WESTERN TACOS MEXICAN FAST FOOD, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE - Comments: CUT LETTUCE-48.1F, AND CUT TOMATOES-46.5F, IN REFRIGERATED PREP TABLE IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED IN REFRIGERATION MUST BE HELD AT 40 DEGEES OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). ALL PRODUCT FOUND AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE DISCARDED. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LARGE INSERT IN UNIT THAT WAS BLOCKING THE AIR CIRCULATION

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: LARGE HOLE IN THE RIGHT LOWER CORNER OF THE DOOR GREATER THAN 1 INCH. MUST REPAIR DOOR MAKING IT TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY. 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.

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: OUTSIDE GREASE DUMPSTR NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, GREASE FOUND ALL OVER THE LID OF TH CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR OF RECEPTACLE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020..

Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.

Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.

Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT(DIRT AND DEBRIS PRESENT).

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: REMOVE ALL DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT. REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT AND RE-POSITION THE ONES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED.

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.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: REMOVE ALL DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT. REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT AND RE-POSITION THE ONES THAT ARE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED.

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.