Pepe's Mexican Food
Last inspected: Mar 17, 2016
86
Score
Inspectors have visited Pepe's Mexican Food 13 times, with records going back to 2010. The most recent visit was on Mar 17, 2016. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. Note that Pepe's Mexican Food's inspection history hasn't been updated since Mar 17, 2016; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 13 times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Pepe's Mexican Food is doing better than most peers. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 17, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE VENTILATION HOOD,REFRIGERATION UNITS, THE SLICER AND PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN WALLS UNDER SINKS AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
86
Mar 15, 2016
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT # 1632700 ON 03/04/2016 NOT CORRECTED. (24)DISH WASHING FACILITIES IN POOR REPAIR. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE FIRST AND THIRD COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM THE SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS BY THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE REPORT. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
14
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE VENTILATION HOOD,REFRIGERATION UNITS, THE SLICER AND PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN WALLS UNDER SINKS AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
82
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITIES IN POOR REPAIR. NOTED WASTE WATER BACKING UP AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. NOTED WASTE WATER HEAVILY BACKING UP FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE THIRD COMPARTMENT WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM THE SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE VENTILATION HOOD,REFRIGERATION UNITS, THE SLICER AND PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SINKS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN WALLS UNDER SINKS AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
82
Jun 15, 2015
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT PLATES ON OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE EXTERIOR TRIM ON WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM MEAT SLICER,FRYERS,GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLE,SODA & ICE DISPENSER,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,WHEELBASES,PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALLBASES AND FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FILTERS AT HOOD,LIGHT SHIELDS,CEILING TILES & VENTS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM LOWER SHELVES AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
41
74
Jun 5, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZING AT THE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MANAGER WAS PREVIOUSLY TOLD TO PROVIDE TEST KIT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-030)
22
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT PLATES ON OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE EXTERIOR TRIM ON WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM MEAT SLICER,FRYERS,GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLE,SODA & ICE DISPENSER,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,WHEELBASES,PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALLBASES AND FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FILTERS AT HOOD,LIGHT SHIELDS,CEILING TILES & VENTS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM LOWER SHELVES AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
41
70
Oct 31, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAN OPENER BLADE AND SLEEVE ON REAR PREP TABLE VERY RUSTY; CLEAN OR REPLACE BOTH.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: MEAT SLICER ON REAR PREP TABLE, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, INTERIOR BOTTOMS OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE NECK OF ONE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMP SINK LEAKING; REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET NECK.
38
86
Mar 27, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: UPPER AND LOWER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NEEDS CLEANING. OBSERVED A MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON UPPER AND LOWER INTERIORS; MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ICE MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (STEAMTABLE, FRYERS, GRILL), INTERIOR SURFACES OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. CLEAN CEILING AND WALL VENTS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. CLEAN VENTS IN HOODED SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NEEDED FOR FRONT PREP COOLER AT END OF PREP COUNTER, A WORKING THERMOMETER IS NEEDED FOR THE OTHER PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP COUNTER; PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR BOTH UNITS.
40
78
Jan 14, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM CAN OPENER OR REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE LEAKY FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
82
Mar 8, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WIPING PREP TABLE WITH SOILED TOWEL AND PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. HANDS MUST BE WASHED BETWEEN TASKS, BEFORE AND AFTER CHANGING GLOVES. OBSERVED SHREDDED LETTUCE AND PLASTIC CUP INSIDE FRONT EXPOSED SINK. REAR EXPOSED SINK COVERED BY LARGE CONTAINER AND NO SOAP AT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM EXPOSED SINKS AND PROVIDE SOAP FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010A CITATION ISSUED H78160 COURT DATE 4-26-12 AT 10 AM 400 W SUPERIOR ROOM 112.
6
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: STORE CLEAN POTS, PANS, CONTAINERS OFF FLOOR.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, GRILL, FRYERS, PREP TABLES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
78
Mar 4, 2011
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DEFROST LARGE ICE UNIT FREEZER WITH ICE BUILDUP. PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND WASH SINK AND DRAIN BOARD AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FOLLOWING: COMPRESSOR AT PREP COOLER, UNDER AROUND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, STORAGE RACKS, INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, AND CUTTING BOARDS.
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. DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITZE FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO REMOVE BLACK STAINS AND FOOD DEBRIS. REGROUT SOME FLOOR SECTIONS BY ICE MACHINE. ADJUST THRESHOLD AT REAR EXIT DOOR.
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. CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING TO REMOVE DUST BUILDUP AT REAR. CLEAN DISCOLORED, STAINED CEILING PANELS AT PREP AREAS. CAULK AROUND WASH BOWL IN TOILET ROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PROVIDE DIPPER WELL WITH COLD RUNNING WATER FOR HAND DIPPED ICE CREAM AND OR REMOVE ICE CREAM FROM PREMISES.
38
78
Oct 22, 2010
Tag Removal
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE HOOD OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN SHELVING RACKS AND PREP TABLES AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES,ICE MACHINES,STORAGE RACKS,SINKS,UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THROUHOUT AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING WALLS TILES OVER WALK IN COOLER. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE RACKS.
35
86
Oct 5, 2010
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FOUND REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND PREP COOLER PREVIOUSLY HELD TAGGED FOR INSPECTION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 43.5-44.5 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR OR ADJUST COOLER SO THAT IT MAINTAINS 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZAZRDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 8 LBS OF BEEF,GUACAMOLE,AND CHEESE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 47-55 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE HOOD OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN SHELVING RACKS AND PREP TABLES AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES,ICE MACHINES,STORAGE RACKS,SINKS,UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THROUHOUT AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING WALLS TILES OVER WALK IN COOLER. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE RACKS.
35
78
Sep 22, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FOUND PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 47-48 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR OR ADJUST COOLER SO THAT IT MAINTAINS 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND APPROXIMATELY 12.5 LBS OF CHEESE,SOUR CREAM,SLICED TOMATOES,PORK TAMALES AND GUACAMOLE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 47-58 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND EVIDENCE OF INSECTS ON SITE. FOUND 2 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN FRONT PREP AREA AND APPROXIMATELY 8-10 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN REAR AROUND MOP SINK AND WALK IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE INSECTS,SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
18
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. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FRYERS AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE HOOD OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN SHELVING RACKS AND PREP TABLES AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
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. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLES,ICE MACHINES,STORAGE RACKS,SINKS,UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THROUHOUT AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP.
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. MUST REPLACE MISSING WALLS TILES OVER WALK IN COOLER. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND STORAGE RACKS.
35
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pepe's Mexican Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pepe's Mexican Food on file is from Mar 17, 2016. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pepe's Mexican Food?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited 13 times, more than any other issue at Pepe's Mexican Food.
Has Pepe's Mexican Food's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pepe's Mexican Food have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Pepe'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.
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