LA CHOZA MEXICAN GRILL

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD PRODUCTS IN DRY CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME)FLOUR ETC.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE REACH-IN FREEZER,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NO SOAP PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP/DISHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION :7-38-030(C),CITATION ISSUED. ON 3-15-2024 FOUND SAID SINK WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS.

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: A LARGE PAN OF COOKED RICE STORED ON TOP DRAIN BOARD OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AT TEMP OF 112.6F TO 117.4F. POUNDS 20,COST 200. HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 135F AND ABOVE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION: 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: LARGE PAN OF COOKED CHICKEN PIECES AND BROTH AT TEMP 0F 49.6F TO 50.1F(POUNDS 30,VALUE 400); COOKED PORK RIBS AND VEGGIE AT TEMP OF 48.7F(POUNDS 25,VALUE 400).COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW.FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005.CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 MUST INDICATE ON MENU "COOK TO ORDER" PHRASE FOR EGGS,STEAKS, ETC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005,

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD PRODUCTS IN DRY CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME)FLOUR ETC.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE REACH-IN FREEZER,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: THE CUTTING BOARD NEXT TO THE MACHINE SLICER IS SEVERELY SCRATCHED, WHICH PREVENTS PROPER CLEANING AND SANITIZING EQUIPMENT. THE FACILITY MUST RESURFACE THE BOARD OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CEILING TILE MISSING/DAMAGED ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA CONTAINING SLICER AND CUTTING BOARD. MUST REPLACE TILE AND MAINTAIN CEILING.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSRVED SOILED KNIFES AND KNIFE RACK. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: FOOD CONTAINER NEAR SLICER MAQCHINE IS NOT LABELED. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE LABEL TO ALL FOOD STORAGE ITEMS THAT IS OUT OF ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: THE EXTERIOR BACK ENTRANCE DOOR HAS AN OPENING ON THE BOTTOM, WHICH CAN ALLOW FOR PESTS TO ENTER. EXTERIOR DOORS SHALL BE SELF-CLOSING, SOLID AND TIGHT FITTING, AND LIMITED TO DESIGNATED USE.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOOD CONTAINERS THAT ARE STORED IN THE STAND-UP COOLERS/FREEZER AND PREP-LINE COOLER DOES NOT HAVE A COVER. ONCE FOOD HAS COOLED DOWN TO 41F AND BELOW, FACILITY MUST PROVIDE COVER FOR FOODS.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: BOWL WITHOUT A HANDLE IS USED AS A SCOOP IN THE RICE CONTAINER STORED IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. THE FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: N-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP SURFACES IN THE KITCHEN AND FRONT STATION AREA. 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.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: THE CUTTING BOARD NEXT TO THE MACHINE SLICER IS SEVERELY SCRATCHED, WHICH PREVENTS PROPER CLEANING AND SANITIZING EQUIPMENT. THE FACILITY MUST RESURFACE THE BOARD OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD.

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE SLICING FRESH TOMATOES AND ASSEMBLING READY-TO-EAT LETTUCE, ONION, AND TOMATOES FOR A SALAD WITH BARE HANDS. REVIEWED NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN ON THE COOK LINE CUTTING BOARD DIRECTLY NEXT TO FRESH READY-TO-EAT TOMATOES AND AVOCADO THAT WERE BEING SLICED AND PREPARED. ALSO OBSERVED WERE RAW EGGS STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF READY-TO-EAT TORTILLAS, ROASTED PEPPERS, AND RAW ONIONS IN THE TOP REFRIGERATION AREA OF THE COOKS LINE COOLER. ALL FOODS WERE REMOVED AND DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED ALL PREPARED TCS READY TO EAT FOODS THROUGHOUT ALL COOLERS NOT LABELED. NO EXPIRATION DATES OR PREP DATES. FOOD SUCH AS COOKED RICE, FLAN, COOKED MEATS AND BEANS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. 100 LBS, $100. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: NOTED ANIMAL ORIGIN UNDER COOKED FOODS SUCH AS OVER EASY EGGS ON THE MENU NOT DISCLOSED OR REMINDED FOR THE CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED ON THE MENU. MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND FOR SUCH ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: BROKEN INTERNAL THERMOMETER INSIDE THE COOKS LINE COOLER. MUST REPLACE.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: BULK DRIED PEPPER CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP SURFACES THROUGHOUT. MUST STORE IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AT REAR STORAGE.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKETS REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE ON THE COOKS LINE COOLER AND TALL REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST REPLACE RUBBER GASKETS.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED CRACKED/DAMAGED PLASTIC LIDS FOR THE PREPARED READY TO EAT FLAN. MUST REPLACE.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES OR RAW WOODEN BLOCKS AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION/SUPPORT FOR SHELVING.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: EXTREMELY DIRTY, FOOD ENCRUSTED SPICE CONTAINER ON THE COOKS LINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.-----NOTED PEELING DUCT TAPE BEING USED ON THE FOOD SHREDDER. MUST REPLACE FOOD SHREDDER.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP AND REAR DISH AREA. MUST REPLACE.---- MISSING/DAMAGED WALL TILE AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE FOR PERSONAL ITEMS AWAY FROM FOOD AND FOOD PREP.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MT CASTILLO. MUST PROVIDE.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2510080 ON 5-21-21 WERE NOT CORRECTED. #49- FOUND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.#55- FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN IN DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42 090 CITATION ISSUED.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: FOUND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO HAND WASH SINK THE DISH WASHING AREA AT THE REAR. ADDITIONAL HAND WASH SINK NEEDED EQUIPPED WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: PREPACKAGED 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER, DOORS OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO HAND WASH SINK THE DISH WASHING AREA AT THE REAR. ADDITIONAL HAND WASH SINK NEEDED EQUIPPED WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: PREPACKAGED 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.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE PREP SERVICE COOLER, DOORS OF 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT ALL AT THE KITCHEN PREP AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST DISCLOSE AND REMIND SUCH ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED -

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME. -

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: RAW WOODEN LEG THAT HOLDS UP WASH BOWL IN MEN'S WASHROOM. ALL RAW WOOD MUST BE PAINTED OR SEALED. -

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION IN PREP AREA. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: DUCT TAPE ON TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AND COOLER UNDER THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM COOKING EQUIPMENT ,MUST REPLACE RUBBER GASKET.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INTERIOR OF REACH-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. -

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA WITH DEBRIS AND ITEMS ON FLOOR: GLOVE,FOOD PAPER ETC,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATIONS ISSUED.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP D MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: READY TO EAT OF TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS PREPARRED AND HELD IN A RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT FOR OVER 24 HOURS MUST HAVE A CLEARLY MARKED LABELING SYSTEM IN PLACE HICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHTO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE MAIN COOKING AREA NEED TO BE CLEANED AND MAINTAINED.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BULBS ABOVE COOKING LINE NEED PROTECTIVE SHEILDING.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO MAINTAIN.