Taqueria San Jose #1

Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

Inspector’s note: Observed improper temperature of small food prep cooler in rear prep area at 52.0f. Instructed all cold holding units must reach and maintain 41f or below. Unit was tagged the inital day of inspection. Please see comment section for tag removal. Priority 7-38-005, citation issued.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometer inside the three-door cooler in the rear prep area. Instructed to provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed plastic, grocery bags being used to cover the food items inside the hot holding unit near the flat-top grill. Instructed to remove and provide proper utensils to cover food items.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a food handler without a hair restraint and another without a beard guard. Instructed all food handlers must provide and maintain, while in food prep area.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed slight pink residue inside the ice machine stored at the front prep/ service area. Instructed to wash, santiize, and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a spray bottle with oil in the rear prep area and glass containers and squirt bottles at the front service counter/ prep area not labeled. Instructed to label with common food name.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a small opening at the bottom of the front entrance door. Instructed to seal opening and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the ice scoop improperly stored on the prep table at the front service/food prep area. Instructed to properly store in a food grade bin.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed improper use of yellow wiping cloth. Observed food handler wipe hands on wiping cloth throughout dishwahsing proccess and place wiping cloth on table behind warewahsing sink. Instructed to put mentioned wiping cloth in the dirty pile and to never wipe hands on wiping cloth and reuse to wipe surfaces.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed slight food crumbs in the crevices along the walls in the rear food prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths not properly stored when not in use. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm of sanitizing agent used) when not in use. Maintain same.

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

Inspector’s note: Can opener in food prep area with a thick build up of food and dirt. Instructed to detail clean and maintain can opener.

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

Inspector’s note: Worn/damaged rubber gaskets on 2-door cooler by the cooking equipment in the food prep area. Instructed to replace gaskets and maintain good repair. -rusty storage racks in the food prep area by the 3-comp. Sink and prep table. Instructed to remove rust from storage rack or replace to maintain a rust free, smooth and easily cleanable surface.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: The interior of of the reach in coolers by the cooking equipment with dirt and food debris on the lower surfaces and rubber gaskets. Instructed to clean and maintain the interior of the coolers.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: The floors under the cooking/cooling equipment and in the corners in the prep/basement area with dirt, grease/food and debris. Instructed to detail clean floors and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Water stained ceiling tiles in the dining area. Instructed to replace ceiling tiles and maintain stain free ceiling tiles.

Gloves weren’t used properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.15(b-d) observed food handlers not using food-grade disposable gloves to handle ready-to-eat foods. Instructed to train all food handlers on proper glove use.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed floors with accumulated food and grease debris located under the flattop grill. Instructed to clean.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-302.12 observed no metal stem thermometer on site properly to take food temperatures of cold and hot foods. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

Gloves weren’t used properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.15(b-d) observed food handlers not using food-grade disposable gloves to handle ready-to-eat foods. Instructed to train all food handlers on proper glove use.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed floors with accumulated food and grease debris located under the flattop grill. Instructed to clean.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths being used and then placed on counter. Instructed that all wiping cloths need to be in a sanitizing solution between use to help prevent possible cross contamination of surfaces being used on.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed grocery bags being used to store bread inside the three door refrigerator in the rear food prep area. Instructed to remove and use only food grade storage bags for any foods.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the microwave in the rear food prep area with a build up of spillage and food debris inside. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the inside of the refrigeration units in the rear food prep area with a build up of food debris and food stains on the door, inside the door and on the floor of the units. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate back flow device for ice machine in front food service area. Instructed to locate and provide some form of proof that it is there via picture or showing by pulling unit out.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors in the front service area under counter units and equipment with a build up of dirt and food debris. Also observed the rear food prep area with a build up of food debris, food stains and splatters, as well as dirt and grease build up on the walls and floors. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain all areas.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed dry storage containers not labeled. Instructed to label.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 2-402.11 observed the manager without a beard restraint. Instructed to provide.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed minor food debris inside of the refrigeration units, inside of the fryer and oven and on the flat top grill. Instructed to clean all.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine. Instructed to locate.

