FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
MIX MEX-CUE, INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
May 24, 2023
License
License #2911707
11
Total Violations
4
Critical
4
Major
3
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on May 24, 2023. The inspection type was "License" 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 11 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE IS ON SITE.
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO POSTED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED MENU WITH NO REMINDER OR DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS.
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 #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE FOR TAKING TEMPERATURES OF HOT AND COLD FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED SMOKER OUTSIDE. FACILITY PLANS TO USE SAID SMOKER TO COOK MEATS. SMOKER MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES MOVED INSIDE TO PRVENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RAW WOOD IN REAR AREA SURROUNDING SMOKER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO APPLY FRESH COAT OF SEALANT.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED INCORRECT TEST STRIPS ON SITE. FACILITY HAS QUAT TEST STRIPS; HOWEVER FACILITY UTILIZES CHLORINE SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE SANITIZER UTLIZED MATCHES TEST STRIPS UTILIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED FLOOR GRATE AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BLOCKING FLOW OF WATER. WATER SPLASHES OFF GRATE AND ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE GRATE IS FITTED PROPERLY.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE OR CONTRACT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EITHER AN OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE OR A CONTRACT FROM LICENSED GARBAGE COMPANY WITH FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) NO 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 #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE OR CONTRACT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EITHER AN OUTSIDE DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE OR A CONTRACT FROM LICENSED GARBAGE COMPANY WITH FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) NO 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
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