WEST RIVER CAFE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO 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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP-BAR AREA AREA OF FACILITY. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL A HAND SINK UNDER CITY WATER PRESSURE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUES

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.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED THAT INTERIOR OF FOOD REFRIGERATOR WITH STORED WHOLE AND SLICED FRUIT AND VEGETABLES IS COVERED WITH STATIONARY WATER AND SLIMY SUBSTANCE. MUST KEEP INTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE EQUIPMENT CLEAN TO SIGHT AND TOUCH.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.

All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.

Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS (TACO MEAT,SHREDDED CHEESE, SLICED TOMATOES) NOT PROPERLY DATED STORED IN COOLERS LONGER THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.

Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.

Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER OF RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) STATEMENT THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.

Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.

Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED) -7-38-005

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED EXPOSED SEWAGE PIPES ABOVE BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATORS. OVERHEAD EXPOSED DRAINAGE WASTE WATER PIPES COMING FROM THE 1ST RESTAURANT AREAS .THE SAID PIPES WHERE NOTED TO MANAGER MUST BE ENCASED SMOOTH SURFACE (SOFFIT) DURABLE MATERIAL AND MAINTAIN OR FOOD REFRIGERATORS SHOULD BE REMOVED TO FOOD SAFE STORAGE AREA.

Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.

Prevent contamination during all food handling.

Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPLACE SEVERALLY RUSTED REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER UNIT LOCATED IN BASEMENT WITH UNITS THAT ARE SMOOTH EASY CLEANABLE

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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER, DOOR OF 2 DOOR FOOD PREP REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THAT GASKETS ON COOLING UNITS HAVE BEEN COVERED WITH BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE. 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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THAT WALLS BEHIND REFRIGERATION AND HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT HAVE LARGE 1/2 INCH OPENINGS .MUST REPAIR , SEAL AND MAINTAIN ALL WALL JUNCTURES

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: OBSERVED THAT REAR EXIT DOOR HAVE LARGE AREA PF PILING PAINT . MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN

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: OBSERVED THAT CEILING OVER DISH WASHING AREA IS MADE WITH MATERIALS THAT ARE NOT SMOOTH EASY CLEANABLE. MUST PROVIDE EASY CLEANABLE SURFACES IN ALL KITCHEN AREA

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHTS OVER DISH WASHING AREA

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ON LIGHTS OVER DISH WASHING AREA

Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.

Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.

Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.