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

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no covered receptacle inside of the women's toilet room. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed accumulated food and dirt debris under and around all equipment and on shelves in the front food prep area. Instructed to clean.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping clothes improperly stored on the counter, and prep table, instructed on properly in sanitizing solution when not in use.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the #10 can opener not clean, instructed to clean,sanitize, and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed aluminum foil on the front storage shelves, instructed to remove, and maintain. Also clean front 2 door cooler fan guard cover.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the rear wall behing the refried beans not clean, instructed to clean/remove food debris.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed the front light shields and the rear prep area light shields not clean, instructed to clean all light shields.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Properly clean/sanitize and store knives and other multi-use utensils after use.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean/sanitize interior bottom cabinet of fryer, exterior of fryer and grill, interior of refrigeration unit.

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean the interior of the prep coolers, grill, deep fryer, microwave.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the accumulated food debris on the floor under the stove.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the wall behind the grill.

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean the interior of the prep coolers, grill, deep fryer, microwave.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the accumulated food debris on the floor under the stove.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the wall behind the grill.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed potentially hazardous foods (chicken, beef) out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours in the 3 door refrigerator and prep cooler without labels containing product name and date. Observed dry storage (breading) in a bulk container with label. Instructed to label all foods that are out of the original packaging and held for over 24 hours.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed shelves with rust located in the 3 door refrigerator. Instructed to remove rust and maintain. Observed cardboard being used as a shelf liner under both prep tables located in the food prep area. Instructed to remove cardboard, all surfaces should be smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a stained cutting board attached to the 3 door prep cooler. Instructed to remove stains or replace. Observed ice machine interior with a brownish substance. Observed inside of the fryer with accumulated grease and food debris. Observed inside of refrigerator with minor food debris. Instructed to clean all and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed floors thru out food prep with accumulated food debris under heavy equipment, along the walls and in all corners. Instructed to clean all and maintain.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter (old equipment and tools) in the basement. Instructed to elevate everything at least 6 inches and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the light shields in the front dining and rear prep area not clean, instructed to clean, also clean frontceiling vents dusty.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty cooler storage racks in the rear 3 door cooler, instructed to remove rust/or replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the rear 3 door cooler not clean, instructed to clean. Also clean and sanitize all rear prep area cutting boards.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the light shields in the front dining and rear prep area not clean, instructed to clean, also clean front ceiling vents dusty.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove plumbers putty inside front exposed sink.

Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

Inspector’s note: No chemical test kit available during inspection. Instructed manager to provide to properly test sanitizer concentration in 3-compartment sink. Serious violation 7-38-030

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected from report #1546509 on 5-28-15 34-remove water spills on floor in basement. Clean floor and pallet in rear prep area. 35-replace stained ceiling tiles in dishwashing area. 38- repair leaking drainpipe under front exposed sink. 43-store wash cloths in sanitizing solution. Serious violation 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of ice machine, beveerage machines, and nozzles in front juice prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking drainpipe under sink in women washroom. Repair leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink. Remove towel and provide adequate stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Remove plumbers putty inside front exposed sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers in prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of all sinks, coolers, cooking equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove water spills on floor in basement. Clean floor and pallet in rear prep area(grease spills).

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

Inspector’s note: Replace stained ceiling tiles in dishwashing area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking drainpipe under front exposed sink.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store ice scoop handle up or in sanitary container to prevent bare hand contact. Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Provide food handler certificates for all employees.

