Morton's of Chicago
PASS W/ CONDITIONSMonday, October 31, 2022 at 6:04 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-302.11-P
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)
Raw scallops and bacon above RTE prepared side dishes in walkin cooler. COS.
Why This Matters
DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.
590.003/3-306.11-P
Food Display-Preventing Contamination by Consumers (P)
Raw steak at open kitchen on counter facing common area unprotected. Product removed and placed in refrigeration. COS
Why This Matters
Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Establishment leaving raw steak out at room temperature prior to cooking at 58F. Maintain below 41F. Product out for less than an hour returned to refrigeration at below 41F
Why This Matters
RAPID BACTERIAL GROWTH: At 50°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. At 70°F, it doubles every 20 minutes. After 4 hours above 41°F, bacteria can reach dangerous levels causing severe illness. Common result: 24-72 hours of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, potential hospitalization.
Code Requirements
Immediately discard foods held above 41°F for over 4 hours. Rapidly cool foods above 41°F if less than 2 hours. Check ALL cooler temps every 2 hours with calibrated thermometer. Repair/adjust refrigeration immediately. Never store food in non-refrigerated areas.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)
Priority violations cited provide active managerial control.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)
Online menu is missing consumer advisory statement and asterik * for ocean platter with raw foods.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-204.115-PF
Warewashing Machines Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)
Final rinse gauge is inoperable. Repair/replace.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-302.13-PF
Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)
No irreversible indicator for high temp dish machine. Provide
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Thawing (C)
Raw commercially packaged ROP seabass thawing in package in walkin cooler. Remove overwrap.
Why This Matters
SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.
Code Requirements
Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.
590.009(E)
Anti-Choking
No choke save certificate. Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.009(E). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
L1
No allergen certificate on site. Provide. Allergen statement missing on online menu.
Why This Matters
Violations can contribute to foodborne illness if not corrected
Code Requirements
Must comply with all applicable food code requirements