UPTOWN SHOP & SAVE INC., Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: HOT HOLDING UNIT ON THE FRONT COUNTER OF THE COFFEE SHOP UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 140F OR GREATER. UNIT MAINTAINS AIR TEMP OF 75F TO 91F. POTENTIALLY HAZAROUDS FOODS WERE STORED INSIDE THE UNIT: PIZZA PUFFS, VARIOUS MEAT AND RICE PLATES, AND CONTAINERS OF CHICKEN. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION" DO NOT USE. HOT HOLDING UNIT MUST MAINTAIN AIR TEMP OF 140F AND ABOVE. 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: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOODS INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT ON THE FRONT COUNTER OF THE COFFEE STATION UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURES: PIZZA PUFFS AT 88.7F, FISH AND RICE PLATES AT 109.1F, STEAK FAJITA CONTAINERS AT 104.7F, CHICKEN AND RICE PLATES AT 129.6F, AND CONTAINERS OF CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS AT 77.9F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 30# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

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: OBSERVED OVER 60 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND HALLWAY FROM THE PREP AREA/DELI TO THE BASEMENT STAIRCASE. FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS AND CEILINGS OF THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. 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.

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090 - Comments: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1395835 ON 1/29/2014: "32- OBSERVED WASTE WATER LINE CONNECTION FROM CEILING DISCHARGING WATER INSIDE THE ONE PREP COMPARTMENT SINK AT COFFEE SHOP, MUST BE PROPERLY CONNECTED SUCH THAT IT DRAINS DIRECTLY INTO A FLOOR DRAIN. OBSERVED FOUR BURNER ELECTRICAL STOVE PLUGGED IN,IN BASEMENT AREA,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR PROVIDE VENTILATION." SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090

Specialized processes without proper controls can create deadly toxins like botulism.

Special processes require approved HACCP plans or variances.

Written HACCP plan for: Vacuum packaging; Sous vide; Smoking for preservation; Curing; Using additives. Plan must be approved by CDPH.

This violation was corrected during the inspection.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CHICKEN BLOOD ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND PREVENT MEAT FROM LEAKING ONTO THE FLOORS.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CHICKEN BLOOD ON THE FLOOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND PREVENT MEAT FROM LEAKING ONTO THE FLOORS.

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.