Argo Tea
Last inspected: Jul 20, 2018
100
Score
Across the available record, Argo Tea has 11 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. On Jul 20, 2018, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Argo Tea dates to Jul 20, 2018.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to two violations per visit over the last few inspections.
Across the inspection history, “premises maintained free of litter” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Argo Tea is doing better than most peers. The record reflects steady performance over time.
11
Inspections
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Critical latest
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Major latest
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Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 20, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 11, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD. (HANDLES HAM,CHEESE,ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-012. MUST OBTAIN.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FOUND LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY AT PREMISES. OBSERVED 10 LIVE ROACHES UNDER FRONT COUNTERS AT PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-020A. MUST NOTIFY PEST CONTROL OPERATOR, ELIMINATE ROACHES, AND CLEAN ALL EFFECTED AREAS.
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82
May 29, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND MISSING FLOOR TILES AT DISHWASHING AREAS. MUST REPLACE.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES INSTALLED AT FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: ICE MACHINE, 2 COFFEE MACHINES, ANDHOT WATER MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE.
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND REAR DISHWASHING AREAS CLUTTERED. MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE.
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86
Aug 31, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANGER ON SITE DURING INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; BREAKFAST SANDWICHES, MILK-BASED LATTES, WERE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. MANAGER ROGER DILLMAN ARRIVED AT 9:15AM. MANAGER UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, WITH ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED, WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CRACKED AND CHIPPED PANELING AT THE FRONT LINE SHELVING UNIT, UNDER THE HAND SINK AND ICE BIN. OBSERVED RUST ON INTERIOR OF BOTTOM SHELF IN REAR COOLER. NOTED STANDING WATER ON INTERIOR OF BOTTOM SHELF OF REAR COOLER, AS WELL. OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN REAR UTILITY SINK, DUE TO UNEVEN SINK LEVEL ON FLOOR. OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROVES IN FRONT CUTTING BOARD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, RESEAL/REPAIR THE ABOVE AND ENSURE THAT ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD AND DEBRIS. OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, MAINTAIN THE ABOVE AT ALL TIMES.
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Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL LEAK FROM A/C CONDENSER, LOCATED IN HALLWAY NEAR CUSTOMERS TOILETS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR UTILITY CLOSET AND FRONT STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE REMAINING, STORE BROOMS, MOPS 6 INCHES OFF FLOORS AND WALLS, AND MAINTAIN, TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
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78
Nov 29, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BASEBOARDS AT THE MOP SINK AREA PEELING AND IN POOR REPAIR AND OPEN GAPS/CREVICES ALONG WALLS IN SAME AREA. MUST SEAL/REPAIR.
35
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP WITH COFFEE SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS, MISSING FLOOR TILES. MUST REPLACE TILES TO MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE REAR WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS ESPECIALLY ALONG ALL BASEBOARDS AND UNDER ALL STORAGE AND SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNUSED DISH WASHING MACHINE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST INFESTATION. OR, REPAIRED AND OPERATIONAL.
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82
Nov 1, 2016
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP WITH COFFEE SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS, MISSING FLOOR TILES. MUST REPLACE TILES TO MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE REAR WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS ESPECIALLY ALONG ALL BASEBOARDS AND UNDER ALL STORAGE AND SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BASEBOARDS AT THE MOP SINK AREA PEELING AND IN POOR REPAIR AND OPEN GAPS/CREVICES ALONG WALLS IN SAME AREA. MUST SEAL/REPAIR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNUSED DISH WASHING MACHINE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST INFESTATION. OR, REPAIRED AND OPERATIONAL.
