FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
MAGO'S TAMALES & TAQUERIA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 3, 2021
Complaint
License #1742786
10
Total Violations
4
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO 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 #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO 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 NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK I N CUSTOMERS WASHROOM. 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 #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED IN THE 2-DOOR COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPIN CLOTHS STORED ON SHELVES AND PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS COVERS ABOVE PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST 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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING 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 DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN 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 #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
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 #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS.
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
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