SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

EL POLLO RANCHERO.

YOUR CALL. 76/100

4147 W 26TH ST · NORTH LAWNDALE, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 29, 2013 · passed

3 of 5 inspections passed, 1 failed, 1 passed with conditions. 2 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
5
3 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
38
includes 2 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Mar 2010

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 29
2013
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE,FAN COVERS AND SHELVINGS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.

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

Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, not clean need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in rear storage areas under shelving not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).

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

SEAL OPENING/GAP ON WALL INSIDE THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM. DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS ALL ALONG THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP.

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

THE LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER MUST BE SHIELDED.

MINORSanitation
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR THE ICE MACHINE, THE HOOD/FILTERS OVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN A VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.

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

UNNECESSARY ARTICLES,UNUSED KITCHEN EQUIPMENTS STORED AT REAR HALLWAY NEAR THE KITCHEN MUST BE REMOVED.

JAN 13
2012
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF FRYERS TO REMOVE DUST AND GREASE, CLEAN SURFACE UNDER GRILL, REPLACE MISSING VENTS FOR HOODED SYSTEM OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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

CLEAN FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA.

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

CLEAN LOWER WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE GREASE AND DUST. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO CEILING IN FRONT AND REAR AREAS WHERE NEEDED.

MAY 11
2011
PASSED
9 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2-DOOR COOLER,RUST FROM EXTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA,RUST FROM ROLLING CART,REMOVE TAPE FROM HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE VENTILATION VENT IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.

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

Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN KNIFE CADDY,MICROWAVE,FILTERS,HOOD,HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA,UNUSED COOLERS & COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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

Inspector Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND, EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AND REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES THRU-OUT.

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

Inspector Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS & CEILINGS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING & LOOSE WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,WORN DOOR SWEEP ON REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

Inspector Comments: Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH TOILET ROOM DOORS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Inspector Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON TOILET IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Inspector Comments: 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.ALL CHEST FREEZERS .

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

Inspector Comments: 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.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR WHERE NEEDED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

MAY 4
2011
FAILED
10 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less.OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 46.0F-50.3F IN 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.NO TIME & TEMPERATURE LOGS AVAILABLE TO VIEW.MANAGER STATED CHICKEN WAS COOKED YESTERDAY 5/3/11.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED & DENATURED AT THIS TIME.APPX26LBS.$35.

SERIOUSSanitation
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority.OBSERVED MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #176827 3/24/10.#30 MUST LABLE PREP FOODS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.#33 MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE GRILLS,STOVE ,STORAGE SHELVES,STORAGE CABINETS,COOLERS,FRYERS,CHEST FREEZERS IN BOTH KITCHENS.#34 MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER,BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREMISES AND REPLACE MISSING & BROKEN FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT.#35 MUST REPLACE DAMAGED & MISSING CEILING PANELS THRU-OUT & CLEAN HOOD & FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT BOTH KITCHENS.#36 MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE STEAM TABLE IN FRONT KITCHEN.#40 MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.MUST CORRECT & MAINTAIN.

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

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM SHELVING UNITS IN 2-DOOR COOLER,RUST FROM EXTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA,RUST FROM ROLLING CART,REMOVE TAPE FROM HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE VENTILATION VENT IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.

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

All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN KNIFE CADDY,MICROWAVE,FILTERS,HOOD,HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA,UNUSED COOLERS & COOKING EQUIPMENT.

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS & CEILINGS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING & LOOSE WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,WORN DOOR SWEEP ON REAR EXIT DOOR.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS

Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH TOILET ROOM DOORS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPLACE MISSING HANDLE ON TOILET IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

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.ALL CHEST FREEZERS .

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

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.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR WHERE NEEDED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination.

MAR 24
2010
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, LARGE CONTAINER ON TOP OF PREP TABLE WITH ABOUT 30LBS. OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 49.9F. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER STATED, CHICKEN WAS COOKED YESTERDAY. INSTRUCTED COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MUST BE AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CHICKEN DISCARDED, V=$80.00. CITIATION ISSUED 7-38-005A CRITICAL.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL PREP FOODS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.

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

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST SEAL RAW WOOD SHELVES AND CART AT REAR KITCHEN.

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

All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE; GRILLS, STOVES, STORAGE SHELVES, STORAGE CABINETS, COOLERS, FRYER, AND CHEST FREEZERS AT BOTH KITCHENS.

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

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND, EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREMISES, AND REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES THRU-OUT.

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS THRU-OUT, AND CLEAN HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT BOTH KITCHENS.

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

Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE STEAM TABLE FRONT KITCHEN.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

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. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.

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