⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 1 (High)

EL MEZQUITE INC. Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

EL MEZQUITE INC. (AKA: EL MEZQUITE) 1756 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO 60608 Restaurant
April 11, 2019 Canvass License #2304020
8
Total Violations
2
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #25
MINOR
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE/REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED NO LABELS ON THE OWN MADE FLAN, AND RICE PUDDING, INSTRUCTED ON PROPER LABELING.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP COUNTERS, INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES OVER REAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED A SECTION OF THE REAR FLOOR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE RAW WOOD FLOOR.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED A SECTION OF THE REAR FLOOR NOT SEALED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE RAW WOOD FLOOR.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.

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