ZACATACOS Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER, CFM, ON SITE AT START TIME OF INSPECTION AT 12:30PM WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS (EGGS, CHICKEN, BEEF) WERE BEING STORED, PREPARED AND/OR SERVED. CFM ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 1:10PM. 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.

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE'S PERSONAL FOOD ITEM (BOTTLED DRINK) STORED INSIDE COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA(S) FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS.

Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.

Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS, APPROXIMATELY 2-3 DOZEN EGGS, AT COST OF APPROXIMATELY $15, AT 69.3F LEFT IN FOOD CONTAINER NEAR THE GRILL/STOVE IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS (SEASONINGS, SPICES, SOUR CREAM AND LIME JUICE) IN PREP AREAS STORED IN CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.

Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.

All food properly labeled with required information.

Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF BEVERAGES (CASES OF CANNED AND BOTTLED SODA POPS) STORED ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE CASHIER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

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.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF ICE SCOOPER AT THE FRONTLINE AND AT THE JUICE BAR AREA, BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON ICE INSIDE OF THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.

Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.

In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.

Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS/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: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN STORAGE AND PREP AREAS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.

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: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING IN STORAGE AND PREP AREAS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.

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.