Buffalo Joe's on Howard

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Noted a large pan of frozen food thawing on a prep table in the rear prep. Manager removed and put the food in the walk-in cooler to properly thaw under refrigeration.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Noted bulk foods not properly labeled. All foods not stored in their original containers must be labeled with the product common name.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted torn rubber door gasket on the walk-in freezer door. Must replace.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Must not use cardboard boxes as paper liners at the front prep area. Must be washable container.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Plastic wrap used as a means of repair for metal rack shelving above the three compartment sink. Must not use plastic wrap. Must replace.----must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for items throughout the facility.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Interior door and cooler surfaces of the cooks line three door cooler in poor repair with holes, exposed insulation and raw wood. Also noted the cooks line one door chicken cooler repaired with duct tape. Must replace/repair all to be smooth and cleanable.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must not use cardboard as liner for shelving throughout.---dirty faucet and handles on the cooks line hand washing sink. Must clean and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Missing hot and cold handle on the faucet of the customer washroom washbowl sink. Must replace.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must not use cardboard as matting for floors on the cooks line and throughout the facility-----noted blackened moldy wall caulking at the three compartment sink. Must replace.---noted damaged, peeling ceiling above the rear prep area prep table. Peeling paint on the wall at the cooks line hot holding unit. Must repair.----water damaged ceiling tiles in the front waiting area and the employee washroom. Must replace.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Noted raw wood wall mount for the knife holder on the cooks line with excessive grease and food debris. Must provide a smooth, cleanable knife holder.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Inoperable mechanical ventilation in the customer washroom. Must replace/repair.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed thermometers missing/ not working inside cooler. Must install easy to read working thermometers inside every refrigeration unit.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: 3-501.13: frozen raw fish has been thawed while still wrapped in reduced oxygen packaging (rop). Packaging must be removed from fish in rop prior to thawing under refrigeration or running water.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11: ice build-up was found in contact with food stored in the walk-in freezer. The facility must discard, clean, and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.14: in-use wiping cloths are not stored properly. Found preparation counter surfaces throughout the facility. Cloths used to wipe surfaces and equipment shall be held in a proper sanitizer solution. Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal foods shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. In-use clothes must be laundered daily.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-101.19: crates used as elevation and cardboard used as lining on shelves throughout the kitchen facility must be removed. Facility must replace with items that are smooth, easily cleanable, easy to monitor debris on or underneath, durable, and non-absorbent.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Frozen raw fish has been thawed while still wrapped in reduced oxygen packaging (rop). Packaging must be removed from fish in rop prior to thawing under refrigeration or running water.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Frozen fish is thawing at room temperature in 3 compartment sink. Time and temperature control for safety (tcs) food must be thawed: under refrigeration that maintains the food temperature at 41f or less; completely submerged under running water at a water temperature of 70f or below and for a period that does not allow thawed portions of ready-to-eat food to rise above 41f; part of a cooking process; or using a procedure if a portion of frozen ready-to-eat food is thawed and prepared for immediate service in response to an individual consumer's order.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Ice build-up was found in contact with food stored in the walk-in freezer. The facility must discard, clean, and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: In-use wiping cloths are not stored properly. Found preparation counter surfaces throughout the facility. Cloths used to wipe surfaces and equipment shall be held in a proper sanitizer solution. Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal foods shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. In-use clothes must be laundered daily.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Crates used as elevation and cardboard used as lining on shelves throughout the kitchen facility must be removed. Facility must replace with items that are smooth, easily cleanable, easy to monitor debris on or underneath, durable, and non-absorbent.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Outside dumpsters are not covered properly with garbage overfilling dumpsters creating a nuisance and pest attraction. Outside dumpsters shall be constructed with tight-fitting lids, doors, or covers. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (b) citation issued.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Cracked tiles found near wall of wash compartment of 3 compartment sink and cracked ceiling tile near mop sink. Facility must resurface/replace cracked/missing tiles and ensure surfaces is smooth, easily cleanable, durable, and non-absorbent.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Unnecessary items / nonfunctional equipment were found in the outside storage shed located near outside dumpsters. The premises shall be free of items unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment. This includes equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer used.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Foodhandler not wearing hair restraint.must provide.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found hand sinks and mop sink not clean. Must clean and sanitize.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention devices at mop sink faucet. Must provide where it can be located and serviced.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted torn rubber gasket inside the prep service by the prep table. Instructed to detail repair and maintain and/or replace.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted ice build up inside the walk in freezer at the door.. Instructed to repair and maintain the condensation units.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Noted wash rooms on premise with garbage receptacles and no lids. Instructed to provide trash cans with lids at all women wash rooms and unisex wash rooms

