GARCIA'S RESTAURANT

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NOTED SOME UPPER PORTIONS OF ALL THREE ICE MACHINES IN THE BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IE: PLASTIC BINS OF TORTILLAS, MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED ICE AND FOOD SCOOPS BEING STORED INSIDE FOODS AND SOME WITHOUT HANDLES INVERTED FROM FOOD. MUST HAVE PROPER FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED TORN RUBBER DOOR GASKET REPAIRED WITH DUCT TAPE ON THE BAR SMALL WHITE FREEZER. MUST REPLACE GASKET.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS LINER FOR EQUIPMENT OR SURFACES OF THE PASS THROUGH WINDOW FROM THE COOKS LINE TO THE REAR PREP. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACE.----NOTED DIRTY HAND WASHING SINK AT THE DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION ABOVE THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES ON THE COOKS LINE.----MISSING WALL TILE AT THE LARGE DISH MACHINE.---- MISSING/DAMAGED FLOOR VENT COVER BEHIND THE COOKS LINE.MUST REPAIR/REPLACE ALL. ---- NOTED CARDBOARD USED AS MATTING FOR FLOORS IN PREP AREAS. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS.----NOTED THE COOKS LINE WEST WINDOW SILL WHERE TORTILLAS ARE STORED IS DAMAGED WITH PEELING PAINT AND CHIPPING WOOD. MUST REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.-----EXCESSIVE FOOD SPLATTER ON THE CEILING IN THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.12--Observed storage of food service equipment and other items for use near and below waste lines that are not properly shielded in basement area near walk in coolers. Instructed manager to appropriately shield waste lines to intercept potential drips.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: Observed no signed employee health policies on site at time of inspection. Instructed manager to inform and provide acknowledgement of health policy to all employees with a signature and to maintain as required with all new hires. Priority foundation violation, 7-38-010. Citation issued.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Observed no handwashing sign located in the handwashing sink at employee bathroom in basement preparation area. Instructed manager to provide proper handwashing signage.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: Observed improper cold holding temperatures of TCS foods inside of kitchen 2 door prep line cooler near to go service area. The following items were observed to be above 41F: chicken at 44.4F; steak at 45.6F; sliced tomatoes at 45.7F; chile rellenos at 47.1F. Management voluntarily discarded approximately 8lbs of food worth $200. Instructed management to cold hold all TCS foods at 41F or colder at all times. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation Issued.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: Observed 2 door reach in cooler located in prep area adjacent to go service area with an ambient internal air temperature at 44.7F. The cooler was used to store TCS foods such as chicken and sliced tomatoes. Instructed manager to repair and maintain internal temperature below 41F. Management immediately notified refrigeration service at time of inspection. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued. See comments.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: Observed no working thermometer in reach in cooler at front prep line. Manager provided a replacement at time of inspection.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: Observed dry goods storage bins in prep area to not have common food items labeled on exterior. Instructed manager to label all storage bins with the common name of the contents.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: Observed storage of food service equipment and other items for use near and below waste lines that are not properly shielded in basement area near walk in coolers. Instructed manager to appropriately shield waste lines to intercept potential drips.

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: Observed utensils stored with food contact surfaces in contact with handles at to go service area. Instructed manager to invert and store all utensils with handles facing up for access.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Observed shelves in the walk in meat cooler in basement as well as in the basement prep area to be peeling and rusty. Instructed manager to repair or replace damaged shelves for shelves with a smooth and easily cleanable surface.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Observed damaged gaskets at the reach in cooler in prep area adjacent to the to go service as well as damaged gaskets in the reach in cooler in the bar area in dining area. Instructed manager to replace damaged gaskets.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: Observed heavy food residue and debris in the gaskets of the display cooler in the to go service area as well as dust and debris build up. Instructed manager to clean and maintain area free of any food residue and debris build up.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: Observed the food prep sink located immediately at the entrance of the basement to have a leak from the drain below the sink. Instructed manager to repair and maintain prep sink in good repair.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: Observed the employee bathroom located in the basement preparation area to not be self closing at time of inspection. Instructed manager to provide a functional self closing device on bathroom door.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Observed storage of unused slicer and storage bins in basement of facility, as well as storage of employee personal items on shelves in the dishwashing area on main level. Instructed manager to maintain or remove any unnecessary items.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Observed mops stored within buckets at the utility sink area under stairs in basement. Instructed manager to invert or store mops appropriately for drying.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Observed a missing filter in the overhead exhaust system in the grilling prep area adjacent to the to go service area. Instructed manager to replace and maintain exhaust filters.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Observed one dimly lit light bulb in the walk in meat cooler in the basement storage area. Instructed manager to replace light bulb to provide an appropriate intensity within walk in cooler.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: Previous core violations from inspection report #2581705, 9/14/2023 not corrected. #47--4-101.19: OBSERVED SEVERAL RACKS NEAR THE DISH AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT WITH CHIPPED FINISH AND RUST BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS. #55--6-501.114: OBSERVED CLUTTER OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL RACKS NEAR THE DISH AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT WITH CHIPPED FINISH AND RUST BUILD-UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DECLUTTER

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS WITH AN ACCUMULATION OF DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL SOME FOOD CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR, SUGAR ETC) IN REAR PREP AND IN BASEMENT PREP/STORAGE AREA

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE MUST BE COVERED INSIDE FAMILY WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER/LID.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL FLOOR BASEBOARD INSIDE/AROUND THE BAR.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: FOUND INCOMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: FOUND NO WRITTEN PROTOCOL AVAILABLE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A WRITTEN RECORD DESCRIBING PROTOCOL FOR CHECKING PROOF OF VACCINATION IN PUBLIC PLACES. VIOLATION 2-112-340

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: OBSERVED NO RECORDS OF EMPLOYEE VACCINATION STATUS OR WEEKLY TESTING PER PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER EXHIBIT A. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. VIOLATION 2-112-340

MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNAGE POSTED AT THE ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE TO THE COVERED LOCATION AND AT LEAST ONE LOCATION INSIDE PREMISES THAT IS CONSPICOUSLY VISIBLE, INFORMING PATRONS OF THE FULL VACCINATION REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO POST SIGNAGE. VIOLATION 2-112-340

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE TOP OF THE DISHMACHINE.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEXT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE PREP COOLERS AND BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER. OBSERVED SALSA AT 47.3F, MILK AT 49.5F, COOKED BEANS AT 54.3F, EGGS AT 46.4F, CHEESE AT 44.6F, SHREDDED LETTUCE AT 48.6F, AND SOUR CREAM AT 46.4F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COLD FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU WITH AN ASTERISK OR OTHER METHOD. REMINDER STATEMENT MUST INCLUDE "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORED DAIRY PRODUCTS AND SALSA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE BIN BEHIND THE BAR. ALSO OBSERVED A SPOON TO SERVE CEVICHE STORED INSIDE THE CONTAINER WITH THE HANDLE TOUCHING THE FOOD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN USE UTENSILS PROPERLY.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE TOP OF THE DISHMACHINE.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: THE MIDDLE SINK IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST REPAIR SO THAT THE SINK DRAINS PROPERLY.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. MUST PROVIDE.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP IN CLEAN AND DURABLE ICE SCOOP HOLDER.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY CUTTING BOARD WITH DARK STAINS AND DEEP GROOVES IN MAIN PREP AREA BEHIND REGISTERS NEAR FRONT ENTRANCE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN UNISEX BATHROOM IN BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR IN BASEMENT NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: ESTABLISHMENT WITH CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS BUT MISSING SOME CLEANING SUPPLIES . INSTRUCT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: MISSING ONE DRAIN STOPPER FOR THE 3 BIG COMPARTMENT SINK AND MISSING THREE DRAIN STOPPERS FOR THE SMALL THREE COMPARTMENT. MUST PROVIDE.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CAULK WORN OUT AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SIBK IN THE PREP AREA. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSEREVED ALL CLEANING MATERIAL(BROOMS, DUST PANS, SHOVEL, ETC.) STORED IN THE PREP AREA/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DESIGNATE AREA FOR ALL CLEANING MATERIALS.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOOR INSIDE THE BEER ROOM WITH DUST AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDERNEATH ALL DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVINGS IN THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS IN THE TEQUILA STORAGE AREA. MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11-NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17-INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED ALL REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: 3-304.14-WIPING CLOTH FOR WIPING THE PREP TABLES,CHOPPING BOARD, COOLERS,DINING TABLES MUST BE STORED ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-204.13-FOUND ICE SCOOP BEHIND THE BAR STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE INSIDE THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER HANDLE UP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13-FAN GUARD OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.17-CEILING VENT COVER IN THE FAMILY WASHROOM AND LADIES WASHROOM WITH DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN. CEILING VENT COVER BY THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ABOVE THE HALLWAY GOING TO THE WASHROOM WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13-SOME OF THE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE ARE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO RE TAKE THE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CLASS AND OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: PA-100-0367-NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Observed sour mix stored in the basement under an exposed waste water pipe. Instructed facility to relocate mix or to shield or enclose items under waste pipes and to maintain.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: Observed dirt and debris on the floor of the bar. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Observed a leak under the drain pipe of the middle compartment at the kitchen three compartment sink. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.