Food Safety Report: La Choza Mexican Grill, 7022 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, USA.

7022 North Clark Street, Chicago, 60626 Illinois, United States

Report date: Aug 2, 2022
9. 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.

15. 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.

23. 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.

25. 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.

36. Thermometers provided & accurate
- comments: broken internal thermometer inside the cooks line cooler. Must replace.

37. Food properly labeled; original container
- comments: bulk dried pepper containers must be labeled.

41. Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
- comments: observed soiled wiping cloths on prep surfaces throughout. Must store in a clean container with a sanitizing solution.

45. 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.

47. 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.

47. 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.

47. 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.

49. 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.

55. 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.

56. 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.

57. All food employees have food handler training
- comments: no proof of food handler training or certificate for the employees. Must provide.

58. Allergen training as required
- comments: no proof of allergen training or certificate for the city of chicago certified food manager mt castillo. Must provide.

60. 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.

Source: chicago.gov