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Noted over 50 mice dropping on floor along wall base the kitchen prep area, at the utility sink/heating unit room, inside the bathrooms and on shelving at the rear where chicken is prepared. Also noted nesting materials (chewed paper) inside the cabinet of the bathroom hand wash sink. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize affected areas, eliminate pest activity. Instructed to consult with pest control company and have premises treated. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). No citation issued. -

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted ice build up inside the walk in freezer at the door.. Instructed to repair and maintain the condensation units.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted torn rubber gasket inside the prep service by the prep table. Instructed to detail repair and maintain and/or replace.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Noted the bathroom door at the rear food prep area not self closing. Instructed to provide a self closing device at the door and maintain

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Noted wash rooms on premise with garbage receptacles and no lids. Instructed to provide trash cans with lids at all women wash rooms and unisex wash rooms.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along wall base and underneath shelving especially where the mice droppings were found. Must also clean and maintain dry floors especially at the room with the heating unit tank and floor drains by the 3 compartment sink.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Noted employee belongings on shelves at the dry storage area and prep area with food items. Instructed to provide a designated area for employees to store their belongings.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Foods on display not properly labeled. Must label packages with food name, ingredients, net contents, source and list of allergens. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued -

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Prep area wiping cloths must be held in a container with a sanitizing solution between use.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Build-up ice on condenser unit and pipes inside the walk-in-freezer.wrapping on pipes of condenser unit inside the walk-in cooler broken, repair issues.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Left door of prep cooler in poor repair,not able to clean: liner broken, instructed to replace.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Interior cabinet of the deep fryer and reach-in cooler rubber gaskets with grease and excessive food debris. Must clean and maintain

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Washroom door must be self closing at rear area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Cement floor inside the walk-in cooler pitted,uneven not able to clean(grime between cement floor); broken,loose and missing floor tiles under the rubber mats in cooking area(between prep cooler and cooking equipment); also cement under the wheel of cooking unit is and not cleanable(grease between broken cement floor).surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent material

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: No mechanical ventilation provided in the washrooms,instructed to provide

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Foods on display not properly labeled. Must label packages with food name, ingredients, net contents, source and list of allergens. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued -

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Prep area wiping cloths must be held in a container with a sanitizing solution between use. -

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Knife must be stored at knives rack,do not store it between equipment.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Build-up ice on condenser unit and pipes inside the walk-in-freezer.wrapping on pipes of condenser unit inside the walk-in cooler broken, repair issues.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Left door of prep cooler in poor repair,not able to clean: liner broken, instructed to replace.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Interior cabinet of the deep fryer and reach-in cooler rubber gaskets with grease and excessive food debris. Must clean and maintain

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Washroom door must be self closing at rear area.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Outside area by the garbage container and parking lot with excess items from broken wood,pallets,paper ,cups etc,must clean and maintain area to minimize rodent/insect activities

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed outside grease receptacle in the rear parking lot with excessive spilled grease on the surrounding ground and on the exterior of the container. Instructed to remove all spilled grease and clean container. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(b) citation issued. -

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Cement floor inside the walk-in cooler pitted,uneven not able to clean(grime between cement floor); also cement under the wheel of cooking unit is broken and not cleanable(grease between broken cement floor).surface must be smooth,,cleanable and non-absorbent material

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: No mechanical ventilation provided in the washrooms,instructed to provide

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed splash guards needed on exposed hand sink on cooking line. Install splash guards on both sides of sink to protect adjacent food preparation/cooking areas.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed splash guards needed on exposed hand sink on cooking line. Install splash guards on both sides of sink to protect adjacent food preparation/cooking areas.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Observed previous minor violations not corrected from report # 1955497 dated 2/8/17 violation #36 dim lighting in walk in freezer. Instructed to provide proper lighting. Greasy light shields under hood at hot line are. Instructed to clean. #38 instructed management to install exposed hand sink at other food prep area. Serious violation 7-42-090

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shield on far west light above cooking area. Replace and maintain light shield.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometer in small reach in refrigerator on cooking line and no thermometer in walk in cooler. Install and maintain easy to read thermometers.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: Noted no certified manager on premisis from 10:30am to 11:10am when potentially hazardous foods such as chli,soup,cooked chicken rib tips were being prepared and served . Serious violation 7-38-012

