SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

EL NOPAL.

BEAT. 35/100

3648 W 26TH ST · NORTH LAWNDALE, CHICAGO

Last inspected February 13, 2018 · failed

Failed 2 of 3 inspections. 5 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
3
1 passed · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
32
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 MONTHS
since Dec 2017

INSPECTION HISTORY

FEB 13
2018
FAILED
12 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090

PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2144479 2/218.#18 STILL FINDING EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE RAT AND MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES.OBSERVED DROPPINGS ON LOWER SHELF OF DOUGH MACHINE,ON FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS IN BETWEEN OPEN BAGS OF (FLOUR,COCOA,ETC),REAR STORAGE CLOSET NEXT TO HEATER,ON FLOOR UNDER FOOD STORAGE SHELVES,IN REAR AREA IN BETWEEN CLUTTER AND LOCKERS,NEAR REAR HAND SINK AND SHOWER STALL AREA,UNDER BASEMENT STAIRS AND ALONG WALLS,ON TOP OF UNUSED DOUGH PRESSOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA.ALSO,APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP IN CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS AND REAR DOOR ALONG SIDE.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS ,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF THE DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/13/18.(CRITICAL 7-42-090)

SERIOUSDocumentation & Training
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANGER ON DUTY AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME (CAKES,FLAN,LECHE CAKES,ETC).MUST PROVIDE AND POST AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.MUST LABEL PACKAGED BAKED GOODS FOR SALE WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.

MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND PAN CARTS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR TO TOOL STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 1- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND ELIMINATE GARBAGE BAGS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM PREP TABLES,UNUSED AND USED REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZER,STORAGE SHELVES AND RACKS,1 & 3- COMP & HAND SINK BASINS,ROLLING CARTS AND RACKS,FLOOR MIXERS,STOVE,FRYER,DOUGH MACHINE,DOUGH PRESSOR.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING BASEMENT AND FLOOR DRAINS.MUST REMOVE FOUL STANDING WATER ON BASEMENT FLOOR AND KEEP DRY.MUST GROUT THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF 1- COMP SINK AND WHERE NEEDED.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES UNDER PREP TABLES ALONG WALL AND WHERE NEEDED.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES (PREP & STORAGE AREAS),LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP & STORAGE AREAS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES AND WALL ABOVE 3- COMP SINK,DAMAGED WALL NEAR EAST REAR DOOR AND WHERE NEEDED.MUST SEAL GAP BETWEEN WALLS AND FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND FOOD STORAGE AREAS,STAINED & MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR AREA AND WHERE NEEDED.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE IN BASEMENT,SLOW DRAIN AT REAR PREP & FRONT TOILET ROOM HAND SINKS,LEAKY FRONT 1ST FL. TOILET.MUST PLACE STOVE UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK,LIDS ON BASEMENT SUMP PUMPS.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA FOR HAND WASHING WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN STORAGE AREAS,PREP AREAS,REAR AREA,BASEMENT.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 2
2018
FAILED
18 violations4 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT DESSERTS.OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER PUTTING READY TO EAT PASTRIES ON A TRAY FROM ANOTHER TRAY WITH BARE HANDS.INSTRUCTED TO USE GLOVES OR UTENSILS FOR HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED.APPX.10LBS.$45.(CRITICAL 7-38-010A)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

OBSERVED HAND WASHING FACILITIES NOT MAINTAINED.OBSERVED A MIXING PADDLE,CUTTING BOARD,PLATE INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN AND NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AND SOAP AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK AND NO SOAP AT FRONT HAND SINK.ARTICLES HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICES ARE PROVIDED AT THIS TIME..MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)

SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

OBSERVED FOODS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER AND FREEZER.OBSERVED A BOWL OF BATTER STORED ON TOP OF ROLLED UP DOUGH ON A SHEET PAN THAT IS TILTED AND A OPEN BUCKET OF CREME FROSTING ON LOWER SHELF BELOW IT,UNCOVERED BAKED SHEET CAKES WITH SPILLED SUGAR ONTO THAT WASTED FROM A CUP STORED ON SHELF ABOVE IT AND A BAG OF OPEN CARROTS STORED ON TOP OF ANOTHER UNCOVERED SHEET CAKE,DOUGH ON BARE SHELF WITH PANS OF UNCOVERED PASTIES STACKED ON TOP INSIDE OF REACH IN FREEZER,A CAN OF W-D 40 ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE NEXT TO A PAN OF LIQUID BUTTER.INSTRUCTED TO COVER ALL OPEN FOOD ITEMS PROPERLY AND MAINTAIN AND KEEP CHEMICAL SEPERATE FROM FOOD.(SERIOUS 7-38-005A)

CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE RAT AND MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED TROUGHOUT PREMISES.OBSERVED DROPPINGS ON LOWER SHELF OF DOUGH MACHINE,INSIDE OF CONVEYER MACHINE,ON LOWER WHEEL BASE OF FOOD STORAGE SHELF,ON FLOOR NEXT TO OVEN,ON FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS IN BETWEEN OPEN BAGS OF (FLOUR,COCOA)AND BAGS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN GNAWED ON BY RODENTS,REAR STORAGE CLOSET NEXT TO HEATER,ON FLOOR UNDER FOOD STORAGE SHELVES,IN REAR AREA IN BETWEEN CLUTTER,UNDER BASEMENT STAIRS,UNDER TABLES IN BASEMENT AND ALONG BRICKS AND WALL,ACCESS PANEL IN WALL.ALSO SEVERAL BAGS OF RODENT POISON ON FLOOR BEHIND UNUSED 2- DOOR COOLER IN PREP AREA AND IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA MIDDLE OF FLOOR AND UNDER TABLE.APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP IN CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS AND REAR DOOR ALONG SIDE.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS & BAGS OF POISON,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF THE DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/2/18.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)

CRITICALPest Activity
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER ON SITE TO DISPOSE OF TRASH.MUST PROVIDE AN OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)

SERIOUSDocumentation & Training
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANGER ON DUTY AND NO CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED AT THIS TIME (CAKES,FLAN,LECHE CAKES,ETC) MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)

SERIOUSSanitation
DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHECKING SANITIZING SOLUTION AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-030)

SERIOUSOther
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY REPORT POSTED TO VIEW AT THIS TIME FOR ALL CUSTOMERS TO VIEW.A NEW SUMMARY WILL BE POSTED.(SERIOUS 7-42-010B)

MINORFood Storage & Handling
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.MUST LABEL PACKAGED BAKED GOODS FOR SALE WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.

MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND PAN CARTS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR TO TOOL STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 1- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND ELIMINATE GARBAGE BAGS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM PREP TABLES,UNUSED AND USED REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZER,STORAGE SHELVES AND RACKS,1 & 3- COMP & HAND SINK BASINS,ROLLING CARTS AND RACKS,FLOOR MIXERS,STOVE,FRYER,DOUGH MACHINE,DOUGH PRESSOR.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING BASEMENT AND FLOOR DRAINS.MUST REMOVE FOUL STANDING WATER ON BASEMENT FLOOR AND KEEP DRY.MUST GROUT THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF 1- COMP SINK AND WHERE NEEDED.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING FLOOR TILES UNDER PREP TABLES ALONG WALL AND WHERE NEEDED.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES (PREP & STORAGE AREAS),LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP & STORAGE AREAS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES AND WALL ABOVE 3- COMP SINK,DAMAGED WALL NEAR EAST REAR DOOR AND WHERE NEEDED.MUST SEAL GAP BETWEEN WALLS AND FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST PROVIDE ADEQAUTE LIGHTING IN ALL STORAGE AREAS.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND FOOD STORAGE AREAS,STAINED & MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR AREA AND WHERE NEEDED.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE IN BASEMENT,SLOW DRAIN AT REAR PREP & FRONT TOILET ROOM HAND SINKS.MUST PLACE STOVE UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA FOR HAND WASHING WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN STORAGE AREAS,PREP AREAS,REAR AREA,BASEMENT.

MINOROther
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 7
2017
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOORS UNDER PREP TABLES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

LIGHT SHEILD NEEDED IN REAR AREA OF PREP. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →

NEARBY IN NORTH LAWNDALE