ZACATACOS, II. INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF GREEN AND RED SALSA OVERSTOCKED/OVERFLOWING IN TOP CONDIMENT LINE OF PREP COOLER AND BEING OFFERED FOR SERVICE AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 46.0F-56.0F. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED. APPROX 5LBS $25 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY. INSTD TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES.

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.

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: BEEF TONGUE THAWING IN BASIN OF PREP SINK, WITHOUT RUNNING WATER. INSTD TO THAW PROPERLY (EX, UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER , UNDER REFRIGERATION, ETC)

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MISSING FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE FOR MONIORING COLD AND HOT TEMPERATURES. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION

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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: EXCESSIVE BLACK SUBSTANCE ON CAULKING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE AND MAINTAIN CAULKING. EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO 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.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: EXCESSIVE BLACK SUBSTANCE ON CAULKING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE BLACK SUBSTANCE AND MAINTAIN CAULKING. EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO 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.