AUG 23
2023
PASS · 0 violations
EL REY DEL MAIZ.
Chicago Health Dept
5120 W GRAND AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Last inspected 2023.
9 inspections on record since 2018 · Last inspected Aug 2023.
Last inspected Aug 2023. Records may not reflect current conditions.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
9
VIOLATIONS
49
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
AUG 2023
INSPECTION HISTORY
NOV 16
2022
PASS 2 violations
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED CONTAINTERS AND PACKAGES OF FOOD (SPICES, PORK FAT) IN THE FRONT CUSTOMER SHOPPING AREA WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME, NET QUANTITY OF CONTENTS, AND THE NAME/PLACE OF DISTRIBUTOR OR MANUFACTURER.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
NOV 9
2022
FAIL 7 violations 3 CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED THE WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINK NOT MAINTAINED. SINK IS INOPERABLE; WATER WAS TURNED OFF BELOW AT PIPES UPON ARRIVAL AND CANNOT BE TURNED ON DUE TO PLUMBING ISSUE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c). CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED CONTAINTERS AND PACKAGES OF FOOD (SPICES, PORK FAT) IN THE FRONT CUSTOMER SHOPPING AREA WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME, NET QUANTITY OF CONTENTS, AND THE NAME/PLACE OF DISTRIBUTOR OR MANUFACTURER.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED OVER 60 LIVE FLIES IN THE FRONT PREP AND REAR PREP AREAS. FOUND FLIES IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES: ON WALLS ABOVE THE DESK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, AND ON PREP TABLES, WALLS, AND CEILING IN THE REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE TO ELIMINATE ALL PEST ACTIVITY FROM THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
FOUND HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE BOTH GLASS TOP CHEST FREEZERS. MUST DEFROST, REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
DEC 12
2018
PASS · 0 violations
NOV 28
2018
FAIL 1 violation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE ROLLING GRINDER STONES, USED FOR MAKING MASA, DESIGNED IN A WAY THAT DOES NOT FACILITATE ADEQUATE CLEANING. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE A NON-ABSORBENT, NON-CORROSIVE, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIAL FOR ALL COOKWARE EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
show all 9 inspections →
AUG 27
2018
FAIL 2 violations
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
4-301.12 (B): MUST PROVIDE A STEP BY STEP, WRITTEN, DETAILED, CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR EACH SEPARATE PIECE OF FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT HAS TO BE CLEANED IN PLACE AND/OR IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK; INCLUDING PROCEDURES FOR THE SEMI-COOKING TUB, SOAKING/CLEANING OF CORN TUB, LARGE GRINDER, ROLLING TRANSPORT CART, AND ALL ATTACHED COMPONENTS. MUST SUBMIT THE PROCEDURES TO CDPH AT FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
4-301.14: MUST PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE FUNCTIONING VENTILATION HOOD FOR THE FOOD EQUIPMENT UNIT THAT IS USED TO PARTIAL COOK THE MAIZ/CORN.
AUG 8
2018
FAIL 7 violations 1 CRITICAL
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR ALL FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK; INCLUDING THE SEMI-COOKING TUB, SOAKING/CLEANING OF CORN TUB, LARGE GRINDER, AND ROLLING TRANSPORT CART. MUST SUBMIT PROCEDURE TO CDPH AT FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG FOR APPROVAL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED. PLEASE NOTE:(B) Sink compartments shall be large enough to accommodate immersion of the largest EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS. If EQUIPMENT or UTENSILS are too large for the WAREWASHING sink, a WAREWASHING machine or alternative EQUIPMENT as specified in Paragraph (C) of this section shall be used. Pf (C) Alternative manual WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT may be used when there are special cleaning needs or constraints and its use is APPROVED. Alternative manual WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT may include: (1) High-pressure detergent sprayers; (2) Low- or line-pressure spray detergent foamers; (3) Other task-specific cleaning EQUIPMENT; (4) Brushes or other implements;
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN OF FACILITY DRAINING INTO A LARGE BUCKET IN THE BASEMENT WITH A SUMP PUMP INSIDE THE BUCKET. MUST PROVIDE A PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM, APPROVED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS, PLUMBING SECTOR. PRIORITY VIOLATION#: 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST SEAL ALL GAPS AND OPENINGS IN THE WALLS, FLOOR, AND CEILING IN THE FURNACE CLOSET, BY THE PIPING IN THE WALLS, AND IN THE BASEMENT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT/HOT WATER TANK LOCATION; ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST PROVIDE A 4" FLOOR COVING IN PREP AREAS THAT IS A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE VENTILATION HOOD FOR THE FOOD EQUIPMENT UNIT THAT IS USED TO PARTIAL COOK THE MAIZ/CORN.
JUL 24
2018
FAIL 16 violations 2 CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-012(a) NO CITATION ISSUED.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST PROVIDE BARRIER TO ENTRYWAY FROM CONSUMER SERVICE AREA INTO THE FRONT PREP AREA. BARRIER PROVIDED MUST NOT ALLOW MORE THAN A 36" OPENING IN THE ENTRYWAY INTO THE FOOD PREP AREA. NO CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY VIOLATION#: 7-38-005
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR ALL FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK; INCLUDING THE SEMI-COOKING TUB, SOAKING/CLEANING OF CORN TUB, LARGE GRINDER, AND ROLLING TRANSPORT CART. MUST SUBMIT PROCEDURE TO CDPH AT FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG FOR APPROVAL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRONT PREP CABINET/COUNTER TABLE.
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
OBSERVED A 40GAL HOT WATER TANK ON SITE FOR ENTIRE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. MUST PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HOT WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#: 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
MUST PROVIDE GREASE TRAP FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN OF FACILITY DRAINING INTO A LARGE BUCKET IN THE BASEMENT WITH A SUMP PUMP INSIDE THE BUCKET. MUST PROVIDE A PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM, APPROVED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS, PLUMBING SECTOR. PRIORITY VIOLATION#: 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DOOR FOR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED RAW WOOD DOOR AND MOLDING AT THE FURNACE CLOSET AND. MUST PROVIDE A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST SEAL ALL GAPS AND OPENINGS IN THE WALLS, FLOOR, AND CEILING IN THE FURNACE CLOSET, BY THE PIPING IN THE WALLS, AND IN THE BASEMENT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT/HOT WATER TANK LOCATION; ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST PROVIDE A 4" FLOOR COVING IN PREP AREAS THAT IS A NON-POROUS, CORROSION-RESISTANT, SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE VENTILATION HOOD FOR THE FOOD EQUIPMENT UNIT THAT IS USED TO PARTIAL COOK THE MAIZ/CORN
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT FIXTURE IN THE REAR PREP AREA
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
JUL 3
2018
FAIL 14 violations 6 CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Observed PIC unsuccessful in demonstrating knowledge at this time. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-012
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
No City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate posted or on site. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-012
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
No management employee illness reporting available on site. Must provide.
PROPER USE OF RESTRICTION AND EXCLUSION
No employee health reporting available. Must provide.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
No written procedure for vomitious and diarrheal events. Must provide. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-005
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
No soap or paper towels provided at handwash sink. No handwash sink in front prep area. Must provide. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-030(c)
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
No adequate refrigeration provided. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-005
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
No thermometers provided. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-005
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Must provide and submit to CDPH for approval, a method to wash rinse and sanitize large food contact equipment that cannot fit into the three compartment sink. Or remove all large equipment. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-005
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Must provide test strips. Priority Foundation Violation#: 7-38-005
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
No backflow prevention device provided for mop sink.
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
No dumpster or dumspter contract available on site. Must provide.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Must provide food handler training for all employees.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Must provide allergen training certificate. Priority Foundation Violation #: PA 100-0367
Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →
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