TAQUERIA LOS COMALES #1 INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE POLICY IN PLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-010

Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.

All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.

Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PROCEDURE IN PLACE ALONG WITH REQUIRED CLEAN-UP EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY TO EAT/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD NOT PROPERLY DATED (BEEF, CHICKEN, GUACAMOLE) IN THE 2-DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD LABELS FOR MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS PLACED IN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR RAW AND/OR UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROX. 40 TO 50 FRUIT FLIES ON THE PREMISES DURING THE INSPECTION: IN THE HALLWAY LEADING TO THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM, INSIDE THE WOMEN'S BATHROOM, BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER ABOVE THE JUICING MACHINE, AND AT THE FRONT BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CALL OUT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(a)

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: OBSERVED IN USE WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT COUNTER HAND SINK AND THE BACK COOK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHES PROPERLY AFTER USE.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF CELERY BEHIND THE BAR AREA, IN THE DESSERT COOLER BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER, AND ON TOP OF THE DRAIN AREA OF THE PEPSI DISPENSING MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND STORE PROPERLY.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CLAY POTS AT THE FRONT BAR USED FOR SERVING DRINKS, AS WELL AS BLACK CRATES USED TO STORE CILANTRO IN THE COOLER AND A GARBAGE CAN USED TO STORE HORICHATA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS THAT ARE IN GOOD REPAIR.

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 CUTTING BOARDS BEHIND THE FRONT BAR AREA AND IN AND IN THE PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SO THAT CUTTING SURFACES ARE SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED FAUCET ON THE HAND SINK AT THE FRONT BAR AREA WITH LOW WATER PRESSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED BROKEN DUMP SINK BEHIND THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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 CEILING TILES IN DISREPAIR ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND CEILING TILES WITH DAMAGES WATER STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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: OBSERVED DRAIN COVER IN MEN'S BATHROOM IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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: OBSERVED DRAIN COVER IN MEN'S BATHROOM IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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.