⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

EL MEZQUITE INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

EL MEZQUITE INC. (AKA: EL MEZQUITE) 1756 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO 60608 Restaurant
December 31, 2013 License License #2304020
5
Total Violations
1
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

5
Violation #18
CRITICAL
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED AT TIME OF INVESTIGATION. CITATION ISSUED-SERIOUS 7-38-020.
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
Violation #31
MAJOR
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES - Comments: ALL SINGLE-SERVICE UTENSILS MUST BE STORED IN CLEAN CONTAINERS INVERTED(HANDLES UP).
Consumers need warning about increased risk from raw/undercooked foods.
Required consumer advisories for raw/undercooked foods.
Disclosure and reminder for raw/undercooked animal foods; Written notice on menu; Must identify specific items.
Violation #32
MAJOR
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REMOVE SHELF LINERS FROM SHELVES UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES AND PAINT RUSTY SURFACES. REPLACE MILK CRATES IN BASEMENT WITH SHELVING UNIT(S).
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
Violation #34
MINOR
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED.
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
Violation #34
MINOR
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS THROUGHOUT WHERE NEEDED.
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections