FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
EL CHARRO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 24, 2023
License
License #2895606
8
Total Violations
3
Critical
3
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AVAILABLE HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE IN GRIDDLE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HANDWASHING SINK FOR CONVENIENT USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. FACILITY WILL COOK STEAK AND OTHER ITMES TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE MENU WITH CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED DELI TOP COOLER WITH AN INADEQUATE INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 52 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COOLERS HAVE AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. MANAGER ADJUSTED COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED EQUIPMENT TO LARGE TO FIT INTO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A LARGER SINK OR SMALLER UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARDS ON SINK NOR EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ALL DISHES TO BE WASHED AND SELF DRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DRYING RACKS OR OTHER EQUIPMENT TO ALLOW FOR CLEANED DISHES TO BE SELF DRAINING.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GREASE RECEPTACLE FOR GREASE. FACILITY UTILIZES DEEP FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE METHOD FOR DISPOSING OF GREASE.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CHIPPED WALL IN HALLWAY NEAR REAR ENTRANCE; OBSERVED CRACKED FLOOR TILES BEHIND COOLER UNIT TO IMMEDIATE RIGHT UPON WALKING IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection