⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

TACOS Y TAMALES EL POLLO. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

TACOS Y TAMALES EL POLLO. (AKA: TACOS Y TAMALES EL POLLO) 4014 W 26TH ST, CHICAGO 60623 Restaurant
May 19, 2025 Canvass License #2663700
10
Total Violations
3
Critical
3
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

10
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENTS(FLOUR) STORED IN LARGE POTS IN REAR OF KITCHEN NOT LABLED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL INGREDIENTS AND MAINTAIN.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED REAR EXTERIOR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ON SIDES AND BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR DOOR TO BE TIGHT-FITTING ON ALL SIDES FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST ENTRY.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON INTERIOR OF COLD HOLD UNITS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP AND RESIDUE ON FLOOR AND WALL NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILE IN MOP CLOSET. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO FILTERS. OBSERVED VENTILATION SYSTEM COVERED IN GREASE AND DUST. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER TO BE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER TO BE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections