DE ARCOS PIZZA & RESTAURANT in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/11/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at DE ARCOS PIZZA & RESTAURANT during a routine inspection conducted on 04/11/2023.

Located at 2832 E 87TH ST, the facility is part of CHICAGO's diverse food service industry. Routine inspections help maintain consistent safety standards throughout the city's dining establishments.

The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.

The first violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11 Must provide a splash guard at hand sink next to 3 compartment in rear prep.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The second violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11 Must repair and replace lids and gaskets on chest freezers in rear prep area and basement.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.

The third violation related to sanitization. Inspectors documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11 Must eliminate plastic grocery bags being used for food storage and provide food grade bags.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

The fourth violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) Observed excessive amounts of dried food debris and grease on all storage containers, shelving units, prep and steam tables, grill tables, fryer cabinets, coolers throughout prep area. Instructed to deep clean and maintain.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.

The fifth violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 Must repair rusted walls inside walk in cooler in basement.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.

The sixth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/11/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.