FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
TIO LUIS TACOS AND CAFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
March 31, 2025
Canvass
License #2535333
9
Total Violations
1
Critical
2
Major
6
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
9
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN OUTDOOR COLD STORAGE INSIDE OF UPRIGHT FREEZER UNIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN,.
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 #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE POTS IN BASEMENT WAREWASHING AREA NO INVERTED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO INVERT ALL POTS AND PANS AND MAINTAIN FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST HARBORAGE.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RETAIL SHOPPING BAG USED TO STORE RICE ON HOT HOLD LINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS ONLY 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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT NEAR DRAIN. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED BROKEN AND MISSING FLOOR TILES NEAR DISH WASHING AREA CREATING VOIDS IN FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 GAPS IN CEILING DRYWALL OF BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR TO BE CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING.
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: OBSERVED FILTERS IN UPSTAIRS PREP AREA HOOD SYSTEM TO HAVE GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN 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 #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN UPDATED ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN UPDATED ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR REVIEW.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
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