FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
TACOS LOS GUEROS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 16, 2010
License
License #2055560
10
Total Violations
4
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities.OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF FRONT PREP COOLER AT 46.5F.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40 OR BELOW.
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 #12
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees.MUST PROVIDE TOWELS AT ALL HAND SINKS.
Why This Matters
Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.
Food Code Requirement
All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.
Specific Requirements
Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-301.11, 6-301.12
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 3 LIVE ROACHES IN FRONT PREP AREA.ALSO NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE TO VIEW.MUST PROVIDE LOG BOOK& SERVICE PREMISES.
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #19
MAJOR
Violation Details
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance.OBSERVED TALL WEEDS ON EXTERIOR OF BUILDING MUST REMOVE & PROVIDE OUT SIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.
Food Code Requirement
Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.
Specific Requirements
Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111, 5-502.11
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS.MUST REPLACE MISSING & DAMAGED OUT LET COVERS,WORN DOOR GASKETS ON COOLERS.MUST PAINT LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.MUST REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILE AT FOOT REST AT SERVICE COUNTER.
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING & LOOSE WALL TRIM(SERVICE COUNTER,TOILET ROOM,REAR PREP AREA WALL.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES & WIRES,HOLES IN WALLS & DOOR,LOWER WALL BASE UNDER REAR HOOD.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces.LIGHT NEEDED IN STORAGE ROOM.
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
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,VENTILATION HOOD MOTOR MAKING NOISE,FILTER IN REAR AT HOOD,CAP OFF PLUMBING PIPES IN FRONT PREP AREA.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,VENTILATION HOOD MOTOR MAKING NOISE,FILTER IN REAR AT HOOD,CAP OFF PLUMBING PIPES IN FRONT PREP AREA.
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
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