST FREEZERS WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE,PAPER GOODS,POTS & PANS,CLEANING SUPPLIES ,ETC. STORED IN OUTSIDE ELEMENTS NO BARRIER TO PROTECT FOOD A MAKE SHIFT STORAGE AREA ADJACENT TO EXTERIOR WALL.MUST REMOVE CHEST FREEZERS,PAPER GOODS & OTHER ITEMS PERTAINING TO BUSINESS INSIDE OR PROVIDE A PROPER ENCLOSED STORAGE ROOM FOR ITEMS.

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.

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.PROPERLY LABLE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS IN COOLERS FOR SALE.

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.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use.MUST INVERT POTS & PANS ON SHELVING UNITS.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

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 PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS.MUST RECAULK HAND SINK IN DINING AREA.

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 food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN REACH IN FREEZER.

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 FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILE AT REAR EXIT DOOR.

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 REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES,SCRAPE & PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALL OVER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK & FRONT WINDOW SILLS.

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: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.