TAQUERIA MORELOS.

Chicago Health Dept

5958 W DIVERSEY AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO

Last inspected 2017.

12 inspections on record since 2011 · Last inspected May 2017.

Last inspected May 2017. Records may not reflect current conditions.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

VIOLATIONS

total on record

LAST INSPECTED

MAY 2017

INSPECTION HISTORY

MAY 22

2017

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Food Temperature

POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS 1 LB. COOKED STEAK 99.0F,2LBS. COOKED BEANS 113.5.F,2LBS. COOKED RICE 50.7F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 140.0F OR ABOVE AND COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW..APPX.5LBS.$15. (CRITICAL 7-38-005A)

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW AND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARDED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH (BEANS,STEAK,RICE).MUST PROVIDE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE AND BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)

Serious Pest Activity

TOXIC ITEMS PROPERLY STORED, LABELED AND USED

OBSERVED TOXIC ITEMS STORED IMPROPERLY.OBSERVED A PLASTIC BOTTLE OF WINDEX GLASS CLEANER HANGING FROM A OVER HEAD SHELVING UNIT ABOVE A LARGE BUSS PAN OF TOMATOES STORED ON PREP TABLE.ALSO ,A CAN OF INSECTICIDE ON TOP OF 2- DOOR STAINLESS STEELE REFRIGERATOR NEXT TO A CONTAINER OF FLOUR.PRODUCT WAS REMOVED FROM AREAS BY MANAGER DURING INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO STORE CHEMICAL AWAY FROM FOODS AND CONTACT SURFACES AND STORE PROPERLY.(SERIOUS 7-38-005A)

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR STAINLESS STEELE REFRIGERATOR.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM REACH IN FREEZER.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF EQUIPMENT.

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND INSTALL A CEILING IN PAPER GOODS STORAGE AREA,CEILING IN DINING AREA IN POOR REPAIR.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY SPRAYER AT 3- COMP SINK.

DEC 12

2016

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE REAR BULK CONTAINERS EXTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE LADIES RESTROOM WITH WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE/ WITH A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE TILE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

MAY 6

2016

PASS 5 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD/FOIL ON TABLE STORAGE SHELVES, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, ALSO RUSTY STORAGE SHELF UNDER GRILL, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN INTERIOR OF COOLERS/FREEZERS AND CHAR GRILL.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVERS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED WALL BEHIND 3 COMP. SINK ,AND CEILING LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH ROOM, NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BOTH.

Minor Documentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE, GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO.

AUG 28

2015

PASS 2 violations

Minor Sanitation

CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.

FEB 6

2014

PASS 4 violations

Minor Sanitation

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

Non food contact surfaces of ice machine not clean, needs cleaning. Non food contact surfaces of cooler shelving/racks not clean, need cleaning. Prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).

Minor Sanitation

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, storage closet not clean, need detailed cleaning.

Minor Facility Condition

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

Light shields were missing end caps in display cooler, must provide end caps to display cooler light shields.

Minor Sanitation

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

Exhaust canopy not clean, needs detailed cleaning, exhaust vents(ventilation)in coolers not clean, needs detailed cleaning.

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JUL 24

2013

PASS · 0 violations

JUL 17

2013

FAIL 4 violations 1 CRITICAL

Critical Pest Activity

OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT CLEAN AND FILLED TO THE MAX WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI, FLIES FLYING ALL AROUND CONTAINERS, AND SMELLY ODORS COMING FROM CONTAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CONTAINER CLEAN AND EMPTY OUT, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPLACE CRACKED CUTTING IN KITCHEN AREA,

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST REPAIR THRESHOLD AT FRONT DOOR,

Minor Sanitation

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

BACK AREA AND STORAGE CLOSET CLUTTERED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAINED,

APR 22

2013

PASS 5 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS INSIDE COOLERS

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST RESTRICT USING CARRY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, MUST INVEST IN FOOD GRADE BAGS, OR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS

Minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN VENTS AND HOOD AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, REMOVE ALL DRIPPING GREASE

Minor Food Storage & Handling

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

MUST STORE EMPLOYEES PERSONAL ITEMS ONE DESIGNATED AREA NICE AND NEATLY

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

MUST REPAIR SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HAND SINK FRONT PREP AREA, AND LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK

JUN 18

2012

PASS 6 violations

Minor Chemical Safety

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

Foods in rear freezer stored in shopping bags. Instructed to store in food grade material bags.

Minor Sanitation

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

Exhaust hood not cleaned or maintained. Instructed to have detailed clean.

Minor Sanitation

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

Floors along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.

Minor Sanitation

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

Corners behind sink in both toilet rooms not sealed. Instructed to walls in corners. Light covers in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.

Minor Facility Condition

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

Thermometer not provided or visible inside rear 2-door cooler. Instructed to have thermometers conspicuous inside all coolers.

Minor Sanitation

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

Storage room not organized or maintained. Instructed to elevate supplies 6 inches or higher and away from walls and corners.

DEC 12

2011

PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (EG TACO, BURRITO, COOKED RICE, REFRIED BEANS, BEEF,CHICKEN 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 POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012

Minor Sanitation

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AT REAR STORAGE AREA.-------MUST REORGANIZE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.

Minor Plumbing & Waste

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

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOP SINK FAUCET (REAR AREA).---------MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.

Minor Other

REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER.

JUN 21

2011

PASS · 0 violations

JUN 14

2011

FAIL 9 violations 3 CRITICAL

Critical Other

WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE

All food establishments shall be provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold water under pressure properly connected to the city water supply. FOUND NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Critical Employee Hygiene

HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICE/PAPERTOWEL AT ALL HANDSINK.

Critical Pest Activity

NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WRITTEN LOG BOOK (SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORTS ETC.) FROM LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY.

Serious Documentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Minor Sanitation

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. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT RAW BRICK WALL AROUND DINING AREA AND RAW WOOD DOOR (BOILER AND STORAGE ROOMS) IN REAR AREA.

Minor Sanitation

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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND PAINT FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND FLOOR IN STORAGE ROOM IN REAR AREA.---------MUST INTALL FLOOR BASEBOARD AROUND STORAGE ROOM IN REAR.

Minor Facility 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. LIGHTS MUST BE SHIELDED ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA OR PROVIDE SHATTERPROOFED LIGHTBULBS.

Minor Plumbing & 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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOPSINK FAUCET.

Minor Other

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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER.

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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