PASS
Risk 1 (High)
TAQUERIA LA ZACATECANA Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 30, 2025
Canvass Re-Inspection
License #48878
8
Total Violations
1
Critical
1
Major
6
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE MAIN PREP AREA TO BE DISFIGURED AND MELTED NEAR THE STOVE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH BOARD MADE OF MATERIAL THAT CAN WITHSTAND HEAT AND MAINTAIN ORIGINAL SHAPE AND FUNCTION UNDER NORMAL KITCHEN CONDITIONS AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CENTRAL COUNTER (ALONG MAIN PREP AREA) CONSTRUCTED OF EXPOSED, UNSEALED WOOD ON NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO TREAT OR PAINT WOOD OR REPLACE WITH MATERIAL TO MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA STORED ON MILK CRATES DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MILK CRATES TO ELEVATE FIXED ICE MACHINE AT LEAST 6" ABOVE THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER OF UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT IN THE OUTDOOR WASTE RECEPTACLE STORAGE ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS AND NONFUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN OUTDOOR WASTE ENCLOSURE FREE FROM CLUTTER.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED PAINT PEELING ALONG CEILING SURFACE OF WALK-IN COOLER AREA, NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR REPLACE PAINT TO MAINTAIN PHYSICAL FACILITY SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
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: OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA TO BE HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
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
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