ZEE'S FOOD MARKET INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)

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.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (EGGS,COOKED GROUND BEEF, ITALIAN BEEF,CHEESE SAUCE,ETC).MUST PROVIDE CERTICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)

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.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.

Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.

Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAN.

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)

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.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR WALK IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET,LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,ON SHELVING UNIT NEAR COOKING OIL ,RICE,CANDY, CHIPS.ALSO, APPX. 8-10 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES.A DEAD MOUSE ON BROOM IN REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/15/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)

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.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1-2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

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.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA.

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.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WEARING OPEN TOE SHOES WHILE PREPARING FOOD. MUST PROVIDE CLOSE TOE SHOES.

Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.

Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.

Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.

Single-use items must be protected from contamination.

Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN FREEZER.MUST ELIMINATE BAGS AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.

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 WORN AND PITTED CUTTING BOARDS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE .

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. 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 DEBRIS BUILD UP FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,WALK IN COOLER -SHELVING UNITS & POP SLEEVES.

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.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON MOP SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.

Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.

Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.

Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.

Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST FINISH WALL IN PREP AREA TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING AROUND PIPES UNDER FRONT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.

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: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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.