THRESHOLD SCHOOL in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/17/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at THRESHOLD SCHOOL in an inspection dated 04/17/2023.

Located at 4219 N LINCOLN AVE in the Lincoln Square area, the establishment serves the local community. The Lincoln Square neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 7 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL REACH-IN COOLERS.. 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The second violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND NO LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS (CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORT, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED. 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The third violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED. 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 fourth violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: TEST STRIPS - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 3 WORKNG DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE KITCHEN.. 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.

The fifth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The sixth violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE AREA (WITH SOME LITTER) LEADING TO REAR GARBAGE AREA.. 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 seventh violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS,. 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 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 04/17/2023 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.