PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
TAQUERIA EL REY DEL TACO FASHION 1676 INC Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
April 1, 2021
Canvass
License #2534801
20
Total Violations
5
Critical
5
Major
10
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on April 1, 2021. The inspection type was "Canvass" 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 20 violations during this inspection, including 5 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
20
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS WITH BARE HANDS SUCH AS REMOVING SEVERAL TACO SHELLS FROM GRILL AND ADDING CILANTRO,CHEESE ETC..INSTRUCTED TO USE UTENSILS OR GLOVES TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED REAR HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A PAN INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPPED IN THAT AREA.MANAGER REMOVED PAN DURING INSPECTION.MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND DRYER IN TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING.HAD MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS IN TOILET ROOM DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(COS)CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION(7-38-030(C)
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER OF CONSUMING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON MENUS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
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: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR WALK IN COOLER.
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: MUST LABEL REPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX.'1/2" GAP ALONG BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST REMOVE FOOD AND PAPER PRODUCTS FROM UNDERNEATH WASTE WATER LINES IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER AT ENTRY INTO FRONT PREP AREA.
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 NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
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 #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: MUST STORE ICE SCOOP IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WHEN NOT IN USE.
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #46
MAJOR
Violation Details
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING GLOVES OR USING UTENSILS TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS.
Why This Matters
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.15
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON USED AND UNUSED GRILL TABLE,FRYER CABINET,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
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: MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM WALL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT AND REAR PREP AREA.
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: MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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: MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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