Cta Chicago Taco Authority
Last inspected: Mar 14, 2025
67
Score
Cta Chicago Taco Authority has been inspected 10 times since 2017. The most recent visit was on Mar 14, 2025. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up four times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Cta Chicago Taco Authority's 67 doesn't quite reach. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
10
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 14, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANTIZER FOR USE IN WAREWASHING AVAILABLE ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CHEMICAL SANITIZER USED TO SANITIZE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS PROVIDED AND AVAILABLE ON-SITE AT ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. THE PERSON IN CHARGE OBTAINED CHEMICAL SANITIZER CORRESPONDING TO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SPILLS STORED IN STILL WATER WITHOUT CHEMICAL SANITIZER SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN WIPING CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SPILLS IN A CHEMICAL SANITIZER SOLUTION OF ADEQUATE WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COMPRESSORS OF ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXPOSED COMPRESSORS AND OTHER NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST AND OTHER DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA (NEAR THE REAR DOOR LEADING TO THE DRY STORAGE ROOM) IN POOR REPAIR, SEVERELY DAMAGED OR MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR KITCHEN AREA FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN ALL PHYSICAL FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHTING IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS TO BE INSUFFICIENT IN INTENSITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LIGHT FIXTURES IN WASHROOMS TO PROVIDE LIGHTING OF ADEQUATE INTENSITY FOR THESE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
56
67
Aug 13, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Jan 12, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED FISH AT 51.1F, CORN AT 48.2F, CHEESE AT 44.6F, CUT TOMATOES AT 45.7F, GUACAMOLE AT 50F, PICO DE GALLO AT 51.8F, SOUR CREAM AT 52.7F, AND CUT LETTUCE AT 47.5F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS FISH AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: ONE OF THE LIGHTS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA IS NOT WORKING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON-WORKING LIGHTS.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MISSING AND CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING AND CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS.
56
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: THE MEN'S WASHROOM DOOR LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM ARE BROKEN OR MISSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
55
61
Jun 17, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 4 DOOR PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
90
Jun 10, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,CITATION ISSUED.
3
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2521762 DATED:06/22/2021 #10--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINK (PREP, DISHWASHING AREA, WASHROOMS). #36--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. #37--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS SALT ETC). #49--INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP. #55--INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR HALLWAY STORAGE AREA. MUST REORGANIZE. #56--INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE ICE MACHINE IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 6/17/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 4 DOOR PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
58
74
Jun 22, 2021
Complaint
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT (01-15-20) POSTED ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 7-42-010 (B) NO CITATION ISSUED
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINK (PREP, DISHWASHING AREA, WASHROOMS).
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVVIDE PROPER LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS SALT ETC).
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR HALLWAY STORAGE AREA. MUST REORGANIZE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE ICE MACHINE IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
56
61
Dec 20, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND PROVIDE CLEANING SUPPLIES KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: DEEP FRYER LOWER COMPARTMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN COOK AREA AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE PEELING, RE PAINT/RE SEALED AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST OBTAIN AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
58
67
May 11, 2018
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN FRONT PREP AND IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT AND IN REAR OUTSIDE HALLWAY AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES, MUST USE PROPER RAISED SHELVES.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
45
86
May 3, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE WHICH TO BE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ICE MACHINE DOOR WITH MISSING HINGE IN REAR PREP AREA.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN FRONT PREP AND IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT AND IN REAR OUTSIDE HALLWAY AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES, MUST USE PROPER RAISED SHELVES.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
45
74
Dec 5, 2017
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MAKER WITH MINIMAL LIME DEPOSIT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE EXIT DOOR. OLD EQUIPMENT, PAPER GOODS, SHELVES DISHES,ETC. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE AREA, ORGANIZE AND DISCARD UNNECESSARY ITEMS,ARTICLES NOT BEING USED TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.
41
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Cta Chicago Taco Authority last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Cta Chicago Taco Authority on file is from Mar 14, 2025. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Cta Chicago Taco Authority?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Cta Chicago Taco Authority.
Has Cta Chicago Taco Authority's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Cta Chicago Taco Authority have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Cta Chicago Taco Authority means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Cta Chicago Taco Authority inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Cta Chicago Taco Authority is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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