SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

TAQUERIA & TAMALES EL BUEN GUSTO.

BEAT. 18/100

6012 W FULLERTON AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO

Last inspected December 15, 2023 · passed

Failed 4 of 5 inspections. 14 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
5
1 passed · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
32
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
1 MONTH
since Nov 2023

INSPECTION HISTORY

DEC 15
2023
PASSED
0 violations
DEC 11
2023
FAILED
2 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES IN FACILITY , IN AREAS SUCH AS IN TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT DOOR TRACKS ON LEFT SIDE, NEXT TO LEG BASE OF SHELF IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR EXIT AND ON FLOOR BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES FROM SAID AREAS AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED TWO ROACHES IN FACILITY, IN DINING AREA CRAWLING ON CEILING BEAM AND IN REAR HALLWAY NEAR EXIT CRAWLING ON CEILING NEAR PIPE. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 12/11/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)

DEC 4
2023
FAILED
2 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 9 ROACHES IN FACILITY, IN AREAS SUCH STORAGE ROOM UNDERNEATH STAIRS, 2 IN DINING ROOM ON WALLS, 1 OUTSIDE KITCHEN DOOR, 1 ON DOOR OF FREEZER, 1 ON TOP OF FREEZER, 1 IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM ON WALL, 1 ON WALL NEXT TO FREEZER AND 1 AT BASE OF FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO ELMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 12/4/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT FACILITY, ON DINING ROOM FLOOR ALONG WALLS, BEHIND STOVE, REAR EXIT IN CORNERS, ON FLOOR IN STORAGE ROOM UNDERNEATH STAIRS, ON TOP OF POT ON BOTTOM SHELF NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, ON LOWER WHITE SHELF IN PREP AREA, ON FLOOR IN FRONT OF BLACK REFRIGERATOR AND IN CORNER NEXT TO BLACK REFRIGERATOR ON NORTHSIDE WALL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND DETAIL CLEAN WALLS, FLOORS, CORNERS AND ALONG BASES OF WALLS THROUGHOUT FACILITY.

NOV 24
2023
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

6-501.111: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 ROACHES, IN AREAS SUCH AS DINING AREA NEAR EXTRA TABLES ALONG WALL, CRAWLING ON REAR OF FLAT TOP GRILL IN KITCHEN, CRAWLING ON WALL IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM, CRAWLING ON WALL LEADING INTO KITCHEN NEAR REFRIGERATORS, ON WALL NEXT TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND ON CEILING LEADING TO REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO ELMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 11/24/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES IN INTERIOR OF TWO DOOR COOLER AND ON EXTERIOR AT TOP ON SIGNAGE, ON FLOOR IN DINING AREA IN BETWEEN EXTRA TABLES ALONG WALL, UNDERNEATH AND ALONG WALLS NEAR TWO DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND DETAIL CLEAN SAID AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES FROM INTERIOR OF TWO DOOR COOLER, DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR AND SANITIZE INTERIOR.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

3-307.11 OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON HANDWASHING SINK IN KITCHEN TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT OF SHELVES OF STORAGE RACK.

MINORFood Temperature
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C): OBSERVED SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR OF ALL THREE COLD HOLDING UNITS AND INTERIOR OF UPRIGHT BLACK FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

6-501.19: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON WASHROOM DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN CUSTOMER OR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN BOTH WASHROOMS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES.

NOV 16
2023
FAILED
21 violations8 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED. MUST HAVE A PERSON ON SITE WITH AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN KITCHEN AND IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO POST HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED HAND DRYING PROVISION SHALL BE PROVIDED AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED TO TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES IN DINING ROOM NEAR HOT SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES OR RELOCATE HOT SERVING LINE INTO KITCHEN IN PREP AREA TO ALLOW ACCESS TO HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

OBSERVED NO UNSCENTED CHEMICAL SANITIZER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNSCENTED CHEMICAL SANITIZER ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN TWO DOOR BLACK REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND MAINTAIN ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C)

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FOUR LARGE ROACHES, IN AREAS SUCH AS SMALL STORAGE ROOM UNDERNEATH STAIRS, CRAWLING ON PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN, CRAWLING ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN REAR EXIT HALLWAY AND KITCHEN AND ON WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED TWO SMALL FLIES IN DINING ROOM AND KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO ELMINATE ROACH AND SMALL FLY ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED TWO DEAD SMALL ROACHES IN FREEZER ABOVE REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED THE ENTRY WAY INTO THE PREP AREA NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY THE PUBLIC. MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER AT THE ENTRANCE TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING THE PREP AREA. OBSERVED ONE DOOR BLACK FREEZER IN REAR OF DINING AREA ACROSS FROM CUSTOMER WASHROOM NOT LOCKED, FREEZER WILL BE USED FOR TORTILLA STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LOCK ON FREEZER DOOR TO PREVENT PUBLIC CONTAMINATION OF FOOD IN FREEZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.

MINORFood Temperature
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR OF ALL THREE COLD HOLDING UNITS AND INTERIOR OF UPRIGHT BLACK FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

OBSERVED NO WATER PROVIDED AT UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER PRESSURE AT UTILITY SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C)

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED DRAIN PIPES FROM WASHROOM AND GREASE TRAP LEADING INTO KITCHEN FLOOR DRAIN WITH NO AIR GAP LEADING TO FLOOR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AIR GAP LEADING TO FLOOR DRAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMER WASHROOM DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH WASHROOM DOORS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN CUSTOMER OR EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN BOTH WASHROOMS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AROUND WHITE PIPE. OBSERVED DAMAGED BRICK WALL LEADING TO REAR EXIT ABOVE WALL VENT COVER. OBSERVED HOLE AROUND WALL VENT COVER IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL AT BASE OF WALL NEXT TO PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED SPLASHES ON WALLS IN HALLWAY LEADING TO REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN OR REPAINT WALLS IN HALLWAY.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DUST ON WALL VENT COVER IN HALLWAY LEADING TO REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED TWO MISSING LIGHT BULBS IN LIGHT FIXTURE IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES.

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 →

NEARBY IN BELMONT CRAGIN