Food Establishment Inspection Report
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KANKAKEE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
 2390 W. Station Street
Kankakee, IL 60901
Phone: (815) 802 - 9410
Establishment
 EL MEXICANO RESTAURANT 		License/Permit #
 KK295
Street Address
503 RIVERSTONE PKWY UNIT 203
City/State
 KANKAKEE, IL 		ZIP Code
 60901
No. of Risk Factor/Intervention Violations 3
No. of Repeat Risk Factor/Intervention Violations 1
Date 09/22/2021
Time In 02:15 PM
Time Out 03:50 PM
Permit Holder
COVARRUBIAS, LUIS 		Risk Category
H
Purpose of Inspection
ORIGINAL INSPECTION

FOODBORNE ILLNESS RISK FACTORS AND PUBLIC HEALTH INTERVENTIONS
Circle designated compliance status (IN, OUT, N/O, N/A) for each numbered item
IN=in compliance    OUT=not in compliance    N/O=not observed    N/A=not applicable
Mark "X" in appropriate box for COS and/or R
COS=corrected on-site during inspection    R=repeat violation 		Risk factors are important practices or procedures identified as the most prevalent contributing factors of foodborne illness or injury. Public health interventions are control measures to prevent foodborne illness or injury.
Compliance Status
 COS R

SUPERVISION

 
1 IN OUT     Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties    
2 IN OUT N/A   Certified Food Protection Manager    

EMPLOYEE HEALTH

 
3 IN OUT     Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting    
4 IN OUT     Proper use of restriction and exclusion    
5 IN OUT     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events    

GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES

 
6 IN OUT   N/O Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use    
7 IN OUT   N/O No discharge from eyes, nose, and mouth    

PREVENTING CONTAMINATION BY HANDS

 
8 IN OUT   N/O Hands clean & properly washed    
9 IN OUT N/A N/O No bare hand contact with RTE food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed    
10 IN OUT     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible    

APPROVED SOURCE

 
11 IN OUT     Food obtained from approved source    
12 IN OUT N/A N/O Food received at proper temperature    
13 IN OUT     Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated    
14 IN OUT N/A N/O Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction    
Compliance Status
 COS R

PROTECTION FROM CONTAMINATION

 
15 IN OUT N/A N/O Food separated and protected    
16 IN OUT N/A   Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized    
17 IN OUT     Proper disposition of returned, previously served, reconditioned & unsafe food    

TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY

 
18 IN OUT N/A N/O Proper cooking time & temperatures    
19 IN OUT N/A N/O Proper reheating procedures for hot holding    
20 IN OUT N/A N/O Proper cooling time and temperature X  
21 IN OUT N/A N/O Proper hot holding temperatures    
22 IN OUT N/A N/O Proper cold holding temperatures    
23 IN OUT N/A N/O Proper date marking and disposition   X
24 IN OUT N/A N/O Time as a Public Health Control; procedures & records    

CONSUMER ADVISORY

 
25 IN OUT N/A   Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food    

HIGHLY SUSCEPTIBLE POPULATIONS

 
26 IN OUT N/A   Pasteurized foods used; prohibited foods not offered    

FOOD/COLOR ADDITIVES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES

 
27 IN OUT N/A   Food additives: approved and properly used    
28 IN OUT N/A   Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used    

CONFORMANCE WITH APPROVED PROCEDURES

 
29 IN OUT N/A   Compliance with variance/specialized process/HACCP    

GOOD RETAIL PRACTICES
Good Retail Practices are preventative measures to control the addition of pathogens, chemicals, and physical objects into foods.
Mark "X" in appropriate box for COS and/or R      
COS
=corrected on site during inspection  
R
=repeat violation  
Compliance Status
 COS R

SAFE FOOD AND WATER

 
30   Pasteurized eggs used where required    
31   Water & ice from approved source    
32   Variance obtained for specialized processing methods    

FOOD TEMPERATURE CONTROL

 
33 X Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control    
34   Plant food properly cooked for hot holding    
35   Approved thawing methods used    
36   Thermometers provided & accurate    

FOOD IDENTIFICATION

 
37   Food properly labeled; original container    

PREVENTION OF FOOD CONTAMINATION

 
38   Insects, rodents, & animals not present    
39 X Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display   X
40   Personal cleanliness    
41 X Wiping cloths: properly used & stored    
42   Washing fruits & vegetables    

PROPER USE OF UTENSILS

 
43 X In-use utensils: properly stored    
Compliance Status
 COS R

PROPER USE OF UTENSILS

 
44 X Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled    
45   Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used    
46   Gloves used properly    

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT, AND VENDING

 
47   Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used    
48   Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips    
49 X Non-food contact surfaces clean   X

PHYSICAL FACILITIES

 
50   Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure    
51   Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices    
52   Sewage & waste water properly disposed    
53   Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned    
54 X Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained    
55 X Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean    
56   Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used    

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

 
57   All food employees have food handler training    
58 X Allergen training as required    
IOCI 17-356

Food Establishment Inspection Report
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Establishments: EL MEXICANO RESTAURANT Establishment #: KK295
Water Supply:   Public Private   Waste Water System:   Public Private
Sanitizer Type: Chemical PPM: CHLORINE 100 Heat: NA °F
CFPM Verification (name, ID#, expiration date):
LUIS COVARRUBIAS
23358082
03/05/2028 		CAROLINA GARCIA
23358083
03/05/2028

01/01/1900

 

TEMPERATURE OBSERVATIONS
Item/Location
Temp
Item/Location
Temp
Item/Location
Temp
Salsa/Walk-in cooler 37.00°F Ground beef/Walk-in cooler 93.00°F Rice/Walk-in cooler 110.00°F
Chicken/Stand up cooler 36.00°F Beef/Prep cooler 37.00°F Sour cream/Prep cooler 41.00°F
/Bar cooler 38.00°F /Stand up freezer 0.00°F /Stand up freezer 2 0.00°F
Chicken/Steam table 142.00°F Refried beans/Steam table 166.00°F  

OBSERVATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
Item
Number 		Severity Violations cited in this report must be corrected within the time frames below.
5 PF 2-501.11: A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall have procedures for EMPLOYEES to follow when responding to vomiting or diarrheal events that involve the discharge of vomitus or fecal matter onto surfaces in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. The procedures shall address the specific actions EMPLOYEES must take to minimize the spread of contamination and the exposure of EMPLOYEES, consumers, FOOD, and surfaces to vomitus or fecal matter.
The establishment does not have a bodily fluids clean up kit. - (Correct By: Oct 4, 2021)
20 P 3-501.14 (A): (A) Cooked TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD shall be cooled: (1) Within 2 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 21ºC (70°F); and (2) Within a total of 6 hours from 57ºC (135ºF) to 5ºC (41°F) or less.
The temperature of Ground beef cooked today at about 10 am at 2:30 pm was 93 degrees. This ground beef was unsafe and was discarded. Additionally, the ground beef and other cooling products were not labeled with the prep time. - COS (Correct By: Sep 22, 2021)
23 PF 3-501.17 (A-B) (E-G): (A)Except when PACKAGING FOOD using a REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING method as specified under § 3-502.12, and except as specified in ¶¶ (E) and (F) of this section, refrigerated, READY-TO -EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD prepared and held in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT for more than 24 hours shall be clearly marked to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed on the PREMISES, sold, or discarded when held at a temperature of 5ºC (41ºF) or less for a maximum of 7 days. The day of preparation shall be counted as Day 1. (B) Except as specified in ¶¶ (E) - (G) of this section, refrigerated, READY-TO-EAT TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD prepared and PACKAGED by a FOOD PROCESSING PLANT shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT and if the FOOD is held for more than 24 hours, to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed on the PREMISES, sold, or discarded, based on the temperature and time combinations specified in ¶ (A) of this section and: (1) The day the original container is opened in the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be counted as Day 1; and (2) The day or date marked by the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT may not exceed a manufacturer’s use-by date if the manufacturer determined the use-by date based on FOOD safety. (E) Paragraphs (A) and (B) of this section do not apply to individual meal portions served or rePACKAGED for sale from a bulk container upon a consumer’s request. (F) Paragraphs (A) and (B) of this section do not apply to SHELLSTOCK.  (G) Paragraph (B) of this section does not apply to the following FOODS prepared and PACKAGED by a FOOD PROCESSING PLANT inspected by a REGULATORY AUTHORITY: (1) Deli salads, such as ham salad, seafood salad, chicken salad, egg salad, pasta salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad, manufactured in accordance with 21 CFR 110 Current good manufacturing practice in manufacturing, packing, or holding human food; (2) Hard cheeses containing not more than 39% moisture as defined in 21 CFR 133 Cheeses and related cheese products, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan and reggiano, and romano; (3) Semi-soft cheeses containing more than 39% moisture, but not more than 50% moisture, as defined in 21 CFR 133 cheeses and related cheese products, such as blue, edam, gorgonzola, gouda, and monterey jack; (4) Cultured dairy products as defined in 21 CFR 131 Milk and cream, such as yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk; (5) Preserved FISH products, such as pickled herring and dried or salted cod, and other acidified FISH products defined in 21 CFR 114 Acidified foods; (6) Shelf stable, dry fermented sausages, such as pepperoni and Genoa; and (7) Shelf stable salt-cured products such as prosciutto and Parma (ham).
Very few open TCS products stored in the walk-in cooler were labeled with the date of preparation. - Repeat (Correct By: Oct 4, 2021)
33 PF 3-501.15 (A): (A) Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under § 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of FOOD being cooled: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans; (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions; (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (6) Adding ice as an ingredient;  or (7) Other effective methods.
Cooling food in the walk-in cooler was left in large metal and plastic pans and tightly covered during cooling. - (Correct By: Oct 4, 2021)
39 C 3-305.11 (A) (B) (C): (A) Except as specified in ¶¶ (B) and (C) of this section, FOOD shall be protected from contamination by storing the FOOD: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where it is not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor. (B) FOOD in packages and working containers may be stored less than 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor on case lot handling EQUIPMENT as specified under § 4-204.122. (C) Pressurized BEVERAGE containers, cased FOOD in waterproof containers such as bottles or cans, and milk containers in plastic crates may be stored on a floor that is clean and not exposed to floor moisture.
Observed the following items stored incorrectly: 1)Open containers of prepared cheese stored on the floor of the walk-in cooler, 2)Flour, tortillas, and other items stored throughout the kitchen without lids, 3)All products on the steam table held without lids. Cover all food products and store them at least 6" above the floor and maintain by the next routine inspection. Repeat
41 C 3-304.14 (B)(1)(2): (B) Cloths in-use for wiping counters and other EQUIPMENT surfaces shall be: (1) Held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution at a concentration specified under § 4-501.114; and (2) Laundered daily as specified under ¶ 4-802.11(D).
The concentration of chlorine sanitizer solution at both the server station and bus station was low. Maintain chlorine sanitizer solution from 100-200 ppm and maintain by the next routine inspection.
43 C 3-304.12 (A): During pauses in FOOD preparation or dispensing, FOOD preparation and dispensing UTENSILS shall be stored: (A) Except as specified under (B) of this section, in the FOOD with their handles above the top of the FOOD and the container.
Scoops in the cooked rice in the walk-in cooler and ice bin at the Pepsi machine were both stored with the handle touching the food product. Store all scoops with the handle above the food and maintain by the next routine inspection.
44 C 4-903.11 (A)(1)(2)(3): (A) Except as specified in ¶ (D) of this section, cleaned EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS, laundered LINENS, and SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES shall be stored: (1) In a clean, dry location; (2) Where they are not exposed to splash, dust, or other contamination; and (3) At least 15 cm (6 inches) above the floor.
Dish washing racks were stored on the floor. Store all dish washing racks 6" above the floor and maintain by the next routine inspection.
49 C 4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris.
The prep cooler has a collection of water on the bottom. Clean and maintain by the next routine inspection. Repeat
54 C 5-501.113: Receptacles and waste handling units for REFUSE, recyclables, and returnables shall be kept covered: (A)Inside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT if the receptacles and units: (1)Contain FOOD residue and are not in continuous use; or (2)After they are filled; and (B)With tight-fitting lids or doors if kept outside the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT.
The dumpster lids were open. Keep these lids closed and maintain by the next routine inspection.
55 C 6-501.12: (A)PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.(B)Except for cleaning that is necessary due to a spill or other accident, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Floor throughout the kitchen, especially below equipment, is in need of cleaning. Clean and maintain by the next routine inspection.
58 Violation: Not all certified Food protection managers have completed allergen awareness training. Corrective Action: All employees that are certified food safety managers shall completed allergen awareness training by the next routine inspection.
 

