APR 5
2023
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
LOS TACOS EXPRESS, INC.
BEAT. 33/100
3742 W MONTROSE AVE · NORTH CENTER, CHICAGO
Last inspected April 5, 2023 · passed
Failed 4 of 9 inspections. 5 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
9
4 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Apr 2018
INSPECTION HISTORY
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-203.13 NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-201.13 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
MAR 282023FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 28
2023
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
PREMISES LAST PEST CONTROL SERVICED WAS ON 06-24-2021. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT SERVICE. (MINIMUM PEST CONTROL SERVICE 2X A YEAR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT SERVICE AND A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORTS, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
JAN 72022PASSED8 violationsDETAILS
JAN 7
2022
PASSED
8 violationsDETAILS
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
4-904.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
5-204.12--BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.114--OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
6-202.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
2-102.13-- OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
2-102.13--OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
JAN 52022FAILED12 violationsDETAILS
JAN 5
2022
FAILED
12 violationsDETAILS
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH AND SIDES OF THE GRILL AND ON TOP OF THE COOKING STOVE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
OBSERVED INADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT HANDSINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND PROVIDE WATER UNDER PRESSURE TO HANDWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030,CITATION ISSUED.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
DEC 162021FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 16
2021
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2453894 ON 10/27/20 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
show all 9 inspections →
OCT 272020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OCT 27
2020
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER NEAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE JUNK AND CLEAN AREA.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 112019PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OCT 11
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS WITHOUT SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED FOOD ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
SOME FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE CERTIFICATES WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
APR 162018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 16
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Removal of excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to still replace door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator.
APR 132018FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
APR 13
2018
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
Rear exit door not rodent proofed: Observed 1 inch gap under door at the rear exit door. Must install a door sweep to properly seal and rodent proof rear exit door. Serious violation# 7-38-020
DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
Observed no chemical test kit on site at this time. Instructed to provide. Serious violation# 7-38-030
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed ripped door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator. Must replace to provide a tight fitting seal at all times, and maintain. Observed excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to remove debris, clean, and maintain.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
Observed mops and brooms stored on floor. Must store mops and brooms hanging at least six inches off the floor in between use during storage for sanitary purposes.
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 →