TAQUERIA LA CHIQUITA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR WHITE PANEL IN ICE MACHINE IN PREP ARA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: OBSERVED PREMISES CURING SALT PORK ONSITE WITHOUT THE REQUIRED VARIANCE ISSUED FROM THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. 30 LBS OF SALT PORK WAS BEING DRIED HANGING FROM THE HOOD FILTERS OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT CDPH FOR VARIANCE INFORMATION. SALT PORK TAGGED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS - Comments: OBSERVED PREMISES CURING SALT PORK ONSITE WITHOUT THE REQUIRED VARIANCE ISSUED FROM THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. 30 LBS OF SALT PORK WAS BEING DRIED HANGING FROM THE HOOD FILTERS OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT CDPH FOR VARIANCE INFORMATION. SALT PORK TAGGED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED (SEE VIOLATION #29)

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 PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA, CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON CUTTING BLADE ON MOUNTER CAN OPENER IN PREP AREA. Cutting or piercing parts of can openers shall be readily removable for cleaning and for replacement. INSTRUCTED TO 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: MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 1-DOOR STAINLESS STEEL COOLER IN PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP AND STORAGE TABLES, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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: MUST REPAIR LEAK UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO 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: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO 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: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO 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.