Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano
Last inspected: Jun 16, 2017
86
Score
Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano has been inspected 11 times since 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Jun 16, 2017. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues. Public records show no inspections at Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano since Jun 16, 2017, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano's latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 16, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: MICE DROPPINGS (OVER 15) NOTED UNDER SHELVES IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. INSTD TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND RODENT PROOF DOOR SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING. VIOLATION 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
18
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ON SITE. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN TILES.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: 2 PROPANE TANKS IN REAR. INSTD TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES. STOCK ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES.
41
86
Apr 8, 2016
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS NEEDED AT FRONT REACH IN COOLER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
Apr 1, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND EVIDENCE OF MICE ACTIVITY THROUGH FRONT COUNTER AREA. APPROXIMATLY 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS ALONG PREP COUNTER, BEHIND REACH IN COOLERS, AND CHIP STORAGE BIN. FOUND OPEN BAIT UNDER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. REMOVE OPEN BAIT AND CONTACT PESTCONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS NEEDED AT FRONT REACH IN COOLER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DRINK DISPENSORS IN NEED OF CLEANING AT NOZZLES. COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN DISH AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. LEAK AT P-TRAP AT HANDSINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Jul 27, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: 2 DOOR COOLER REAR NOT MAINTAINED COMPRESSOR LEAKING INSIDE COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT STOVE, AND SMALL COOLER INTERIOR NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING AND WALLS, AND DUSTY CEILING VENT IN THE REAR RESTROOM, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES. ALSO CLEAN FRONT LIGHT SHIELDS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 SMALL PROPANE TANKS STORED IN REAR STORAGE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM BUILDING. ALSO ORGANIZE/REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
41
82
Nov 14, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL THE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE REAR AREA.
30
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE EXPOSED HAND SINK HAS A DRIPPY FAUCET LOCATED IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE IT.
38
90
May 23, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL THE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE REAR AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN HOOD, FILTERS,STOVE, CABINET UNDER THE FRYER, AND THE REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL OF THEM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE TOILET ROOM.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND OTHER CLUTTER IN THE REAR AREA. MUST CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
78
Jun 26, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 19, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OVER 20 RAT DROPPINGS NOTED IN REAR UNDER STAIRWELL IN REAR STORAGE AREA. BOTH SIDE AND REAR EXIT DOORS IN SAME AREA NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX. 1/2 INCH GAP NOTED AT BOTTOM/SIDE OF DOORS. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF ALL DOORS SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING. REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT/CLUTTER IN SAME AREA. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALL BASE THRU-OUT NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN. STOCK ON FLOOR. ELEVATE SAME 6 INCHES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LIGHTSHIELDS THRU-OUT REAR NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
86
Jun 18, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS IN NEED OF REPAIRING/REPLACING. MUST CORRECT
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING DRINK MACHINES IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS WITH FOOD SPLATTER MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
40
82
Jun 24, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. NEW CUTTING BOARD NEEDED, STAINED WITH DEEP CUTS. RUBBER GASKETS NEEDED ON REACH IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, DRINK DISPENSORS, INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPLATTER., MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. TOILET HAS LEAK MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees must wear garments that are clean and of washable character and nature. All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. Only employees must dispense ice for consumer use with scoops, tongs, or other ice dispensing utensils. Customers must dispense ice through appropriate automatic self-service ice dispensing equipment. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR SHIRTS WITH SLEEVES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN ALL TIMES.
42
74
Sep 2, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN STOVE, CABINET UNDER THE FRYER, AND THE REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. SOME OF THE CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT ARE STAINED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAME.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SAME.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano on file is from Jun 16, 2017. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano.
Has Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Fast Food El Mexicano — Taqueria El Mexicano means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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