FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
EL REY DEL TACO & BURRITOS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
January 12, 2022
Complaint
License #1893928
15
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
10
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
15
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED SOME HAND WASHING SINKS WITHOUT HAND WASHING SIGNS .MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 CONSUMER FOOD ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON MENU.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LOCK ON BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER,DAMAGED GASKET ON 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF SOME PREP TABLES AND VEGETABLE WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES, FRYER CABINETS,WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR RPELACE GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL BASE IN REAR PREP AREA BEHIND REACH IN COOLER AND HOLE IN LOWER WALL IN BASEMENT NEAR CHEST FREEZER.
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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN BOTH PREP AREAS.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL OUTDATED FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST UPDATE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #64
MINOR
Violation Details
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD FOLLOWING PROTOCOL FOR UNVACCINATED EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Chicago Municipal Code: Title 4, Chapter 4-8 (Food Dealers)
Violation #64
MINOR
Violation Details
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD OF FOLLOWING PROTOCOL FOR VACCINATIONS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Chicago Municipal Code: Title 4, Chapter 4-8 (Food Dealers)
Violation #64
MINOR
Violation Details
MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN RECORD OF FOLLOWING PROTOCOL FOR VACCINATIONS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Chicago Municipal Code: Title 4, Chapter 4-8 (Food Dealers)
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