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

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER COME INTO PREP AREA AND PUT ON HIS APRON AND THEN PLACED ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND STARTED TO CUT MEAT WITHOUT WASHING HANDS INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.

Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.

Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS COOKED FOODS SUCH AS 10LBS. COOKED STEAK-130.1F ON GRILL.3LBS. COOKED PORK-58.1F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX.13LBS.$98.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)

Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.

Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.

Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 10LBS. SHREDDED LETTUCE-49.8F-50.2F.6LBS. DICED TOMATO-45.9F ON TOPSIDE OF COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRODUCT WAS DUSCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 16LBS. $36.50(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)

Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.

Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.

Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR INTERIOR OF TABLE TOP REFRIGERATOR AND 1-DOOR PREP COOLER.

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 FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER MUST ELEVATE OFF OF FLOOR TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.

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.

GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER PUTTING ON PLASTIC GLOVES BEFORE WASHING HANDS.

Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.

Single-use gloves must be used correctly.

Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR EQUIPMENT STORAGE AND PROVIDE A EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK FOR SANITIZER BEING USED.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.

Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.

3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,FRYER CABINET.

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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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.