THE CONGRESS HOTEL Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FOUND THE WALK IN COOLER (#21) NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LOWER. THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS 57.6F. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE UNIT FIXED SO THAT IT CAN HOLD THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. 6LBS. OF RAW CHICKEN (53.8F-53.4F), 9LBS. OF CURRY CHICKEN SOUP (57.4F-57.8F), 2QTS. OF WHIPPED CREAM (53.1F-53.6F), 3LBS. OF BUTTER (52.4F), 2LBS. OF CHICKEN BASE (54.2F), 1GAL OF TARTAR SAUCE (54.2F), 1GAL OF MAYONNAISE (53.2F), 2GALS. OF COLE SLAW DRESSING (52.9F) AND 2GALS OF (THOUSAND ISLAND AND CREAMY GARLIC) DRESSING 53.6F-56.8F). MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED OF THE PRODUCT, VALUED AT $336.43. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR LOWER DURING STORAGE. 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: FOUND 15 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON THE STORAGE RACKS, WALLS, UTENSILS AND SWARMING OVER A BOX OF BANANAS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA NEXT TO THE OFFICE. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. 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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: THE FLOORS IN BETWEEN THE COOLERS, UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE CORNERS HAVE OLD DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: THE WALL BY THE REAR HAND WASHING SINK IS DAMAGED AND THE PAINT IS PEELING ON THE DUCT ABOVE THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK ACROSS FROM THE REAR HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.

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.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: THE LIGHTING THROUGH OUT THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA IS POOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. MAINTAIN A WELL LIT AREA.

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: THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA (ACROSS FROM THE WALK IN COOLER #21) LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO FIX 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: THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA (ACROSS FROM THE WALK IN COOLER #21) LEAKS. INSTRUCTED TO FIX 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.