WESTIN RIVER NORTH CHGO HOTEL- MAIN KITCHEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HOLD A FOOD AND SANITATION CERTIFICATE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO HAND WASHING SINK AT THE OUTSIDE SEASONAL BAR THAT IS LOCATED IN PATIO OUT SIDE OF AN EXISTING INDOOR BAR, NO OVER HEAD TO PROTECT FROM THE ELEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND WASH SINK AND AN OVER HEAD, A COPY OF THE OUT DOOR BAR REQUIREMENT IS GIVEN. NO CITATION ISSUED. SUPERVISOR NOTIFIED.

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.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: NO DISCLAIMER NO ADVISORY FOR RAW AND UNDER COOKED FOODS ON MENU, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 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.

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP - Comments: MANAGER STATED THAT A SPECIAL PROCESS OF COLD SMOKING AND CURING TAKES PLACE IN KITCHEN OCCASIONALLY , NO VARIANCE NOR APPROVED HACCP PLAN ON SITE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCONTINUE SUCH PRACTICES. NO FOOD OR OPERATION OBSERVED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

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.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: WARM FOOD IS COVERED TIGHTLY IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO COVER LOOSELY TO FACILITATE COOLING DOWN.

Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.

All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.

Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND ABOUT 80 LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON WALLS AND CEILING OF LARGE DISH ROOM AREA, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE, PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)

Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.

No pests or animals allowed in facility.

No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: DUST AND MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE NOTED ON SURFACES OF WALK-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: WALLS IN PRODUCE COOLER IN POOR REPAIR, CRACKS AND CREVICES NOTED INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR

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: INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN MEAT WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: SEVERAL FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.

Smoking prohibited in food establishments.

No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.