PASS
Risk 1 (High)
TAQUERIA Y CARNITAS DON VALDEZ Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
April 2, 2024
Short Form Complaint
License #2943706
5
Total Violations
1
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on April 2, 2024. The inspection type was "Short Form Complaint" and resulted in a Pass outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 5 violations during this inspection, including 1 critical violation that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING SPLASHGUARD AT UTILITY MOP SINK.INTRUCTED TO INSTALL A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD AT LEFT SIDE OF THE UTILITY MOP SINK AND MAINTAIN.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-603.15/ OBSERVED LARGE POT USED TO COOK CARNITAS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE POTS OR PROVIDE SMALLER POTS THAT CAN BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: 6-202.11--INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT BULB AT FRONT COUNTER SERVICE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
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 #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13--OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13--OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
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