TAQUERIA LOS COMALES #1 INC Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, TAMALES, CHOPPED TOMATOES, RICE, ETC. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED VARIOUS TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PORK, CHEESE AND BEAN, AND CHICKEN TAMALES, STUFFED PEPPERS, COOKED PORK, CHICKEN, AND SALSA) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES BETWEEN STORED INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH COLD HOLD UNIT ATTACHED IN REAR PREP AREA RANGING BETWEEN 49.0F-56.1F. APPROXIMATELY 40LBS AT TOTAL COST OF $150. ALL SAID ITEMS WERE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD HELD ITEMS AT 41F AND BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED REFRIGERATION UNIT WITH COLD HOLD ATTACHED IN REAR PREP AREA AT 49.9F DURING TIME OF INSPECTION, WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS WAS STORED INSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND REPAIR TO COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41 AND BELOW. MUST MAINTAIN. UNIT TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED BROKEN/TORN GASKETS ON REFRIGERATION UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED POP SPILLS ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST HABORAGE.

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: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR GRILL LINE AS WELL AS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

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: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR GRILL LINE AS WELL AS IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

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.