Tropical Smoothie Cafe Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE VERIFIED BY ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND MAKE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW DURING HEALTH INSPECTIONS. 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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK OR SERVICE REPORT AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW DURING THE INSPECTION. LAST LEGIBLE REPORT ON PREMISES DATED 6-26-21. MUST PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A CURRENT SERVICE REPORT AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING A CURRENT STATE OF ILLINOIS PEST CONTROL CO. LICENSE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) 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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: EMPLOYEE NOTED WITHOUT AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: LID OF THE BULK SUGAR CONTAINER DIRTY. 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: NOTED DIRTY, BLACKENED WASHBOWLS IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM AND THE HAND SINK AT THE REAR PREP/DISH AREA.----NOTED DIRTY SHELVING INSIDE THE METAL CABINET UNDER THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

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 BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING ON THE WALLS SURROUNDING THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST REPLACE.-----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN NOTED UNDER THE FRONT PREP HAND AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINKS.-----DIRTY FLOORS UNDER THE REAR DRY STORAGE, AROUND/UNDER THE ICE MACHINE, UNDER THE FRONT PREP METAL CABINETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MISSING WALL PANEL AND CEILING TILE ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.

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: NOTED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING ON THE WALLS SURROUNDING THE FRONT PREP ICE BIN. MUST REPLACE.-----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN NOTED UNDER THE FRONT PREP HAND AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINKS.-----DIRTY FLOORS UNDER THE REAR DRY STORAGE, AROUND/UNDER THE ICE MACHINE, UNDER THE FRONT PREP METAL CABINETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----MISSING WALL PANEL AND CEILING TILE ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.

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.