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

Inspector’s note: Found the front entrance door and the rear door to the basement storage areas not rodent-proofed approximately 2 inches mode of entry. Also,found approximately 20 rodent rat droppings on cluttered building,junked materials stored beneath the staircase porch area leading to the basement.instructed to clean and sanitize all affected areas, remove said cluttered conditions and make said doors tight fitting all across the bottoms to prevent pest entry.a pest control service is now reccomended.serious violation 7-38-020.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: No inspection report summary was posted in the establishment. Management was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to post it in view of all customers as required. Serious violation 7-42-010(b).

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

Inspector’s note: Any open cans of food must be transferred into regular containers. All food stored in coolers must be dated & labeled. White dry bulk food containers must be labeled.

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

Inspector’s note: Sides of hot cooking equipments,upper panel of ice maker,interior compartment of deep fryer,interior/exterior of coolers,hood/filters all said require a detail cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors are dirty beneath the kitchen cooking equipments,clean floors in detail throoughout including the basement areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace water stained ceiling tiles in kitchen areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Provide,maintain adequate sink stoppers for the 3 compartment sink.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: No thermometer inside the 1 door food prep cooler. No metal stem thermometer for monitoring food temperatures. Must provide and maintain.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Remove pieces of unused kitchen equipments stored in basement due to potential pest harborage.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean and maintain the following: interior bottom cabinet of fryer, exterior of fryer and grill, interior of refrigeration unit.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floor under cooking equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: Ventilation system above cooking equipment not blowing at full force; instructed to have cleaned and/or serviced so that unit is working properly.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: The knife holder and knives inside are full of food; wash, rinse and sanitize all utensils prior to storage.

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

Inspector’s note: The metal shelving has greasy buildup and the lower shelves have cardboard liners, clean the shelving in detail and remove unsanitary cardboard.

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

Inspector’s note: The floor of the storage room has spilled rice and beans, clean the floor.

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

Inspector’s note: The ventilation hood above the grill is greasy and appears to be drawing very little air out, clean and repair the ventilation so it is working properly.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: THE ICE SCOOP WAS LEFT INSIDE THE ICE BIN, Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

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. THE FRONT DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING OR RODENT PROOFED HAS A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE THE DOOR TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROOFED. SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-020. COURT DATE 04/28/2011 9:00AM ROOM 112 AT 400 WEST SUPERIOR CHICAGO,IL OR YOU MAY PAY THE FINE BY MAIL SEE THE BACK OF THE TICKET.

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. ICE MACHINE IN FRONT AREA IS MISSING THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME.

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

Inspector’s note: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOOD AND FILTERS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.

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. THE FLOOR IN THE PREP AREA IS NOT CLEAN THICK WITH GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND CHANGE MOP HEADS OFTEN.

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

Inspector’s note: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE NOR VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS PREPARED(BEANS, RICE, BEEF.) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AND POST VALID CERTIFICATE ON SITE. SERIOUS 7-38-012 ISSUED.

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

Inspector’s note: Label prepared and cooked food products in refrigeration unit.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove cardboard, aluminum, cloth, plastic lining from prep shelves and bottom of prep tables. Repair gasket at upright refrigerator and provide handle at salsa refrigerator. Provide screen for window in women toilet room.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean ventilation hood filters, fan grids inside refrigeration units, interior of hand wash sink at prep areas, interior of fryer, interior of prep reach-in cooler, and cutting boards.

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. REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILE IN MENS TOILET ROOM, PROVIDE FLOOR TILES FOR MISSING SECTIONS IN DINING AREA AT SEATING BOOTHS, CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT 1ST. FLOOR AND BASEMENT. SEAL OPENINGS AT FLOOR IN BASEMENT. CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN BASEMENT. REMOVE CIGARETTE BUTTS FROM BASEMENT FLOORS AND REAR STORAGE AREA.

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. REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS IN DINING AND PREP AREAS. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPING AND CONDUITS BY SALSA REFRIGERATOR AND BY ANSEL UNIT ABOVE PREP COOLER.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE UNUSED ITEMS AT REAR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT/ORGANIZE CLUTTER AT REAR STORAGE AREA AND MOPS/BROOMS IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM.