La Torta Chilanga

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

Inspector’s note: Observed approx 25-30 mouse droppings in the rear food storage area on the floor under the shelving with the red storage containers, on the black shelving and around the deep freezers. Also observed approx 30-40 mouse droppings in the basment area along the walls. Instructed to clean, contact pest control service and have service sheet provided as proof of service by the return inspection date of november 6th 2024. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) citation issued.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the shelving of the rear reach in two door cooling units with a build up of rust and stains on the lower base of the floor. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of grease on the hood ventilation filters in the rear food prep area. Instructed to clean and maintain as a means of preventing possible contamination of foods being prepared in area.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violation not corrected from report 2582282 dated 9/25/2023 #47 4-501.11 out, c, 12/25/2023,observed damaged gasket on rear two door reach-in cooler. Instructed manager to repair. Violation upgraded to priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on slicer and prep table. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged gasket on rear two door reach-in cooler. Instructed manager to repair.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed low hot water pressure at hand washing sink in juice bar. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 1/4" gap on right bottom of rear door. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on door to prevent pest entry.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on slicer and prep table. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution between uses.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged gasket on rear two door reach-in cooler. Instructed manager to repair.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed low hot water pressure at hand washing sink in juice bar. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from inspection report #2568367 on 12-12-22: 38-observed front entrance door not rodent proofed with a one inch gap in between the two doors. Instructed to make said door tight fitting and rodent proofed. 51-unable to locate the back flow prevention device on the ice machine. Instructed to locate or provide. 57-observed no food handler certificates provided for the cooks and waitress staff. Instructed to meet requirement. 58-observed no allergen training certificates on site. Instructed to meet requirement. Priority foundation 7-42-090 citation issued

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b) observed no thermometers inside of the refrigeration units and reach in freezers. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed dry storage containers not properly labeled with the product name. Instructed to label all dry storage containers.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed front entrance door not rodent proofed with a one inch gap in between the two doors. Instructed to make said door tight fitting and rodent proofed.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed excessive accumulated food and grease debris under the flat top grills and inside of the fryer. Instructed to clean and sanitize 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 or provide.

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

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

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed excessive grease debris under all cooking equipment, observed accumulated dirt debris under and behind all refrigeration units. Instructed to clean and sanitize all.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-301.11 observed a 2 door prep cooler, with tcs foods inside, at an inadequate cold holding temperature of 48f during the inspection. Instructed to not use said prep cooler and always maintain all refrigeration units at 41f or below at all times. Said refrigeration unit tagged and held for inspection and may not be used. Prioirity violation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b) observed no thermometers inside of the refrigeration units and reach in freezers. Instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed dry storage containers not properly labeled with the product name. Instructed to label all dry storage containers.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of pest activity on site. Observed about 20 rodent droppings located in the rear by the ice machine, about 50 rodent droppings located in between the wall and 2 door refrigerator in the front food prep area and about 20 rodent droppings located under the front food prep area's 3 compartment sink. Observed about 2 live large flies flying around the customer dining area. Instructed to eliminate rodent/insect activity, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

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

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 observed front entrance door not rodent proofed with a one inch gap in between the two doors. Instructed to make said door tight fitting and rodent proofed.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed cardboard being reused as a floor liner. Instructed to not reuse cardboard, all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.

Gloves weren’t used properly.

Inspector’s note: 3-304.15(b-d) observed food handlers without knowledge of when to use food grade disposable gloves. Instructed to train all food handlers on proper glove use.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed excessive accumulated food and grease debris under the flat top grills and inside of the fryer. Instructed to clean and sanitize 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 or provide.

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

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

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed excessive grease debris under all cooking equipment, observed accumulated dirt debris under and behind all refrigeration units. Instructed to clean and sanitize all.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed large bulk storage container with dry food stored inside not labeled. Instructed manager to properly label with products name.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the rubber gasket around the prep cooler in the kitchen in poor repair. Must repair for a proper seal.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed large bulk storage container with dry food stored inside not labeled. Instructed manager to properly label with products name.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 20 mice droppings scattered on the floor behind the 2 door cooler at the bar area, noted 10 mice droppings scattered on a dry storage shelf in the kitchen, 5 mice droppings on top of the bulk storage container and 15 mice droppings on top of a bag with clean wiping clothes inside in the rear. Instructed to remove and detail clean and sanitize affected areas. Call pest control for service. Priority foundation citation issued #7-38.020.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the rubber gasket around the prep cooler in the kitchen in poor repair. Must repair for a proper seal.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed all cooking equipment with accumulated food and grease debris located inside of the fryer, under the flat top grill and the exterior of the oven. Instructed to clean and sanitize.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed all counter tops, storage shelving, bulk storage containers,interior of the cooler dirty. Must detail clean and maintain to prevent futher food source for pest.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacle inside of the unisex washroom. Instructed to provide and maintain as required.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed a few holes and openings into the wall and floor in the rear storage area. Must seal to prevent entry points for pest.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter on the storage shelves in the rear dry storage area. Must remove all unnecessary items to prevent harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors need detail cleaning and sanitizing through out especially where droppings were found.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed the light shield in the kitchen missing. Must replace and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed burnt out lights in the kitchen. Must replace and maintain, must provide proper lighting.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed all cooking equipment with accumulated food and grease debris located inside of the fryer, under the flat top grill and the exterior of the oven. Instructed to clean and sanitize.

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 toilet room. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 observed some broken floor tiles in the food prep area. Instructed to make surface smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed evidence of live rodent and live cockroach activity. Observed about 10 live cockroaches in and around the condenser of the reach in freezer located in the rear, observed about 20 rodent droppings located around the ice machine, about 30 rodent droppings behind the 2 door refrigeration unit, about 20 rodent droppings located on the dry storage lids, about 30 rodent droppings under the dry storage shelves and about 40 rodent dropping by the basement door. Instructed to clean and sanitize affected areas and recommend contacting pest control for a service. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(a).

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed all cooking equipment with accumulated food and grease debris located inside of the fryer, under the flat top grill and the exterior of the oven. Instructed to clean and sanitize.

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 toilet room. Instructed to provide.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.15 observed the outside grease dumpster lid with accumulated grease debris. Instructed to clean. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(b).

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 observed some broken floor tiles in the food prep area. Instructed to make surface smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk food storage containers not labeled, items removed from original container, ie flour,rice,onions, instructed to label all containers.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles in front dining area, and in rear kitchen prep area, instructed to replace/and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling light shield not clean in rear prep area, and in rear storage area, instructed to clean. Also clean front wall vent(dusty).

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 evidence of rodent activity in the basement and rear storage area. Approximately 50 rat droppings were observed on the floor in the basement along the walls, and 15 rat droppings on the floor behind the chest freezer and prep coolers. Management instructed to clean and remove the droppings from the affected areas. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Serious violation 7-38-020.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the floor of the basement and rear storage room especially behind equipment. Maintain the floor dry in the basement.

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations from report #1932865 on 6/16/16 not corrected: 35 - observed water damaged ceiling tiles kitchen prep area, instructed to replace. Also clean kitchen prep ceiling light shields grease stains inside light shield. 38 - observed front juice bar 2nd. Prep area with out hand sink, instructed to provide. Serious violation 7-42-090.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace the torn door gaskets inside of the prep coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean the following items in the rear food prep area: dry storage container and lid for beans, stainless steel spice shelf, interior of microwave, interior of prep coolers, ventilation hood and blender.

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

Inspector’s note: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZADROUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME, ALSO NO ENROLLMENT RECEIPT ON PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012a.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the cutting boards, #10 can opener/prep table, and slicer not clean, instructed to clean and sanitize above items.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles kitchen prep area, instructed to replace. Also clean kitchen prep ceiling light shields grease stains inside light shield.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no light shield in rear storage over whole vegetables, instructed to preovide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed front juice bar 2nd. Prep area with out hand sink, instructed to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove grocery bags and properly store food in food storage bags or containers in coolers and freezers. Repair/replace top door and gasket on deep freezer. Install splash guard between exposed sink and prep table.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of all coolers, cooler gaskets, fryer, fryer cabinets, grill, holding units, slicer, prep tables.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep area(food debris), near beverage cooler in front counter area(dead roaches), and rear storage areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Provide adequate light shields in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair cold water handle on hand sink. Install back flow device on utility sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Properly organize all coolers. Provide separate area for all cleaning equipment. Elevate all stock off floor in rear storage area.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: No one on site with food handler certificate. Information given

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations from 10-21-14 insp#396 report #1363225 not corrected: #32 replace/repair rusty shlvings inside the kitchen coolers using a non-toxic finish and maintain #33 interiors/exteriors of coolers,kitchen shelvings tops/bottoms of prep tables,sides of hot cooking equipments and interior of deep fryer and maintain. #38 no ventilation inside the toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain. Instructed to coorect and maintain. Serious violation 7-42-090 citation issued. Previous minor violations not corrected

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

Inspector’s note: All multi use articles must be stored in a clean sanitized location. Must correct and maintain at all times

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

Inspector’s note: Rubber gaskets at reach in coolers in need of replacing or repair. Must correct and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: All rubber gaskets in need of detail cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors through out 1st and basement in need of detail cleaning under and around all equipment to remove all debris and food spills. Must correct and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Walls and ceiling in need of cleaning in food prep area to remove all food splatter and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Air vents in reach in coolers in need of cleaning to remove all build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: All unnecessary clutter in rear area must be removed. Correct and maintain at all times.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: No one on site with food handler certificate. Information given

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

Inspector’s note: Replace/repair rusty shlvings inside the kitchen coolers using a non-toxic finish and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Interiors/exteriors of coolers,kitchen shelvings tops/bottoms of prep tables,sides of hot cooking equipments and interior of deep fryer and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: No ventilation inside the toilet room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: No thermometer inside the kitchen 1 door refrigerator.intructed to provide visible and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove unnecessary articles in basement storage area due to potential pest harborage and remaining articles must be stored at least 6" off the floor/wall for easier cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Raw wood surfaces at front counter. Instd to paint same.

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

Inspector’s note: Interior bottom rear of fryer cabinet not clean, excessive grease. Clean same and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Improper stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Instd to provide proper stoppers.