FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LA BOMBA FOOD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 8, 2026
Complaint
License #2972466
16
Total Violations
8
Critical
8
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 8, 2026. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 16 violations during this inspection, including 8 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
16
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE POSTED OR ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INTSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING HAND SINKS WITHOUT HOT WATER DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. IN USE: FRONT AND BASEMENT PREP AREAS. BOTH PREP AREAS WERE IN USE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER (100-120F) AT ALL HAND SINKS AS REQUIRED FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND-DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE MIDDLE PREP AREA DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND SANITIZER AVAILABLE AT THE HANDSINK LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA WHILE IN USE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
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 #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 40 LBS GROUND BEEF, 10 LBS GROUND MEAT, 50 LBS CHICKEN STEW, 20 LBS RICE,10 LBS BEEF ALL STORED IN COOLING UNITS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. NOTED TEMPERATURE RANGING FROM 49-66F AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TCS FOODS @41F AND BELOW AT ALL TIMES AS REQUIRED. ALL SAID FOOD WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED BY PIC. TOTAL COST: $400. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #28
CRITICAL
Violation Details
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PARCHA JUICE STORED INSIDE A PREMIUM DISHLIQUID BUCKET AND STORED INSIDE A 2-DOOR COOLING UNIT DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PER CODE, CONTAINERS PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE POSIONOUS OT TOXIC MATERIALS MAY NOT BE USED TO STORE OR DISPENSE FOOD. SAID JUICE WAS DISCARDED AT THIS TIME VOLUNTARILY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD IN FOOD-GRADE APPROVED CONTAINERS ONLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.
Food Code Requirement
Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.
Specific Requirements
Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-401.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED BROKEN AND OR MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLING UNITS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 75 OR MORE SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP AREA, STANDING ON BOXES CONTAINING PRODUCE, ON STORED KITCHENWARE, ON SHELVING UNITS, ON THE SURFACE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER DOOR, AND ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY ON PREMISES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVDD CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP CUTS AND DARK GROOVES IN PREP AREA. NSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
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: OBSERVED ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN FRONT PREP AREA, PIPING ATTACHED TO AND ALONGSIDE HOTHOLD EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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 HANDSINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP WATER POOLING ONTO THE FLOOR ONCE TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SAID SINK AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
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: OBSERVED CEILING ATTACHMENTS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA MISSING AND DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WALLS THROUGHOUT ALL PREP AREAS WITH CHIPPED PAINT WHERE FOOD IS PREPARED. NOTED LARGE HOLE IN FLOOR UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. NOTED BLACK PAINTED WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT FOOD PREPARATION AND STORAGE AREAS ON 1ST FLOOR AND BASEMENT PREP. INSTRUCTED TO LIGHTEN WALL SURFACES TO IMPROVE AND FACILITATE EFFECTIVE CLEANING AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS, WALLS, CEILINGS.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL STACKED AND STORED SOILED UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE OF BACKDOOR LEADING TO GARBAGE RECEPTACLE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE, MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
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: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASMEMENT PREP AREA. INSRUCTED TO INCREASE AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASMEMENT PREP AREA. INSRUCTED TO INCREASE AND MAINTAIN.
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
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