Habanero Baja Grill
Last inspected: Apr 19, 2022
70
Score
Public records show 14 inspections at Habanero Baja Grill stretching back to 2013. The most recent report on file is from Apr 19, 2022. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe. The most recent inspection at Habanero Baja Grill is from Apr 19, 2022, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around eight violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” comes up most often, recorded five times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Habanero Baja Grill trails the local norm. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
14
Inspections
1
Critical latest
1
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 19, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPEER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 49 - 61F: SLICED LETTUCE, CHEESE AND SPRNG MIX. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER OR CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLEGREN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
70
Jul 25, 2019
Reinspection
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-202.11 OBSERVED NOT MEETING EQUIPMENT STANDARDS FACILITY UTILIZING A HAND CRAFTED NON FOOD GRADE TORTILLA PRESSER IN FRONT PREP KITCHEN AREA. NOT EASILY CLEANABLE BARE EXPOSED WOOD, SCREWS, BOLTS ETC.INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND REPLACE WITH FOOD GRADE APPROVED EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. NO CITATION ISSUED.
47
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY IN PLACE FOR FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12 (B-D) OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR (COLD) KNOB DOES NOT TURN OFF WATER (CONTINUOUSLY RUNS/FLOWS) FOOD HANDLER TURNING (CONTROLLING WATER FROM SHUT SHUT OFF VALVES. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-602.12 OBSERVED FACILITY NOT LABELING BULK ITEMS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR ( FAUCET & SPRAYER) WATER RUNS CONTINUOUSLY (LEAKING). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.16 OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING MOP STORAGE REQUIREMENTS, MOPS STORED DOWN INSIDE UTILITY SINK AND ON FLOOR (CONDITION FOR PEST HARBORAGE). MUST STORE PROPERLY TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
55
Jul 23, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING SEWAGE & WASTE WATER DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS. FACILITY WASTE WATER IS CONVEYING ON FLOOR FROM GREASE TRAP ONCE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BASIN IS RELEASED FOR DISPOSAL. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST MEET REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN PROPER DISPOSAL AND CONVEYANCE OF SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
52
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT VALID ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR POSTED. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND DURING OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND SIGNATURES FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT (GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS, SANITIZER) ON SITE. KIT MUST MATCH POLICY IN PLACE FOR FACILITY. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 2-102.14 OBSERVED LICENSEE HOLDER DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER CERTIFICATE.DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE PROOF OF ENROLLMENT INCLUDING OR ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SAFETY MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE OR FOR REVIEW. EDUCATED PERSON IN CHARGE OF PROPER FOOD HANDLING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
1
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IN DISREPAIR (COLD) KNOB DOES NOT TURN OFF WATER (CONTINUOUSLY RUNS/FLOWS) FOOD HANDLER TURNING (CONTROLLING WATER FROM SHUT SHUT OFF VALVES. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY NOT LABELING BULK ITEMS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISREPAIR ( FAUCET & SPRAYER) WATER RUNS CONTINUOUSLY (LEAKING). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.16 OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING MOP STORAGE REQUIREMENTS, MOPS STORED DOWN INSIDE UTILITY SINK AND ON FLOOR (CONDITION FOR PEST HARBORAGE). MUST STORE PROPERLY TO MEET REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
45
Mar 19, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FILTERS ON LEFT SIDE OF HOOD. NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NECK OF FAUCET ON 3- COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
90
Aug 29, 2017
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (RICE, MOLE SAUCE) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME LOCATED IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD IN UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
41
90
Aug 22, 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: OBSERVED 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS BY THE REAR DOOR, 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND THE DRY STORAGE AREA, 5 LIVE SMALL FLIES BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING OF THE CUSTOMER DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (RICE, MOLE SAUCE) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME LOCATED IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD IN UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
41
86
Apr 26, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UPPER PANEL INSIDE ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PAPER STORAGE SUPPLIES STORED ON FLOOR IN UNSED WASHROOM.MUST ELEVATE ALL STORAGE AT LEAST 6-INCHES ON ADEQUATE SHELVING.
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP FRONT COOLERS BEHIND COUNTER.MUST INSTALL.
40
86
May 1, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS. FOUND A LARGE PLASTIC CONTAINER HOLDING RICE NOT PROPERLY LABELED. MUST PROVIDE.
30
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE THE STAFF RESTROOM AREA SO AS TO HAVE ALL ITEMS AND BOXES 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THE ILLINOIS FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE FOR THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION FOR ALL FOOD STAFF MEMBERS AT ALL TIMES.
45
86
Dec 8, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AND IN WALK-IN COOLER AT CORNERS UNDER RACKS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACED WATER DAMAGED TILES AT CEILING IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AREA.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
86
Sep 11, 2014
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS AT REAR AND IN PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE/REPAIR WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES WHERE NECESSARY.
35
90
Apr 22, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AND AT REAR.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR BY EXIT DOOR IN THE FORM OF BOXES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
90
Dec 16, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING WALL BASE COVEING ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
35
95
Dec 3, 2013
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: NO SNEEZE GUARDS INSTALLED AT THE HOT AND COLD FOOD BAR TO PROTECT THE FOODS. MUST INSTALLED AND MAINTAIN.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED THE OVERHEAD DOOR IN THE GARBAGE ENCLOSED AREA NOT RODENT PROOF FOUND 1" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A WEATHER STRIP.
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: MANAGER COULD NOT PROVIDE HIS CITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.
21
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: NOTED END CAP ON THE WASTE WATER PIPE AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS GREASE TRAP MISSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
24
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING WALL BASE COVEING ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE STOVE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
35
78
Dec 2, 2013
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Habanero Baja Grill last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Habanero Baja Grill on file is from Apr 19, 2022. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Habanero Baja Grill?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Habanero Baja Grill.
Has Habanero Baja Grill's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Habanero Baja Grill have averaged around eight violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Habanero Baja 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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