THE NEW CONGRESS PIZZA

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR CLUTTERED TELEPHONE SERVICE COUNTER SPACE AREA AND INSIDE BOTTOM CABINET OF HAND SINK IN SAME AREA.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.13---OBSERVED STICKY FLY TRAP ROLL HANGING ABOVE THE FRONT PIZZA HOT HOLDING UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-201.11---INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11---OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PIZZA PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13---INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIORS OF LARGE PIZZA OVEN TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11---OBSERVED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13---OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED IN-COMPLETE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING.MISSING POLICY FOR SOME EMPLOYEES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WORKING ON SITE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT TCS FOODS STORED PAST THEIR EXPIRATION DATE IN THE MAIN PREP LINE COOLER.OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINER OF LASAGNA WITH BEEF THAT WAS STORED LONGER THAN 7 DAYS ACCORDING TO THE DATE MARK STICKER ON THE CONTAINER.TCS FOOD LASAGNA WITH BEEF WAS PREPARED ON 5/19/2026. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND TRACK DAILY TO ENSURE ALL FOOD IS DISCARDED BY THE ALLOWABLE USE BY DATE. THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE USE BY DATE MAY NOT EXCEED 7 DAYS, WITH THE FIRST DAY OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS OF LASAGNA WORTH $300.00.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED STICKY FLY TRAP ROLL HANGING ABOVE THE FRONT PIZZA HOT HOLDING UNIT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PIZZA PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIORS OF LARGE PIZZA OVEN TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED AN OPEING IN THE LOWER WALL UNDER THE MOP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY POINTS.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 05/13/2025, REPORT #2617356 #37:3-302.12: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN. #49: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE ICE SHIELD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-204.112(B): OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT USED FOR PREPACKAGED PIZZA SLICES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-301.12: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE ICE SHIELD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED, POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. FOOD HANDLER BLEW INSIDE GLOVE WITH MOUTH, PUT HAND INSIDE GLOVE, AND STARTED TO PREPARE FOOD. ALSO, OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WIPING HANDS ON WIPING CLOTH USED TO WIPE SURFACES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROPERLY WASH HANDS AFTER ANY POSSIBLE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION. ALSO, REFRAIN FROM USING WIPING CLOTHS FOR HANDS. EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS ONCE NOTIFIED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER DISHWASHING AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT HAVING BASINS SET UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS SETS UP THE WAREWASHING SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. THE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD THE EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS ITEMS INSIDE OF A THREE DOOR COOLER, IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. FOUND CHICKEN WINGS (47.8F), CHICKEN THIGHS (48.0F), PORK (48.7-50.0F), 8-1 QUART BOTTLES OF HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM (49.3F). MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 38LBS AT $277 WORTH OF PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF A THREE DOOR REFRIGERATOR AT 51.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT USED FOR PREPACKAGED PIZZA SLICES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 2 LIVE ROACHES ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. 1 ROACH WAS FOUND CRAWLING ON EMPLOYEE SHIRT AND UNDER THE MICROWAVE IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE WAREWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE SHEILD AND ABOVE THE ICE WITH SLIGHT BLACK-LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIB.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST TAKE COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SUBSTANCE WITH SLIMY APPEARANCE ON FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF CHUTE PLATE AND INTERIOR CAVITY OF ICE MACHINE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED ALL ICE AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED ALL FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO INTERIOR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE PROVIDED IN UPRIGHT COOLER IN FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE INSIDE ALL EQUIPMENT USED TO COLD-HOLD TCS FOOD ITEMS IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIWEABLE LOCATION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE-USE STYROFOAM CUP USED AS A SCOOP IN SEVERAL BULK DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE CUPS AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ONSITE, AT THE START TIME OF INSPECTION AT 3:10PM, WHILE TCS, TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, PORK, AND BEEF ARE BEING PREPARED, SERVED AND/OR STORED. CERTIFIED MANAGER MARIA MEDRANO ARRIVED ON SITE AT 3:18PM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR CHUTE OF ICE MACHINE AND SURROUNDING SURFACE SOILED WITH DEBRIS WHICH APPEARS AS A PINK SLIME AND/OR BLACK SUBSTANCE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF ICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS, TEMPERATURE AND TIME CONTROL FOR SAFETY, FOODS (PORK SAUSAGE AND TOMATO SAUCE) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 50.2F AND 53.2F, RESPECTIVELY. APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF PORK SAUSAGE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $40 TOSSED IN THE GARBAGE AND DENATURED ALONG WITH APPROXIMATELY 15LBS OF TOMATO SAUCE AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $25 ALSO TOSSED OUT AND DENATURED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED, IN THE REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER UNIT(S) NEAR THE BACK PREPARATION AREA, IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSTEAD OF USING FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR FREEZER BAGS.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #257939 ISSUED ON 08-01-2023: -VIOLATION #58: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED. COS 5/10/24

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 2:35PM TO 3:05PM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. AT 3:05PM CERTIFIED MANAGER MARIA MEDRANO ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #257939 ISSUED ON 08-01-2023: - VIOLATION #56: NOTED HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS WITH A BUILD UP OF DUST AND GREASE -VIOLATION #58: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.