TAQUERIA Y CARNITAS DON VALDEZ Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COOKED (TCS FOODS) PORK CARNITAS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES STORED ON THE FOOD PREP COUNTER.INTERNAL TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM (112.6F-126.3F).MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 15#'S OF FOOD WORTH $200.00.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO HOT HOLD (TCS FOODS) AT 135F OR HOTTER AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE POT USED TO COOK CARNITAS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE POTS OR PROVIDE SMALLER POTS THAT CAN BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT BULB AT FRONT COUNTER SERVICE AREA AND MAINTAIN.

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.