TAQUERIA UPTOWN Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES AS OUTLINED IN POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE IN EMPLOYEE BATHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.

Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.

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.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER COOKED BEANS, LETTUCE AND VEGETABLES IN REFRIGERATOR AT KITCHEN PREP AREA. ALSO OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED ON TOP SHELF OVER TORTILLAS, VEGETABLES AND COOKED CHICKEN IN REFRIGERATOR AT KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ALWAYS STORE COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOODS ABOVE RAW FOOD ITEMS. FOOD MUST ALSO BE COVERED AND PROTECTED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY RE-ARRANGED FOOD ITEMS FOR PROPER STORING.

Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.

Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.

Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK FOOD ITEMS LIKE RICE AND BEANS WITHOUT A LABEL AT KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME OF FOOD ITEM ON CONTAINER.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK STAINS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPLACE BOARDS.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE IN REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS FOR EASY CLEANABILITY.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED GARBAGE CANS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA BEING USED AS FOOD STORAGE FOR BULK ITEMS LIKE RICE AND BEANS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.

All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED SLOW DRAIN AT THE HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN EMPLOYEE BATHROOM IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN EMPLOYEE BATHROOM IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.