Pizano's Pizza & Pasta Express

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: NOTED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS 51 WITH THE RULES NUMBERS BELOW FROM INSPECTION #2598595 DATED 8/5/2024 NOT CORRECTED:-51) 5-205.15: System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED LEAK AT BASE OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT THE ABOVE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed card board lining shelving in rear area under the flour stored in the rear. Instructed to remove any and all card board as a means of preventing possible harboring and breeding of insects.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed floor broken at the double side door of the facility exposed concrete noticed. Instructed to repair and maintain as a means of preventing possible instect entering and easy of being able to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust build up on the metal shelving in the rear storage area with the serving pans and other cooking and food storage items. Instructed to clean and maintain area.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: 8-404.13(B:4) NOTED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS 51 WITH THE RULES NUMBERS BELOW FROM INSPECTION #2598595 DATED 8/5/2025 NOT CORRECTED:-51) 5-205.15: System Maintained in Good Repair (In Good Repair) OBSERVED LEAK AT BASE OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT THE ABOVE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed open gap at bottom of mesh screen at exterior back exit door leading towards the outside dumpsters which allows for pests to enter. Exterior doors shall be: self-closing, solid and tight fitting, and limited to designated use.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed single use cups without a handle used as a scoop for dry storage food products stored in the back area. Facility must provide a scoop with a handle.

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

Inspector’s note: Cardboard used as lining for shelving near the 3compartment sink. Facility must ensure that all surfaces must be smooth, easily cleanable, durable, and non-absorbent.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation dated on 10/3/2022; inspection report #:2564693 has not been corrected. #51) 5-204.12: observed no backflow prevention device connected to utility sink. Instructed to install in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed no backflow prevention device connected to utility sink. Instructed to install in accordance with all relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of grease on exterior of used cooking oil container located in rear garbage area. Instructed to clean and maintain in good repair.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed multiple wiping cloths stored on counters throughout prep area. Must store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses to prevent contamination, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must replace cutting board on prep cooler, in prep area. Dark groove and stains present, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean dried food debris from cutting blade on mounted can opener in prep area, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must replace missing handel on 2-door reach in freezer across from front service counter, instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Found broken door gaskets on multiple prep coolers, instructed to repair and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean ice and food debris from interior contact surface of 1-door upright freezer in rear, instructed to maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky drain pipe underneath handwashing sink in prep area, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide covered trash receptacles in both unisex toilet rooms, and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean grease and loose food debris from floors under heavy equipment. Instructed to maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must provide hooks for wet mops for proper drying, instructed to install and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must install light shields on kitchen ceiling lights, shields missing, instructed to maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and dust accumulation from hood filters above cooking equipment, instructed to maintain.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Visable and working thermometer needed at the 2-door prep cooler. Must provide and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed slow leak underneat sewer pipe of the hand washing in food prep area. Must repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease and food debris on floor behind cooking equipment. Must clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shield cover at light fixture units above prep tables and above 3 compartment sink in rear dish washing area. Instructed manager to provide shield and must maintain at all times.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust build up on ceiling ventilation vents inside emplyee washroom. Must clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Condensation noted in walk-in cooler at cooling lines, instructed to insulate to prevent condensation.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Mop head stored too close to clean pans and 3-comp sink, instructed to keep away to prevent contamination.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Kitchen ceiling lights missing shield, instructed to install.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-602.11(b:5)- observed prep packed ready to eat food cheese cake, stored in cooler without proper labels. Informed manager that ready to eat foods that are stored in coolers for more than 24 hours, must have a label with common name, ingredients, allergens, date, etc. Must be posted on said items. Instructed manager to provide label and date. Maintain at all times. Priority foundation violation # 7-38-005 no citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307-11- observed slight build up of black mold like substance on baffle flap of ice machine in dry storage closet. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15- observed broken/missing back flow preventer cap on mop sink faucet. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-204.12- unable to identify back flow prevention device on ice machines in front dry storage room. Instructed manager to identify or install device on both ice machines. Maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.11- observed duct tape used as a means of repair on top exterior surface lid of kenmore ice chest in kitchen prep area. Instructed manager to repair or replace unit. Maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.17- observed stainless steel ceiling panel loose in walk in. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-202.11- observed missing light shield cover at light fixture units above 3 compartment sink in rear dish washing area. Instructed manager to provide shield. Maintain at all times.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-303.11- observed burnt out light fixture in paper good store closet. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn gaskets on bottom half of small walk in cooler door. Must repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed dust accumulating on the fan covers in both restrooms, as well as in the hood above the fryers. Also observed food debris and stains in the interior of the cook line prep cooler. Must detail clean all and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed holes cut into ceiling drywall in rear dry storage area to service pipes. Must refinish ceiling so that it is smooth and easily cleanable in all areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter in front storage closet. Must organize storage items so they are at least 6 inches off the floor. Observed mops and brooms stored on the floor throughout the facility. Must store mops and brooms inverted or 6 inches off the floor.

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

Inspector’s note: Found grease and grime build-up inside both deep fryers in the kitchen area.instructed to detail clean, sanitize and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Found grease and grime build-up at floor corners and floor under and around both deep fryers.instructed to detail clean, sanitize and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Top of chest freezer is loose at kitchen area.instructed to repair/replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rodent mice droppings-approximately 15 behind clutter in rear dry storage room along the west wall base and rear exit door not rodent-proofed approx 1" inch gap at bottom left corner of said door.instructed to detail clean and sanitize all affected areas and rodent-proof said door to prevent pest entry also,pest control service is reccomended at this time. Serious violation 7-38-020.

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

Inspector’s note: No chemical test kit on site to measure sanitizing levels.instructed to provide and maintain as required.serious violation 7-38-030.

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

Inspector’s note: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#Inspection #: 1770431 DATED:05/09/2016 . 32 REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL LINERS FROM KITCHEN SHELVINGS AND AROUND THE PREP COOLER AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACES. 08/09/2016 33 THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING FAN COVERS AND SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER,INTERIOR BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS,FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS ETC. 08/09/2016 34 FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES INCLUDING INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN. 08/09/2016 35 INTERIORS OF LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUUT THE PREMISES ARE NOT CLEAN.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. WALLS/CEILINGS IN PREP AREA WITH SPLASHED FOOD DEBRIS,STAINS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. 08/09/2016 38 MISSING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVI

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

Inspector’s note: Top of chest freezer is loose at kitchen area.instructed to repair/replace

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

Inspector’s note: Missing light shield in kitchen food prep area and inside the front walk-in-cooler.instructed to provide light shields for light bulbs and maintain adequate lighting.

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

Inspector’s note: All stock items must be properly stored at least 6" inches off the floor and away from wall and remove unnecessary articles due to potential pest harborage and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove aluminum foil liners from kitchen shelvings and around the prep cooler and maintain to smooth and cleanable surfaces.

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

Inspector’s note: The following requires a detail cleaning fan covers and shelvings inside the walk-in-cooler,interior bottom compartments of deep fryers,filters above the cooking equipments etc.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors along walls and in all corners throughout the premises including inside the walk-in-cooler requires a detail cleaning and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Interiors of light shields throughouut the premises are not clean.instructed to detail clean and maintain. Walls/ceilings in prep area with splashed food debris,stains.instructed to clean and sanitize and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Missing sink stoppers for the dishwashing 3 compartment sink.instructed to provide adequate sink stoppers and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Outside area must be better maintained and stock items must be stored at least 6 inches off the floor and away from wall for easier cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Noted some food items inside coolers not completely labeled. Instructed to label all food items with product name, prepared by date and/or use by date including bulk items.

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

Inspector’s note: Noted broken lids with thorn gaskets at 2 chest freezers. Instructed to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floors along walls and behind cooking stove at the prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Noted dust and dirt accumulation on fans inside rear walk in cooler. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide additional shelving for the front walk-in cooler.

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

Inspector’s note: Seal the opening in the wall behind the deep fryers.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: Inspection report summary not posted in plain view of establishment customers. Manager was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to posted. Serious violation 7-42-010(b).

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

Inspector’s note: Rusty shelving inside walk-in cooler located at front prep area. Must repaint or replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Stoppers needed at 3-compartment sink. Must provide

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Visible and working thermometer needed at rear display cooler. Must provide.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Wiping clothes stored on top of prep tables in kitchen area. Must properly store wiping clothes in a sanitizing solution when not in use.

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

Inspector’s note: No certified food handler on site while handling potentially hazardous foods (slicing cheese), instructed tgo obtain.

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

Inspector’s note: Single service containers are used as a scoop for spices, instructed to use proper scoops.

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

Inspector’s note: Walk-in cooler ceiling with dirt build-up, moldy caulkin at 3-comp sink. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Employees personal items stored on food shelves and prep table, instructed to store away from food storage.

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.REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO TRASH DUMPSTERS MUST BE RODENT PROOFED ALL ACCROSS THE BOTTOM.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered

Inspector’s note: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance.FOUND OUTSIDE TRASH DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED WITH EXCESS OVERFLOW OF TRASH DURING THIS INSPECTION.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health.FOUND PLUMBERS PUTTY INSIDE THE 1 COMPARTMENT PREP SINK IN KITCHEN.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

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.SPLASHGUARD IS NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN.

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

Inspector’s note: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELDS FOR THE LIGHT FIXTURES OVER COOKING EQUIPMENTS.

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.ELECTRIC CHICKEN ROTISSERIE IN KITCHEN MUST BE UNDER VENTILATION, WHEN THE EQUIPMENT IS MORE THAN 7.5 KILOWATTS,REPAIR/REPLACE HANDLES AT HANDSINKS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS.