FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LA CATRINA MEXICAN RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 24, 2025
Complaint
License #2992910
10
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on February 24, 2025. 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 10 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. 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: FOUND VARIOUS HANDSINKS WITH EITHER NO SOAP OR PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL HANDWASHING STATIONS TO HAVE ADEQUATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SITE TO HAVE A PEST SERVICE AND HAVE THE BOOK UPDATED TO CONTAIN ALL INFORMATION. PRIORTIY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C) 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 #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED 2 BUCKETS OF DIRTY WET TOWELS. ALL DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS IN NEED OF AIR DRYER TO ELIMATE ALL HAZARDS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: ALL FOOD IN REACH IN AND WALK IN COOLERS BEING STORED IN SOUR CREAM CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AT ALL TIMES.
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: INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE ALL COOLERS.
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: LEAK AT P-TRAP ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT BAR AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT 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 #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS ON GROUND AND GARBAGE IN CONTAINER WITH LIDS CLOSED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS AT SIDE STORAGE AREA, FRONT BAR AREA AND PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALLFOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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: FLOORS AT SIDE STORAGE AREA, FRONT BAR AREA AND PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALLFOOD SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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
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