PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
SU TAQUERIA EL GALLO BRAVO 5, INC. Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
May 9, 2019
Complaint
License #1910293
19
Total Violations
7
Critical
4
Major
8
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on May 9, 2019. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Pass w/ Conditions outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 19 violations during this inspection, including 7 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
19
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS NOT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED SUCH AS GRILLED BEEF IN HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 186.2F. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED AND ARRIVED 1 HOUR LATER. ALSO NO CERTIFICATES ON SITE POSTED, FOUND INSIDE PEST LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO POST ALL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 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 #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT ON PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. 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 #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD IN THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS COOKED BEEF AT 56.1F, 10 LBS COOKED CHICKEN AT 51.8F. ALL OTHER RAW MEATS FOUND AT PROPER TEMPERATURES AND AMBIENT COOLER TEMPERATURE ADEQUATE AT 40.1F. BEEF AND CHICKEN DISCARDED. ESTIMATED VALUE TO BE $50.00. REVIEWED PROPER COOLING METHODS FOR COOKED FOODS. 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 #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED ALL FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. NO LABELS FOUND ON ANY PREPARED, TCS FOODS SUCH AS COOKED BEANS, COOKED MEATS, SOUPS, COOKED STUFFED PEPPERS AND SHRIMP. REVIEWED PROPER DATE LABELING OF PREPARED TCS FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 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 #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: NOTED ITEMS ON THE MENU NOT DISCLOSED OR REMINDED PERTAINING TO THE CONSUMER ADVISORY FOUND PRINTED ON THE MENU. REVIEWED WITH OWNER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO 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 #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETER FOR THE COOKS LINE TWO DOOR COOLER. MUST REPLACE/PROVIDE.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE CLEARLY LABELED WITH PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL PRE-PACKAGED FLAN FOR SALE IN CUSTOMER DISPLAY COOLER MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS, LIST OF INGREDIENTS, EXPIRATION DATE AND AN ALLERGEN WARNING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: ALL STORED CANNED GOODS AND OTHER STORED ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. INTERIOR OF THE REAR TALL REACH-IN FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS. EXTERIOR OF ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: THE FOLLOWING FOUND DIRTY: EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE REAR DRY STORAGE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
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: BROKEN URINAL IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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: ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE COOKS LINE, UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE, FLOORS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AND DRY FOOD STORAGE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
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: MISSING BASEBOARD FLOOR COVING BEHIND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT. MUST REPLACE.
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: INADEQUATE LIGHT INTENSITY IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE GREATER LIGHT INTENSITY.
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: INADEQUATE LIGHT INTENSITY IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE GREATER LIGHT INTENSITY.
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