TAQUERIA SAN JOSE #1 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: 3-301.11(B) OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER PLATING READY-TO-EAT FOOD (TOMATOES, CHEESE) WITH HIS BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED NEVER TO ALLOW BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH ANY READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTEAD, THE FOOD HANDLERS MUST USE FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES. SPOONS OR TONGS TO HANDLE ALL READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-601.11(A) OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE LOCATED ON THE ICE MAKER PART IN THE ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE ENTIRE ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (EGGS). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE PHYSICAL AND BOARD MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE PROPERLY TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT USING FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO TRAIN ALL FOOD HANDLERS ON PROPER GLOVE USE.

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: 3-304.15(B-D) OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT USING FOOD-GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO HANDLE READY-TO-EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO TRAIN ALL FOOD HANDLERS ON PROPER GLOVE USE.

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.