MAY 21
2025
PASSED
6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
TAQUERIA LA MORENA.
BEAT. 43/100
4530 W AUGUSTA BLVD · HUMBOLDT PARK, CHICAGO
Last inspected May 21, 2025 · passed
Failed an inspection 1 year ago. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Recent enough to matter.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
6
2 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 1 failed
VIOLATIONS
34
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
5 YEARS
since Feb 2020
INSPECTION HISTORY
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
6-301.14: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
6-202.15: OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
3-307.11: OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
6-501.19: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
6-501.13: OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PEST.
MAY 142025FAILED9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MAY 14
2025
FAILED
9 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF COOKED BEEF (93.6°F), ON THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE PREP AREA. APPROXIMATELY 7 LBS OF PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED AT $37 WORTH OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD HOT TCS FOODS AT 135°F OR ABOVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF RAW BEEF (53.1°F) INSIDE A REFRIGERATOR.APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT $68 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0°F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. MICE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING FLOORS: IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET, BEHIND THE GARBAGE AND BEVERAGE UNITS IN THE DINING AREA, IN THE DISHWASHING AREA, IN THE HOT WATER TANK CLOSET, UNDER THE COLD HOLIDNG UNITS/ COOKING EQUIPMENT, NEAR THE HOST/HOSTESS COUNTER ACROSS FROM THE PREP AREA. THE FOLLOWING SURFACES HAD MICE DROPPINGS: THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE CANNED GOODS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND BARRIERS AT THE ORDER/PICK UP WINDOW, NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED ENTRY POINTS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF A SPLASH GUARD DUE TO THE PREP TABLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING LOCATED IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON THE MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS BEHIND THE PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN MENTIONED FLOORS TO ELIMINATE FEED SITES FOR PEST.
MAY 192023PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
MAY 19
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violationsDETAILS
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT STORED IN PREP COOLER (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F). FOUND INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING FOOD PRODUCTS. COOKED RICE AT 60.3F, PORK AT 49.0F INSTRUCTED ALL TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BELOW 41.0F AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.0F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOODS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATIONI 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS COOKED RICE, COOKED PORK COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
JUL 212022PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JUL 21
2022
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA UNDER THE TABLES AGAINST THE WALL WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED LOW LIGHTING IN THE FRONT STORAGE CLOSET (ORANGE DOOR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING.
AUG 22021PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 2
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED ONE SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST READ AND SIGN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND KEEP VERIFIABLE COPIES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED SALT AND GARLIC POWDER ON SHELF NEAR PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABEL. ALL BULK FOOD INGREDIENTS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME IF NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.
show all 6 inspections →
FEB 282020PASS W/ CONDITIONS11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 28
2020
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
11 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE HAND SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SIGN AT ALL HAND SINKS ON PREMISE.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED NO BARRIER BETWEEN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DINING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A MINIUIM OF 60 INCHES HIGH BARRIER. OBSERVED THREE DOOR COOLER AND COFFEE STATION AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED REMOVE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A SERVICE/UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF DIRTY MOP WATER.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN UNISEX AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BACK STORAGE ROOM NEAR THE CASH RESGISTER. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD NOT LONG ENOUGH TO COVER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LENGTH OF VENTILATION HOOD.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
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 →