CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL #1979 in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/17/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL #1979 during a routine inspection conducted on 04/17/2023.

Situated at 1522 E 53RD ST, the establishment is part of Hyde Park's active food service sector. The Hyde Park area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 5 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 related to pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Person in Charge Present, Demonstrates Knowledge, and Performs Duties - Comments: No One on Site with City of Chicago Sanitation Certificate. Instructed to Correct and Maintain.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

The second violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: No One on Site with City of Chicago Sanitation Certificate or Certificate Posted at Time of Inspection While Handling Tcs Foods Such As Steak, Chicken, Cheese and Cut Tomatoes. Instructed to Have Person and Certificate on Site at All Times While Handling Tcs Food Items. Priority Foundation 7-38-012 Citation Issued. 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. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.

The third violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Personal Cleanliness - Comments: Food Handlers with Long Hair Must Hair Comletely Restrained with the Use of Hair Nets or Hair Ties. Instructed to Correct and Maintain.. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The fourth violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: All Cutting Boards in Need of Detail Cleaning to Remove All Dark Spots. Instructed to Remove or Prlace All Boards.. 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 fifth violation concerned sanitization. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: All Cooking Equipment on Front. 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.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/17/2023 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.