TAQUERIA Y TORTILLERIA ATOTONILCO Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS (CHOPPED CILANTRO, SLICED TOMATOES) BY A MALE EMPLOYEE AT THE FRONT PREP AREA MAKING TACOS TO SERVE TO A CUSTOMER. EMPLOYEE DID NOT WASH HANDS PRIOR TO GRABBING READY TO EAT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROHIBIT ALL BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS AS WAS DISCUSSED IN PREVIOUS REPORT #1588398 DATED ON 11/16/15 AND MAINTAIN. MUST PROVIDE TONGS, SPOONS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE GLOVES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A)(B).

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, EGG) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER ARRIVE ON SITE 25 MINUTES AFTER INSPECTION STARTED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES BUSINESS IS OPEN AND OPERATING. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.

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.

FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF) INSIDE OF THE REACH IN FREEZER AND REFRIGERATOR, HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT THE PROPER LABEL CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AND MAINTAIN.

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.

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: OBSERVED PLATES AND TO GO TRAYS NOT INVERTED AND BEING STORED ON THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED A CUP BEING USED AS A SCOOP AND BEING STORED INSIDE OF A BULK SALSA CONTAINER LOCATED IN THE DRINK REFRIGERATOR IN THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE UTENSILS INSIDE OF PRODUCT AND MAINTAIN.

Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.

Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.

Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTING ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULBS AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.

Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.

50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD NEEDED ON THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK OR REMOVE STORAGE OF TORTILLAS NEXT TO THE HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OR REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MOP HEADS BEING STORED INSIDE OF MOP BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OR REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MOP HEADS BEING STORED INSIDE OF MOP BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.

Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.

Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.

Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.