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VALERIO'S TROPICAL BAKESHOP Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Bakery

VALERIO'S TROPICAL BAKESHOP (AKA: VALERIO'S) 5033 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO 60630 Bakery
May 9, 2024 Canvass License #2483618
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS TAMALES WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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.
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES. 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.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED WASHBOWL SINK IN UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM MAINTAINING AN IMPROPER MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 58.9F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SINK SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING RUNNING WATER UNDER PRESSURE AT AN ACCEPTABLE TERMPERATURE RANGE BETWEEN 100-120F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PREP TABLE MOUNTED CAN OPENER SOILED WITH GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK COVERED IN BLACK SLIME. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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.
Violation #52
MAJOR
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED WHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS DRAINED FLOOR DRAIN BACKS UP AND FLOODS FLOOD OF REAR PREP AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A PROPERLY DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
Violation #52
MAJOR
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED WHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS DRAINED FLOOR DRAIN BACKS UP AND FLOODS FLOOD OF REAR PREP AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A PROPERLY DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.

Health Department Information

Department Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division Food Protection Program
Report Issues Call 311 or File Online
More Information CDPH Food Protection
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections