MARIA'S MEXICAN RESTURANT

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED TO PRODUCE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS IN INTERIOR OF COOLER LOCATED ON PREP LINE OPPOSITE GRILL AND 1 OF 2 HAND DRYERS IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BOTH PIECES OF EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF ICE IN INTERIOR OF BOX FREEZER USED TO STORE ICE CREAM. INSTRUCTED DEFROST AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN GARBAGE CORRAL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED MULTIPLE FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ONSITE AT ALL TIMES.

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Comments: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION #2613788 DATED 3/14/2025. LEFT NEW SUMMARY AND INSTRUCTED TO POST FOR PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments: NOTED SHELLFISH (MUSSELS)IN A CONTAINER INSIDE THE BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER WITH NO IDENTIFICATION TAGS AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS HAVE TAGS ATTACHED TO THE EACH BATCH UNTIL THE LAST PRODUCT IS USED AND THEN THE TAG MUST BE STORED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 90 DAYS IN A FOLDER. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $50.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE UPRIGHT FREEZER AT THE DOOR AND SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION UNITS.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NOTED UPPER COMPARTMENT OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED LEAKAGE AT THE BOTTOM PIPE OF THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS (BAR,WASHROOMS).

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED (TCS FOODS) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN-COOLER.OBSERVED COOKED PINTO BEANS AND BLACK BEANS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM (44.6 F-47.8 F).ALL (TCS FOODS) MUST BE HELD AT PROPER HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0 F OR COLDER AT ALL TIMES.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 70#'S OF FOOD WORTH $400.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: FOUND INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN ON THE MENUS.MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED GAP OPENING AT BOTTOM OF REAR KITCHEN EXIT DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND TO MAINTAIN.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT BAR AREA.MUST INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AT LEFT SIDE OF HAND SINK NEXT TO DRAINBOARD OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND TO MAINTAIN.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND TO MAINTAIN.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES.MUST PROVIDE CURRENT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2544936 DATED:12/02/2021 #58--FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF BELOW 180F. (NOTED SANITIZING RINSE OF 110F) INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. (DISHMACHINE IS NOT IN USED AT THIS TIME, PREMISES HAS 3 COMPARTMENT SINK). A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 – 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED ‘HELD FOR INSPECTION’. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE WHICH TO BE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LOOSE FAUCET AT HANDSINK BEHIND THE BAR.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS INSIDE ELECTRICAL CLOSET IN THE KITCHEN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/COOKING AREA.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND SINK OPPOSITE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN REAR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED ITEMS ON MENU SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED, SUCH AS CEVICHE, WITH NO DISCLOSURE, REMINDER, AND DISCLAIMER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCLOSURE, REMINDER, AND DISCLAIMER ON ALL VERSIONS OF MENU FOR ALL ITEMS SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BARRELS CONTAINING TORTILLA CHIPS WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BARRELS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE PRODUCT.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM COMING LOOSE FROM WALL. INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK AND SECURELY MOUNT TO WALL.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON FANS IN WALK-IN COOLER USED TO STORE PROTEINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON FAN IN EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.