TAQUERIA UPTOWN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT TO BE IMPROPER:- PORK (53.4F/46.9F), CHICKEN 45.1F AND SALSA 44.6F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 70 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $85.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-005(A).

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.

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: NOTED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA, INSIDE THE ELECTRICAL HEATING UNIT ROOM AND ON STAY WAYS LEADING TO THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION #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.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: NOTED FOOD ITEMS (TOMATO SAUCE) STORED INSIDE TIN CANS IN THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS.

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 EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: NOTED DIRTY AND STAINED CUTTING BOARD AT THE PREP TABLE OF KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES AND OPENINGS ON CEILING AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND INSIDE ROOM OF ELECTRICAL UNIT, INCLUDING STAINED CEILING TILES. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST AND MUST CLEAN AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.

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: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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.