FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
TAQUERIA LOS COMALES #11 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 12, 2011
Complaint
License #2020893
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW - Comments: In food establishments, there shall be adequate sewage and waste water disposal facilities that comply with all the requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago.OBSERVED WASTE WATER LEAKING FROM THE TOP, BOTTOM AND SIDES OF THE GREASE TRAP BOX IN THE KITCHEN AREA. OBSERVED WASTE GREASE ON THE FLOOR OF THE KITCHEN SURROUNDING THE GREASE TRAP BOX BENEATH THE 3 COMP SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE GREASE TRAP SO THAT IT NO LONGER LEAKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.REAR DOOR AND WEST DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED 1/4 " MODE OF ENTRY.MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS TO FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #30
CRITICAL
Violation Details
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.MUST LABEL AND DATE FOODS IN THE PREP COOLERS.
Why This Matters
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Food Code Requirement
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Specific Requirements
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.15
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
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 MISSING AND WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS,REMOVE LARGE WOODEN TABLE TOP CUTTING BOARD NOTED LARGE OPEN SEAMS AND REPLACE WORNED OUT CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN ALSO A SPLASHGUARD IS NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDSINK AT FRONT SERVICE AREA.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
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.DETAIL CLEAN TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES,FAN COVERS INSIDE COOLERS,EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKINGN EQUIPMENTS REMOVE GREASE BUILD UP.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #34
MINOR
Violation Details
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.REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM THE KITCHEN AREA. DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES. DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR OF PREP AREAS THROUGHOUT OFFICE MOP SINK AREA STORAGE AREAS.
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
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 REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT FRONT SERVICE AREA.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
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 REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES AT FRONT SERVICE AREA.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection