TAQUERIA UPTOWN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBERVED THE KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. NOTED A CASE OF FRESH CILANTRO BEING STORED ON TOP AND INSIDE OF THE HAND SINK. COOK REMOVED. REVIEWED THAT HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

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 ANIMAL ORIGIN EGGS BEING STORED ON RACK SHELVING DIRECTLY ABOVE UNCOVERED COOKED BEEF AND UNCOVERED READY TO EAT CHOPPED CILANTRO INSIDE THE COOKS LINE COOLER. COOK REMOVED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD PROTECTION DURING STORAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 75 TO 100 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP COUNTER ON SHELVING, INSIDE THE HAND SINK CABINET, BEHIND ALL FRONT COOLERS AND ICE MACHINE. THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING AND STAIRS LEADING TO BASEMENT. IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMEND HAVING THE PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE FOR MICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER FOOD SCOOPS FOR HOT, COLD AND DRY BULK FOODS. SCOOPS WITHOUT HANDLES AND BEING STORED INSIDE THE FOODS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED FROM THE FOODS.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: SHELVING UNDER THE COOKS LINE FLAT GRILL AND STEAM TABLE WITH DIRT AND ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.

All surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED OPEN HOLE IN THE WALL INSIDE THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK CABINET. MUST SEAL. ALSO NOTED OPEN CRACKS/CREVICES IN THE BASEBOARD AND WALLS INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST SEAL.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN, UNDER ALL SHELVING AND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS AT THE DISHWASHING SINK.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN, UNDER ALL SHELVING AND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS AT THE DISHWASHING SINK.

Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.

Building must be maintained in good condition.

No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.