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TAQUERIA LOS GALLOS INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

TAQUERIA LOS GALLOS INC (AKA: TAQUERIA LOS GALLOS) 4209-4211 W 26TH ST, CHICAGO 60623 Restaurant
May 24, 2018 Canvass License #1044860
16
Total Violations
6
Critical
5
Major
5
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

16
Violation #3
CRITICAL
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS 20LBS. COOKED BEANS 72.4F DATED 5/23/18. 15LBS. COOKED BEANS 50.3F DATED 5/22/18,40LBS.COOKED VERDE SALSA 87.3F DATED 5/23/18.STORED IN LARGE POTS IN WALK IN COOLER.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SHALLOW PANS FOR COOLING.APPX.75LBS.$80.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
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.
Violation #6
CRITICAL
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS.OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER HANDLE 2- HARD SHELL TORTILLA IN HER HAND AND SPREAD CEVICHE ON TOP WITH A SPOON AND PLATED IT TO SERVE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.APPX..5LB.$5.NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS.MUST USE GLOVES OR UTENSILS.(CRITICAL 7-38-010A)
Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.
Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.
Violation #12
CRITICAL
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: OBSERVED HAND WASHING FACILITIES FOR STAFF TOILETROOM NOT MAINTAINED.OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK FOR HAND WASHING IN REAR STAFF TOILETROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.MANAGER PROVIDED SOAP DURING INSPECTION.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.
All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.
Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.
Violation #18
CRITICAL
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR,SIDE GARBAGE DOOR WITH HOLES WHERE SCREW IS MISSING IN DOOR PANEL AND THE SAME MISSING SCREW IN REAR DOOR.MUST REPAIR DOORS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.(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.
Violation #30
CRITICAL
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.MUST LABEL REPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
Violation #31
MAJOR
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: MUST INVERT PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION IN FRONT PREP AREA AND DRINK STATION.
Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.
Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.
Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.
Violation #32
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER,1ST FL.WALK IN COOLER,CHEST FREEZER,CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT,CRACKED LIDS ON JUICE MACHINE IN DRINK AREA.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM VEGETABLE WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
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.
Violation #33
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP 1ST FL. WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,VEGETABLE WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS AND FAN GUARD COVERS,GRILL TABLE,MICROWAVE,BASEMENT WALL LEDGE,UNUSED EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
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.
Violation #34
MINOR
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP,DRINK STATION AREA,BASEMENT,WALK IN COOLERS ,MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN BASEMENT,BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT AND FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS AND VEGETABLE WALK IN COOLER.MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM FLOOR UNDER FLOOR MATS IN FRONT PREP 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.
Violation #35
MINOR
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON WALLS IN FRONT PREP AREA,REAR PREP AREA,PEPPER WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT.MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN PREP AREA AND BOTH TOILETROOMS.MUST REMOVE FOIL LINED ON WALL IN FRONT PREP AREA BEHIND STEAM TABLE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE WALL TILES IN STAFF TOILETROOM,DISH WASHING AREA,MISSING WALL TILE IN DINING AREA NEAR FRONT WINDOW.
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #36
MINOR
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS IN REAR PREP AREA,DISH WASHING AREA,BOTH CUSTOMERS TOILETROOMS.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
Violation #37
MAJOR
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON STAFF TOILETROOM ADJACENT TO REAR PREP AREA.
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.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCETS AT MOP SINK,LEAKY CONNECTION AT ICE MACHINE .MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK.
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.
Violation #40
MINOR
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR FRONT DINING AREA SALSA COOLER.
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
Violation #41
MAJOR
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE UNUSED ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL IN BASEMENT.
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.
Violation #41
MAJOR
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE UNUSED ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL IN BASEMENT.
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.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections