TAQUERIA LOS AZARES.
7148 N HARLEM AVE · EDISON PARK, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 15 inspections. 11 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JAN 102020PASS W/ CONDITIONS1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER FOR THE CONSUMER ADVISORY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT THE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
JAN 62020FAILED8 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGER ON SITE 1/7/2020 WHEN FOOD IS READY TO BE PREPARED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET A CERTIFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER FOR THE CONSUMER ADVISORY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT THE CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK.INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK.
OBSERVED SEWERAGE BACKING UP FROM THE OPEN FLOOR DRAIN INTO THE PREP KITCHEN FLOOR. WHEN WATER IS FILL AND COMING OUT TO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING PANELS AT FOOD PREP,STORAGE AND DINING AREAS. THE VENT IN THE FRONT AREA NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING.
OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS DIRTY UNDER HOT LINE HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHIELDS
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED VIOLATION #23 FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED FOR READY TO EAT FOODS VIOLATION #37 BULK FOOD NOT LABELED PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
JUL 172019PASS W/ CONDITIONS16 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TCS FOODS (BEEF) HAS BEEN PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED IN 2-DOOR COOLER (BEEF). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATION UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCURATE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS
ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE, AND MUST USE PROPER UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO DISPENSE FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS
OBSERVED THAT HAND WASHING SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA BY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS LOCATED CLOSE TO FOOD PREP TABLE. MUST PROVIDE SPLASH PROTECTION BETWEEN HAND SINK AND FOOD PREP TABLE
ALL EMPLOYEES MUST HAVE PROPER HAIR RESTRAIN WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
OBSERVED THAT DOOR GASKET ON TWO DOOR COOLER IN DISH WASHING ROOM IS BROKEN. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACED AND MAINTAIN
MUST CLEAN NON FOOD CONTACT SHELVING INSIDE ALL COOLING UNITS
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN MOP SINK FAUCET
MUST REPAIR AND REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN DISH WASHING AREA
OBSERVED INSUFFICIENT LIGHTNING SPECIALTY IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE PROPER LIGHTING IN FOOD PREP AREA BETWEEN 20-50 CNDL/FT2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
MAR 62018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT BOTH DOORS OF THE 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE EXPOSED HANDSINK(FRONT PREP AREA).INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 262018FAILED5 violationsDETAILS
FOUND NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND SANITIZING BUCKETS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR WHITE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS TO IDENTIFY FOODS STORED AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT BOTH DOORS OF THE 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE EXPOSED HANDSINK(FRONT PREP AREA).INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE THRESHOLD AT REAR EXIT DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED MISSING CEILING VENTILATION COVER AT REAR DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
show all 15 inspections →
APR 122017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
Observed stained ceiling tiles above the cooking equipment. Instructed facility to replace and maintain..
Found no foodhandler certificates on site. Instructed facility to comply and maintain foodhandler certificates on site for all employees past 30 days of hire.
MAR 312017FAILED6 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
Found foods at improper temperatures in the oven: 4lbs of chicken at 106.3f and 9lbs of beef at 109.5f. Operator discarded and denatured said product valued at $50. Instructed facility to maintain all potentially hazardous foods at 40f or below or 140f or above. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
Found the rear exposed handsink without soap or paper towels and inaccessible due to items stored directly in front of and inside sink. Also found the front exposed handsink without paper towels. Instructed facility to maintain all sinks accessible at all times and to maintain soap and paper towels at all handsinks. Facility corrected all during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-030.
Previous minor violations not corrected from report# 1970961, dated 11-4-16: Violation 32- "INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA." and Violation 36- "LIGHT BULBS MUST BE SHIELDED ABOVE REAR DISH WASHING AREA." and Violation 40- "INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS." Instructed facility to comply with all and maintain. Serious violation 7-42-090.
Observed dirt and food debris on the wall behind the three compartment sink. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed stained ceiling tiles in the rear prep area and above the cooking equipment. Instructed facility to replace and maintain.
Found the three compartment sink faucet to have leaks at its base. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
Found no foodhandler certificates on site. Instructed facility to comply and maintain foodhandler certificates on site for all employees past 30 days of hire.
NOV 42016PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 40.9F) IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF BEEF AT 48.6F, 47.7F, 47.9F GROUND BEEF AT 47.5F, 47.7F, EGGS AT 44.5F, BEEF TONGUE AT 50.4F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 140 OR ABOVE. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD PRODUCTS. TOTAL VALUE $260.00, TOTAL WEIGHT 40#. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005 (A)
FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG BEEF, CHICKEN, COOKED RICE ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RUBBER GASKET AROUND 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING TILE ABOVE REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
LIGHT BULBS MUST BE SHIELDED ABOVE REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
FEB 92016PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG BEEF, CHICKEN, COOKED RICE ETC) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (GRILL AND FRYER) WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION IN PREP/COOKING AREA.----------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER IN REAR DISH ROOM AREA.-----------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF EXPOSED HAND SINK IN PREP AND IN REAR DISH ROOM.
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN CEILING VENT INSIDE EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER WASHROOM.
FEB 172015PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS DOES NOT MEET TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE AND SERVICE. OBSERVED 4 GALLON OF COOKED RED SALSA AT 55.2 F, COOKED SALSA VERDE4 GALLONS AT 58.8 AND 3 GALLONS SALSA AT 50.8 F. THAT WAS PREPARED 2/16/2015 PER OWNER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT POTENTIALLY HAZRADOUS FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY COOLED FROM 140F TO 70 F WITHIN 4HOURS AND 70F TO 40 F WITHIN 2 HOURS. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED, VALUE $60, 11 GALLONS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
FOODS INSIDE COOLERS NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
DEEP FRYER CABINETS, EXTERIOR BETWEEN COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
FLOOR UNDER EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLBASE NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
VENTILATION COVER IN DINING AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
ESTABLISHMENT HAS NOT MET REQUIREMENT FOR FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE FOOR HANDLERS TRAINING WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED.
OCT 152014FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DISHWASH AREA EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL REMOVED, DISHWASHER(S) UNABLE TO WASH HANDS, STAND UP 2-DOOR REACH IN FREEZER PUT IN FRONT OF WHERE EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL USE TO BE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL WITH RUNNING HOT AND COLD WATER IN DISHWASH ROOM BY DATE OF REINSPECTION (10/17/14). DISHWASHER(S) MUST WASH HANDS AT PREP AREA EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL LOCATED 10 FT AWAY BEHIND DOOR. ESTABLISHMENT IS PUT ON 48 HOUR WORK AROUND BY CDPH AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
FOODS NOT LABELED OR DATED INSIDE STAND UP REACH IN COOLER (IN DISHWASH ROOM) ALSO RICE BULK CONTAINER NOT LABELED AT SAME. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL/DATE FOODS, FIRST IN FIRST OUT, ALSO MUST LABEL BULK RICE CONTAINER.
OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP AREA STAND UP COOLER AND COOLER GASKETS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS AND COOLERS DOOR GASKETS.
OBSERVED CRACKS/CREVICES UNDER FRONT PREP COUNTER BETWEEN COUNTER TOP AND WALLS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL CRACKS/CREVICES THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP COUNTER.
MAR 262014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.
OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP ON WALL BEHIND MOP SINK AND DISHWASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS.
METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THEROMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
APR 42013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AT THE FOOD STORAGE AREA.
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FANS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
AUG 62012PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPAINT WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
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 →