Taqueria LA Paz

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 3LBS OF RICE AT 47.2F, 3LBS OF DICE BEEF AT 47.8F AND 4LBS OF BEEF AT 47.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 10LBS AT $50. ALL COLD TCS FOO...

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

OBSERVED PREP COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 51.2F-55.7F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. P...

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED SUGAR OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED NO LABEL ON BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS (BEANS). MUST PROVIDE COMMON NAME TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6/6/2022, REPORT #2556817. #58- NOTED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE. PRIORI...

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED AN INCOMPLETE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOODS - THE ADVISORY IS MISSING A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ADD A DISCLOSURE STATEMENT TO THE CURRENT ADVISORY THAT SAYS "ITEMS CAN BE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR CONT...

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

FOUND THE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED NEXT TO THE WALK-IN COOLER IN DISREPAIR; THE FREEZER LID HAS HEAVY RUST BUILD UP AND DOES NOT PROPERLY CLOSE/SEAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE LID. ALSO NOTED TORN GASKETS ON THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT...

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

FOUND A BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPLACE BURNED OUT BULBS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

NOTED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER.

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED RAW WOOD PALLET UNDERNEATH 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED AS A SINK STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS. MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS IN A GOOD REPAIRED.

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SLOW LEAK FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED FOODHANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 6/14/2019 REPORT#2293577. #35 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION7-42-090.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #38 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2293577 ON 6/14/19: 38 - OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA. FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, STORAGE SHELVES, CEI...

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE FOOD PREP AREA AT THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT WHERE JUICES ARE PREPARED. MANAGER STATED THAT THIS PREP AREA WAS ADDED A FEW MONTHS AGO. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MOVE THE OPERATION TO THE SERVICE S...

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS NOT DATE MARKED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE AND DESCRIBE WHICH FOOD FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ...

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED 13 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING OF THE FOOD PREP AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

CLEAN THE PREP TABLES, GRILL, OVEN AND PREP COOLERS.

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN THE SOILED CEILING TILES OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. CLEAN THE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED RUSTY SHELF WITH FOOD SPILLS/DEBRIS INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING REACH-IN COOLER DOOR HANDLE AT REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN ...

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED CLUTTER ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT WITH UNNECESSARY ARTICLES. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS 6-INCH OFF THE FLOOR AND BETTER ORGANIZE ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA,GAP IN LOWER WALL BASE UNDER 3- COMP SINK,EXTERIOR LOWER WALL HAS OPENINGS AT REAR OF BUILDING,MISSING WALL BASES IN REAR AND FRONT PRE...

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT AND ALL ROOMS,REAR YARD (FRYERS,MOTOR CYCLE.

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

OBSERVED AIR TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 47.6F.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSEREVD FRONT DOOR AND BASEMENT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED.MUST RODENT PROOF DOOR TO BE TIGHT FITTING.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE A DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA,GAP IN LOWER WALL BASE UNDER 3- COMP SINK,EXTERIOR LOWER WALL HAS OPENINGS AT REAR OF BUILDING,MISSING WALL BASES IN REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS.

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.

PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ALL ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT AND ALL ROOMS,REAR YARD (FRYERS,MOTORCYCLE)