Lito's Taco and Empanada House
Last inspected: Dec 2, 2024
70
Score
Public records show seven inspections at Lito's Taco and Empanada House stretching back to 2020. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 2, 2024. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly eight violations earlier in the record.
“Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” comes up most often, recorded seven times in the inspection record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Lito's Taco and Empanada House trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 2, 2024
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE IN WOMENS WASHROOM USED FOR GUESTS AND EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED RUST AND BLACK SUBTANCE ON TOP INTERIOR OF SODA MACHINE IN LOBBY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, DEEP CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: NOTED BULK SEASONING IN FRONT PREP AREA IN UNLABLED CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS OF COMMON NAMES ON ITEMS REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD STORAGE COOLERS AND SINGLE USE CONTAINERS,NAPKINS,UTENSILS STORED ON RACKS IN BASEMENT BELOW WASTE PIPES. INSTRUCTED TO REARRANGE STORAGE COOLERS AND SINGLE USE STORAGE RACKS - REMOVING THEM FROM DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH WASTE PIPES OR ENCASE PIPES.
39
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED DRAIN HOSE FROM WALK-IN COOLER AND DRAIN PIPE FROM 1 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT INSERTED DIRECTLY IN FLOOR DRAIN BELOW FLOOD LINE, MUST CREATE AIR GAP.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER AND UNDERNEATH BASEMENT 1-COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE. ALSO NOTED HOLES IN NORTH BASEMENT WALLS, NORTH EAST CEILING, GAPS BETWEEN BASEMENT CEILING WALL AND WASTE PIPE, ON NORTH WALL IN BOILER ROOM AND CEILING. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL, MAINTAINING A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
70
Oct 10, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
95
Oct 3, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2579898 ON 08/10/23. #55. WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND ABOVE THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK MUST BE REPLACED. NOTED SEVERAL HOLES/OPENINGS IN WALLS AND SURROUNDING PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND ALL BOX FREEZERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. #55. ALL UNUSED COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENT ABOVE UTILITY SINK IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TORN DOOR GASKET.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN FOOD PREP AREA IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
70
Aug 10, 2023
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-903.11(A;C)--ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS AND ORGANIZED.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19--- MUST NOT USE FOAM PADDING AS A MEANS OF REPAIR/GUARD FOR DISH STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. RACKS MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-201.11-- WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND ABOVE THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.----NOTED SEVERAL HOLES/OPENINGS IN WALLS AND SURROUNDING PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.---DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND ALL BOX FREEZERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114-- ALL UNUSED COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
55
82
Aug 1, 2023
Routine
3 critical violations. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: NOTED THE WALK-IN COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. COOLER AT 50F WITH FOOD SUCH AS COOKED MEAT EMPANADAS AT 49.8F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H. CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE COOK ON COOKS PREPPING LINE SLICING READY TO EAT TOMATOES WITH HIS BARE HANDS. REVIEWED THERE IS NO BAR HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS AND PROPER FOOD PROTECTION. TOMATOES DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
9
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED TCS FOODS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER HELD AT IMPROPER FOOD TEMPERATURES. COOKED CHICKEN AT 48.4F, COOKED RICE AT 49.2F, BEEF AND RICE MIX AT 48F, COOKED MEAT STUFFED EMPANADAS AT 49.8F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. NO VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST TRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MONITOR SANITIZATION LEVELS AT THE CHLORINE CHEMICAL DISH MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ANY EMPLOYEE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES OR ANY REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING A CURRENT SERVICE REPORT FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL CO. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS AND ORGANIZED.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE FOAM PADDING AS A MEANS OF REPAIR/GUARD FOR DISH STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. RACKS MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS TO SECURE THE CLOSURE OF THE REAR COOLER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NOTED A FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM AND ABOVE THE ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK MUST BE REPLACED.----NOTED SEVERAL HOLES/OPENINGS IN WALLS AND SURROUNDING PIPING THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. LARGE HOLE IN THE WALL OF THE BASEMENT STAIRWELL.MUST SEAL ALL.----NOTED EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM USED AS A SEALANT ALONG THE BASEMENT STAIRWELL MUST BE CUT DOWN TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE.----DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE ROOM AND BEHIND ALL BOX FREEZERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNUSED COOLERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
26
Nov 2, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NOTED REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT-PROOF WITH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF DOOR (ABOUT 1/4 INCH). INSTRUCTED TO SEAL GAPS TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE TOOL/CHEMICALS ROOM.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION
58
86
Dec 15, 2020
License
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES AS OUTLINED IN POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT BOTH HAND SINKS ON 1ST FLOOR PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER PIPES IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. THERE IS NO EQUIPMENT CURRENTLY UNDER PIPES. WASTEWATER PIPES MUST BE ENCASED/PROTECTED (PVC PIPING) TO PREVENT DRIP CONTAMINATION TO FOOD RELATED AREAS BENEATH PIPES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL CURRENT EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lito's Taco and Empanada House last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lito's Taco and Empanada House on file is from Dec 2, 2024. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lito's Taco and Empanada House?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Lito's Taco and Empanada House.
Has Lito's Taco and Empanada House's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Lito's Taco and Empanada House have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Lito's Taco and Empanada House 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 Lito's Taco and Empanada House inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lito's Taco and Empanada House is inspected around two times per year on average.
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