PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
TAQUERIA EL PASTOR Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 5, 2025
Complaint
License #1358636
5
Total Violations
1
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY, TCS, FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR CHICKEN AT 49.0F, CHEESE AT 62.0F, LETTUCE AT 47.7F, TOMATOS AT 49.2F AND SOUR CREAM AT 61.4F LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLER BY THE GRILL AREA. ALL DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX 5LBS $20 VALUE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN TCS FOODS AT 41.0F AND BELOW. 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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN CONTAINERS IN THE COOLER UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE LIDS/COVERINGS.
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: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN THE PREP AND DISHWASH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
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 #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS IN THE PREP AND DISHWASH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
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
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