Los Tacos Express
Last inspected: Apr 5, 2023
86
Score
Los Tacos Express appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2018. The most recent report on file is from Apr 5, 2023. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer. The most recent inspection at Los Tacos Express is from Apr 5, 2023, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around six violations each.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, showing up seven times.
Los Tacos Express' latest score of 86 sits above the Chicago average of 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 5, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-203.13 NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55
86
Mar 28, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: PREMISES LAST PEST CONTROL SERVICED WAS ON 06-24-2021. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT SERVICE. (MINIMUM PEST CONTROL SERVICE 2X A YEAR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT SERVICE AND A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORTS, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
55
70
Jan 7, 2022
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114--OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-202.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13-- OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13--OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-904.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12--BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
67
Jan 5, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 11 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT HANDSINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND PROVIDE WATER UNDER PRESSURE TO HANDWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030,CITATION ISSUED.
50
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH AND SIDES OF THE GRILL AND ON TOP OF THE COOKING STOVE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
50
Dec 16, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2453894 ON 10/27/20 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
25
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
64
Oct 27, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER NEAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE JUNK AND CLEAN AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Oct 11, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS WITHOUT SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SOME FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE CERTIFICATES WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
64
Apr 16, 2018
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: Removal of excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to still replace door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator.
35
95
Apr 13, 2018
License
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: Rear exit door not rodent proofed: Observed 1 inch gap under door at the rear exit door. Must install a door sweep to properly seal and rodent proof rear exit door. Serious violation# 7-38-020
18
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: Observed no chemical test kit on site at this time. Instructed to provide. Serious violation# 7-38-030
22
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Observed ripped door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator. Must replace to provide a tight fitting seal at all times, and maintain. Observed excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to remove debris, clean, and maintain.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Observed mops and brooms stored on floor. Must store mops and brooms hanging at least six inches off the floor in between use during storage for sanitary purposes.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Los Tacos Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Los Tacos Express on file is from Apr 5, 2023. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Los Tacos Express?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Los Tacos Express.
Has Los Tacos Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Los Tacos Express have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Los Tacos Express 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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