TAQUERIA HUENTITAN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD PROPERLY THAWED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING OF FROZEN RAW CHICKEN AND LEG OF LAMBS STORED INSIDE OF 4 LARGE PLASTIC BINS FILLED WITH WATER SITTING ON PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST UNTHAW FOOD PROPERLY UNDER RUNNING COLD WATER,MICROWAVE OR REFRIGERATION ONLY.PRODUCT IS STILL SEMI FROZEN TO THE TOUCH.PRODUCT PLACED IN WALK IN COOLER TO CONTINUE TO UNTHAW PROPERLY.(SERIOUS 7-38-005A)

Improper thawing allows surface bacteria to multiply while interior remains frozen.

Time/temperature control foods must be thawed safely.

Approved thawing methods: Under refrigeration; Under cold running water; In microwave if immediately cooked; As part of cooking. Never at room temperature.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF MORE THAN 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES,ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN REAR STORAGE AREA,JUICE DRINK AREA,BASEMENT,MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND 4-6 LIVE LARGE FLIES IN SAME AREAS .ALSO 4- LIVE INDIAN MEAL MOTHS IN WINDOW SILL IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND IN AND AROUND BOXES OF PEPPERS STORED IN BASEMENT.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/5/14(SERIOUS 7-38-020)

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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1385350 5/28/14 NOT CORRECTED #30-MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND COOKED FOODS IN COOLERS.MUST LABEL DESSERTS WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.#31-MUST NOT REUSE FOOD BAGS MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS.#32-MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,GRILL TABLES,SHELVING UNITS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER & PREP COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER.#33MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES,ALL SHELVING UNITS,WHEEL BASES OF ALL EQUIPMENT,MEAT SLICER,FRYER,REACH IN COOLERS.#34-MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI BUILD UP ON FLOOR ALONG WALLBASES,UNDER & AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST SEAL GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE UNDER 3- COMP SINK.#35-MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL BASES & GAPS IN WALL TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA,HOLE IN FRONT ENTRY DOOR PANEL.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR POT STORAGE AREA.#36-MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS.#38-MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE ADJUST FAUCET HANDLES IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM TO STAY ON LONGER.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM SHELVING UNIT IN REACH IN COOLER IN JUICE DRINK AREA.MUST REPAIR LOOSE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP 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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN JUICE DRINK AREA.MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE AREA.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN JUICE DRINK AREA.MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE AREA.

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.