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Walls around 3-comp sink and at hallway leading to 3comp splashed and stained.instructed management to clean or paint.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: In walk in freezer dim lighting noted.instructed management to provide proper lighting( foot candles). Noted greasy light shields under hood at hot line area.instructed to clean.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Noted interior of hot line hood and filter greasy.instucted management to clean hood and filters. Noted 3-comp leaking at faucet handle.instructed to repair. Instructed management to install exposed handsink at other food prep area.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed broken gasket on the stacked cooler in front prep area. Discontinue use of cardboard in cooler. Instructed to repair gasket and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Stained ceiling tiles in the following areas; dry storage room, dining room, manager's office and toilet room. Detached lower wallbase by mop sink. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Observed pink slime like substance on the interior panel of the ice machine, likely to contaminate ice. Machine located in the rear prep area.instructed to discard ice, discontinue use of machine until it has been cleaned and sanitized. Serious violation 7-38-005(a)

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Observed prepackaged desserts in cooler for sale and food containers in rear prep without labels. Instructed to label and maintain.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed broken gasket on the stacked cooler in front prep area. Discontinue use of cardboard in cooler. Also, observed rust on prep tables. Instructed to remove rust so surface is smooth and easily cleanable, repair gasket and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive grease on fryer. Can opener, and contact surfaces throughout the rear prep area. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on floors throughout rear prep, and floor under 3-comp sink where grease trap is located. Also, clean floor drains throughout. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed dirty walls with spider webs in the rear prep where rib oven(smoker), is located, and front prep area. Stained ceiling tiles in the following areas; dry storage room, dining room, manager's office and toilet room. Detached lower wallbase by mop sink. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Observed broken light sheilds in rear prep with unknown debris inside. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floor tiles grout in poor repair around 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to regrout low floor tiles around 3-compartment sink.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: We(the manager, new sanitarian and myself) observed live roaches on premises: one baby roach under the prep table between the floor and baseboard wall,five adult roaches were observed under the three compartment sink under a piece of wood by the south east corner.instructed to remove clean and sanitize area serious violation: 7-38-020

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Broken rubber gasket at front first cooler by the door,instructed to repair/replace.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must properly date and label all desserts in the front dessert cooler. Found sweet potato pies, cheese cakes and yellow cake not properly labeled. All foods not found in original containers must be properly labeled.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must remove rust and repaint the bottom portion of the shelf at the rear cutting table closest to the rear exit door so as to be smooth and easily cleanable.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must replace rib tip cutting board at the prep area. Observed dark stain and deep grooves.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must maintain all floors dry to prevent pest breeding. Found floors wet in the rear kitchen area.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Must provide a shatter proof bulb or light shield at the light fixture in the dessert cold holding case.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repair compartment divider seam at the top so as to be smooth and easily cleanable at the 3-comp sink.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide a working thermometer for the dessert case cold holding case at all times.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Regrout floor in mop sink area and in front of three compartment sink.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Reseal and paint wall beside the ice machine.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking pipe under the exposed hand sink,and rpair leaking faucet at three compartment sink,(north side).

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Unthread faucet is needed at mop and three compartment sinks

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide a separate container for ice scoop at serving area.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR WITH 1 1/2" GAP OPENING,NOT PROPERLY RODENT PROOFED,ALSO NOTED ONE LIFE REOCH IN REAR BY FLOOR DRAIN,AND 3 HOUSEFLIES IN DINING AREA, AT THE THE TIME OF INSPECTION.CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY RODENT PROOF ABOVE DOOR,AND GET RID OF ROACH AND FLIES IN DINING BY REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. HEARING FOR TICKET #H000073561-15 WILL BE ON 10-27-11 AT 400 W SUPERIOR AVE.ROOM 112 AT 10:00am.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR RUST ON DOUGH MIXER PIN,BASE OF MIXER BOWL HOLDER,AND BOTTOM SHELVES UNDER PREP TABLES.REPAIR OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND HOLES ON THEM,AND TOILET TISSUE HOLDER AT EMPLOYEE RESTROOM.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE STAINS OR DEBRIS ON TOILET BOWL,HAND WASH SINK AT STAFF RESTROOM, AND MOP SINK,

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST ELEVATE CLEAN FOOD UTENSILS AND BOXES OF FOOD PRODUCTS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.REPLACE FLOOR TILES MISSING ON FLOORS IN THE DINING AND AT REAR PREP AREAS,AND REPAIR BASEWALLS PULLING AWAY FROM THE FLOORE AND FROM THE WALL AT REAR.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAIR STAINS AND OPENING ON WALLS AT 3COMP./MOP SINK,PREP TABLE AREAS,AND IN EMPLOYEE RESTROOM,AND ELSEWHERE AS NEEDED.REPAIR OPENING ON CEILING TILE AT CUSTOMER RESTROOM,AND CLEAN DUST ON VENT IN SAME RESTROOM.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAUCET JOINTS ON 3COMP.SINK LEAKING WATER.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SEPARATE CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOP AT SERVING AREA.