El Pollo Grill
Last inspected: May 23, 2019
61
Score
Public records show 10 inspections at El Pollo Grill stretching back to 2015. Inspectors last stopped by on May 23, 2019. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme. Public records show no inspections at El Pollo Grill since May 23, 2019, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around six violations each.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
4
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 23, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE IN CLEAN UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: VARIETY OF FOODS (COOKED BEEF, COOKED BEANS, ETC) NOT PROPERLY LABELED, DATED. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
23
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER FOR UNDERCOOKED/RAW FOODS (EGGS). INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN PLACE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION.
58
61
May 4, 2018
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON DISH RACK,FRYER CABINET,ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL PITTED CONCRETE FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR PREP TABLE AT ENTRY TO REAR PREP AREA,GAP IN BETWEEN FLOOR AND WALL UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT ON SOUTH WALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WALL IN POOR REPAIR AND MISSING PANELS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT,MISSING WALL BASES AND LOOSE WALL TRIM NEXT TO 2- COMP IN REAR PREP AREA,THRESHOLD AT FRONT DOOR.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELD IN TOILETROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SHATTER PROOF BULB IN REAR AREA NEAR MOPSINK.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW DEVICE ON MOPSINK.MUST REPLACE 1 MISSING FILTER AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN UNUSED WALK IN FREEZER STORAGE AREA AND WALK IN COOLER.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF REAR PREP TABLE,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,LARGE POT TO LARGE TO SUBMERGE INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS AND ELIMINATE GROCERY STORE BAGS IN CHEST FREEZER.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON WALK IN COOLER DOOR.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN 2 & 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
32
67
Jan 29, 2018
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILINGS IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,REAR PREP AREA AND DINING AREA,LOOSE WALL BASES IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA AND DINING AREA.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALLS IN REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA,LIGHT SHIELD IN TOILET ROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE MISSING FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST PLACE 1-EYE STOVE UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
38
90
Jan 12, 2018
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP AREA HAND WASHING FACILITIES NOT MAINATINED. OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA WITH A SILVERWARE TRAY ON TOP OF HAND SINK BASIN,BROOM AND DUST PAN STORED IN FRONT OF SAME AND NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINK.SILVERWARE TRAY AND BROOM & DUST PAN REMOVED AND TOWELS ARE NOW PROVIDED.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
12
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1648230 5/15/17 NOT CORRECTED #31- MULTI USE UTENSILS (KNIFE) CANNOT BE STORED BETWEEN PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER.#38- SPLASH GUARD NEED BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA.#45- NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HOLD A SANITATION CERTIFICATE.MUST REPAIR,PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
29
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM AND PREP TABLES.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILINGS IN REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA,REAR PREP AREA AND DINING AREA,LOOSE WALL BASES IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA AND DINING AREA.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM WALLS IN REAR PREP AND DISH WASHING AREA,LIGHT SHIELD IN TOILET ROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND WALK IN COOLER NEEDS LIGHT SHIELD.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST PLACE 1-EYE STOVE UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
38
70
May 15, 2017
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO PERSON ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE OR CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. IE...CHICKEN, RICE ETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TTO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN SANITATION CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULIT USE UTENSILS (KNIFE) CANNOT BE STORED BETWEEN PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: WALK IN FREEZER MUST BE DEFROSTED AND FREE FROM LARGE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD NEED BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT HOLD A SANITATION CERTIFICATE. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
45
74
Mar 10, 2017
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND 12 DOZEN OF EGGS IN WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 49.1 DEGREES. FOUND COOKED MASHED POTATOES ON TABLE TOP AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 54.2 DEGREES. 3 POUNDS ALL FOOD ITEMS WERE DISCARDED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION. TOTL VALUE $50.00 5 POUNDS CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED OR PERSON WITH CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT A PERSON WITH CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULIT USE UTENSILS (KNIFE) CANNOT BE STORED BETWEEN PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: WALK IN FREEZER MUST BE DEFROSTED AND FREE FROM LARGE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN, CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTILATION IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD NEED BETWEEN HAND SINK AND PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Jun 1, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 25, 2016
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PAINT RUSTY EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF TH COOKING STOVE IN MAIN FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 1 ST SECTION OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN WAITRESS STATION NEAR THE WALL IS PROFUSELY LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM - MUST REPAIR. ALSO FOUND SAME SINK NOT PROPERLY SET UP, CENTER COMPARTMENT BEING USED TO STORE DIRTY DISHES. THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE PROPERLY OPERATED/SET-UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOODS AND FOODS TAKEN FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND STORED OVER 24 HOURS MUST BE LABELED.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT(GRESE, DEBRIS).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN MASSIVE GREASE FROM THE HOODS AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. REMOVE EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP FROM EXHAUST FAN IN WASHROOM. CLEAN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT. CLEAN WALLS IN FOOD PREP AREA WHERE STAINS ARE PRESENT. PAINT AREA(S) OF CEILING IN FOOD PREP AREA WHERE SECTIONS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL USED COOKING EQUIPMENT(FLOOR BURNER) IN MAIN FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE COMPLETELY UNDERNEATH THE HOODS CONNECTED TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OR MUST BE REMOVED. MUST REPAIR LEAK UNDERNEATH THE FIRST SECTION OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN WAITRESS STATION(NORTH WALL).
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN MAIN FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. ALL EQUIPMENT STORED IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED OR REMOVED FROM AREA.
41
67
Dec 8, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE INSIDE OF THE WALK IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT LOCATED OVER THE DRINK PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENT NOT MET. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.
45
86
Jan 30, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO DRAIN BOARD ATTACHED TO THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE BEVERAGE STATION; INSTALL A DRAINBOARD OR RACK FOR GLASSWARE.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR; INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT WASHROOM DOOR.
37
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was El Pollo Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at El Pollo Grill on file is from May 23, 2019. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at El Pollo Grill?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at El Pollo Grill.
Has El Pollo Grill's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at El Pollo Grill have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at El Pollo Grill means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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