⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS Risk 1 (High)

EL MEZQUITE INC. Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

EL MEZQUITE INC. (AKA: EL MEZQUITE) 1756 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO 60608 Restaurant
June 11, 2015 Canvass License #2304020
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #30
CRITICAL
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL PACKAGED DESSERTS IN DISPLAY COOLER.
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
Violation #35
MINOR
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM(DUST BUILDUP).
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #41
MAJOR
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. PROPERLY ORGANIZE WALK-IN COOLER. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE REAR DOOR.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #42
MAJOR
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN - Comments: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
Unwashed produce can harbor pathogens and chemical residues.
Raw fruits and vegetables must be washed before use.
Wash thoroughly under running water; Before cutting, combining, cooking, or serving; Remove soil and contaminants.
Violation #43
MINOR
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #43
MINOR
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED - Comments: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.

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