Juanita's Mexican Food
Last inspected: Apr 11, 2025
90
Score
Going back to 2010, Juanita's Mexican Food has 16 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 11, 2025. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, showing up seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Juanita's Mexican Food is doing better than most peers. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 11, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MISSING COMMON NAME ON DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CARDBOARD BOXES BEING USED TO ELEVATE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO USE PROPER SHELVING AND MAINTAIN
47
90
Dec 12, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP UNDER GRILL IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
90
Nov 17, 2021
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSECT DEBRIS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED/TORN AND DIRTY GASKETS ON DOORS OF REACH IN COOLER NEAR COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ACCUMMULATION OF UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
70
Apr 30, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY WHERE ALL MANAGERS, FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN REPORTING ANY ILLNESSES THEY MAY INCUR THAT IS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY AND PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES NECESSARY FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, ALONG THE WALL BASE, UNDER THE SINKS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES. MAINTAIN SAME.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND THE SIDE/REAR STORAGE AREA WITH CLUTTER. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE/MAINTAIN THE AREA.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS TO TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND TO PROVIDE PROOF THE REQUIREMENT WAS MET. MAINTAIN SAME.
58
67
May 10, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 3, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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 50 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED SCATTERED ON FLOOR AND SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA. VIOLATION 7-38-020 SERIOUS. REAR DOOR AND WINDOW IN REAR NOT RODENT PROOF, GLASS BROKEN IN WINDOW AND APPROX 1/4 IN GAP AT BOTTOM AND SIDE OF DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR WINDOW AND RODENT PROOF DOOR SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
18
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN DOOR LEADING TO REAR STORAGE AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINK AT PREP AREA WEST END WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD INBETWEEN UTILITY SINK AND PREP TABLE OR REMOVE PREP TABLE FROM SAME LOCATION.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREA.
41
82
Nov 16, 2017
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE GLASS MISSING ON THE FRONT STEAM TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
95
Apr 17, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES/MISSING TILES IN REAR SIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.ALSO REPAIR WALL (IN POOR REPAIR) UNDER REAR DISH AREA UNDER AIR CONDITIONER.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE SET OF LIGHTS OUT IN REAR SIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO MEDIUM PROPANE TANKS IN THE REAR SIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM BUILDING. ALSO CLEAN CLUTTER FROM REAR YARD, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
41
86
Jul 8, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WORN WITH DEEP CUTS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS, PREP TABLES AND STORAGE SHELVES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TOREMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY CUTTER IN STORAGE ROOMS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND ORGANIZING. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNEEDED EQUIPMENT. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
82
Dec 14, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT STOVE TOP 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 TILE REAR OUT SIDE RESTROOM DOOR,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO REMOVE PEELING PAINT REAR WALL UNDER AIR CONDITIONER, AND CLEAN DUSTY CEILING VENT FRONT DINING AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR NOZZLE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
86
Jan 7, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP TABLE AND COFFEE MACHINE ABOVE COFFEE BASKET NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ABOVE ITEMS.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PROPANE TANK NEXT TO STOVE IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM BUILDING.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFORMATION.
45
86
Apr 3, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENS RESTROOM TOILET SEAT HELD TOGETHER WITH DUCT TAPE NOT MAINTAINED, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING FANS IN BOTH RESTROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME CLUTTER IN REAR YARD, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
41
86
Feb 13, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKE TILES IN PREP AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
90
Feb 3, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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. FRONT WOODEN BAR IN NEED OF CLEANING, SCRAPING AND REPAINTING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 LARGE CAN OPENER, DRINK DISPENSORS, INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. 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 IN REAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILKLS. 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 AND CEILING IN REAR AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPATTERS. 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. HOOD VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
78
Apr 1, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. CLEAN STORAGE SHELVES TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. 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 THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE 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. CEILING TILES STAINED IN NEED OF REPLACING. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. LIGHT SHEILDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
82
Apr 15, 2010
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET. REPAIR.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Juanita's Mexican Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Juanita's Mexican Food on file is from Apr 11, 2025. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Juanita's Mexican Food?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Juanita's Mexican Food.
Has Juanita's Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Juanita's Mexican Food have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Juanita's Mexican Food means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Juanita's Mexican Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Juanita's Mexican Food is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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