Person In Charge

  LUIS COVARRUBIAS 		 

Date:

  09/22/2021
 

Inspector

  DANA JAMES 		 

Follow-up:  Yes   No   Follow-up Date:

10/04/2021

Food Establishment Inspection Report
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Establishments: EL MEXICANO RESTAURANT Establishment #: KK295

OBSERVATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
Item
Number 		Severity Violations cited in this report must be corrected within the time frames below.
Inspection Comments   PRODUCT COOLING:
1)ALWAYS USE METAL PANS TO COOL. DIVIDE PRODUCT INTO SMALLER PORTIONS. LOOSELY COVER TO ALLOW STEAM TO ESCAPE.
2)LABEL WITH THE TIME OF PREPARATION. PRODUCT MUST COOL FROM 135-71 DEGREES WITHIN 2 HOURS AND FROM 71-41 WITHIN AN ADDITIONAL 4 HOURS. ANY PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT MEET THESE GUIDELINES MUST BE DISCARDED.

LABEL ALL PRODUCTS THAT ARE HELD FOR LONGER THAN 24 HOURS WITH THE DATE OF PREPARATION. TCS FOODS CANNOT BE HELD FOR LONGER THAN 7 DAYS AND MUST BE DISCARDED.
HACCP Topic: PRODUCT DATE AND TIME LABELING: SEE ABOVE.
 

Person In Charge

  LUIS COVARRUBIAS 		 

Date:

  09/22/2021
 

Inspector

  DANA JAMES 		 

Follow-up:  Yes   No   Follow-up Date:

10/04/2021