TAQUERIA TAYAHUA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK - Comments: NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SANITIZER TEST KIT TO PROPERLY TEST SANITIZER CONCENTRATION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030

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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1546499 ON 5-28-15: 45-NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE . INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 32-REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. 34-REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA. 35-SEAL OPENINGS ALONG BASEBOARDS UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. 38-REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. 41-ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN STORAGE AREAS. 43-STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS ON SHELVES IN REAR PREP AND BAR AREAS, UNDER BAR 3-COMPARMENT SINK, ETC.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REMOVE TAPE AND REPLACE DAMAGED GASKETS ON PREP COOLER DOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA. REMOVE ICE BUILDUP INSIDE REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, PREP COOLER, CONDIMENT CONTAINERS, TABLES UNDER GRILL IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SHELVES, BETWEEN PREP COOLERS AND STEAM TABLES, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA. REPAIR CEILING LEAK AND SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN CEILING IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE/PAPER GOOD STORAGE AREA. REPLACE MISSING AND DAMAGED WALL TILES AND BASEBOARDS IN WASHROOM AND HALLWAY AREAS. SEAL ALL OPENINGS ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON FRONT BAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. REPAIR LEAK UNDER EXPOSED SINKS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. SECURE LOOSE EXPOSED SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. REPAIR LEAKING WATER LINE BEHIND ICE MACHINE. INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

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.

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS - Comments: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURES.

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.