Nicko's Tacos

3706 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Jan 10, 2017

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2015, Nicko's Tacos has three inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 10, 2017. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Public records show no inspections at Nicko's Tacos since Jan 10, 2017, so this file may not reflect current conditions.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.

The pattern that stands out is “food handler requirements met”, which has been cited two times.

Nicko's Tacos' latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jan 10, 2017

Routine

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TACOS,CHEESE BURGERS ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AS REQUIRED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector notes: ALL PREPARED FOODS INSIDE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED/DATED AND MAINTAINED.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE KITCHEN FOOD EQUIPMENTS (POTS,PANS ETC.)MUST PROPERLY STORE AND INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.

Jun 27, 2016

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector notes: Found fallen debris (cleaning cloths) behind cooking line on floor. Instructed to remove, clean and maintain.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector notes: Observed items stored on the floor in dry storage room. Instructed all items must be at least 6inches above the floor. Must maintain.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector notes: Observed food handlers without proper hair restraints. Instructed all employees in food prep area must have hair restraints on (hair nets or hats).

Nov 17, 2015

License

6 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ATTACHED DRAIN BOARD ON REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE GREASE ENCRUSTED. DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR IN BASEMENT REMOVE DIRT TRASH ETC.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OPENING INTO WALL ALONG WALLBASE IN REAR PREP AREA. OBSERVED GREASE ENCRUSTED ON WALLS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA BEHIND PREP TABLES AND EXPOSED SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA AND BASEMENT MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL STOPPERS NEEDED AT THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.NO LOGS RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Nicko's Tacos last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Nicko's Tacos on file is from Jan 10, 2017. The public record contains three inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Nicko's Tacos?

Across the inspection record, “food handler requirements met” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Nicko's Tacos.

Has Nicko's Tacos' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Nicko's Tacos have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Nicko's Tacos 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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