PASS
Risk 1 (High)
EL PAISANO TACOS INC Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
December 10, 2020
Complaint
License #2501058
6
Total Violations
1
Critical
1
Major
4
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: SEVERAL COOLERS MISSING THERMOMETER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: PACKAGED CHEESE CAKE IN FRONT DISPLAY COOLER NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ACCORDINGLY AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: FOAM CUPS ARE USED TO STORE SOUP IN REAR KITCHEN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 3-COMP SINK IS NOT LEVELED. WATER IS NOT SELF DRAINAGE IN SINKS, INSTRUCTED TO LEVEL SINK.
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: 3-COMP SINK IS NOT LEVELED. WATER IS NOT SELF DRAINAGE IN SINKS, INSTRUCTED TO LEVEL SINK.
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
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