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78
Oct 27, 2016
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACILITIES UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURES. OBSERVED FRONT PREP ONE DOOR COOLER WITH AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 51.4 WITH FOOD SUCH AS YOGURT AT 48F AND EDANAMEE SALAD (SOY BEAN) AT 54.1F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 40F. OR BELOW, CDPH CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS FOUND IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. EDANAMEE SALAD AT 54.1F, YOGURT AT 51.4F, TURKEY AT 42.7F, ROASTED RED PEPPER AT 48.6F. ALSO OBSERVED SPINACH AND FETA CHEESE, LEAK AND PARMESAN CHEESE PASTRIES BAKED ON SITE BEING HELD IN A NON-REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE AT 103.3F AND 59.4F. WITHOUT BEING PROPERLY COOLED, NO TEMPERATURE LOGS OR VARIANCE APPROVAL FROM CDPH TO USE TIME AS A MEANS OF CONTROL. ALL FOODS DISCARDED MANAGEMENT STATES ESTIMATED TOTAL POUNDS AT AND TOTAL AMOUNT. OF $. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES OBSERVED. REAR DISH EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH NO HOY OR COLD RUNNING WATER, NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. SINK BLOCKED BY STORAGE SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. MAKE SINK CLEAR AND ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AND EMPLOYEES MUST USE THE FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK UNTIL THE ABOVE VIOLATION HAS BEEN CORRECTED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT DURING INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE THE ABOVE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING HELD AND PREPARED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. A CERTIFIED MANAGER ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR AFTER BEING TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINES ICE BIN FOUND DIRTY.INTERIOR OF THE REAR TALL REACH-IN FREEZER FOUND DIRTY WITH FOOD SPILLAGE AND ICE BUILD UP .INTERIOR OF THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE RUST. INTERIOR OF THE TALL REACH-IN DAIRY COOLER DIRTY WITH BLACK SUBSTANCE ON ALL SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP WITH COFFEE SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS, MISSING FLOOR TILES. MUST REPLACE TILES TO MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE REAR WITH RT AND DEBRIS ESPECIALLY ALONG ALL BASEBOARDS AND UNDER ALL STORAGE AND SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL BASEBOARDS UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND AT THE MOP SINK AREA PEELING AND IN POOR REPAIR. LARGE HOLE IN THE WALL NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND OPEN GAPS/CREVICES ALONG WALLS. MUST SEAL/REPAIR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THREE STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MISSING VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST REPLACE.
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNUSED DISH WASHING MACHINE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST INFESTATION.
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64
Sep 1, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET ON THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SMALL LEAK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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90
Apr 7, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED AT PLAIN VIEW OF ESTABLISHMENT CUSTOMERS. MANAGER WAS GIVING A COPY OF TODAY'S INPECTION SUMMARY REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010.
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN HANDLE AT PREP COOLER MUST REPAIR.REPLACE.
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Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MOP SINK IN REAR FOOD AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR AROUND GREASE BOX AND NEXT TO MOP SINK IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR REPLACE.
34
82
Nov 21, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL PREPARED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE COOLERS.
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Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES FROM REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
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90
Aug 20, 2010
Routine
12 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 45.8F. THE UNIT WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. UNIT TAGGED BY CDPH. MAINTAIN THE UNIT BELOW 40F. AFTER UNIT IS REPAIRED, FAX REINSPECTION LETTER TO (312) 746-4240. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE DISPLAY COOLER. OBSERVED PARFAITS AT 48-49F, QUICHE AT 44-46F, SALADS AT 50F, AND SANDWICHES AT 46F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNATRILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $75. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient toilet facilities shall be provided. They should be properly designed, maintained, and accessible to employees at all times. OBSERVED THE REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK NOT BEING MAINTAINED. NO HOT WATER WAS AVAILABLE AT THE HANDSINK. SINK TAGGED BY CDPH. DO NOT USE. PREMISES HAS AN ADDITIONAL HANDSINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. REPAIR THE SINK AND FAX REINSPECTION LETTER TO (312) 746-4240. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED WHILE STORED INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED MOLD GROWTH ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE ICE MACHINE. UNIT TAGGED BY CDPH. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF THE UNIT CLEANED AND SANITIZED. FAX REINSPECTION LETTER TO (312) 746-4240. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD WAS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ONSITE AT APPROXIMATELY 9:30AM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CAULK AROUND THE FRONT HANDSINK.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MILK COOLER IN THE BACK AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE STORAGE CLOSET. OBSERVED STANDING WATER BEHIND THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER. MAINTAIN THE FLOOR DRY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DETAIL CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND THE MOP CLOSET. DETAIL CLEAN THE CEILING SUPPLY FAN COVER IN THE MOP CLOSET.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 2 ADDITIONAL SINK STOPPERS ARE NEEDED AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. REPAIR THE LEAKS AT THE FRONT HANDSINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. NO REFRIGERATION THERMOMETERS WERE OBSERVED INSIDE THE MILK COOLER AND THE DISPLAY COOLER UNDER THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. CLEAN AND REMOVE THE LITTER AROUND THE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Argo Tea last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Argo Tea on file is from Jul 20, 2018. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Argo Tea?
Across the inspection record, “premises maintained free of litter” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Argo Tea.
Has Argo Tea's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Argo Tea have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Argo Tea means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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