Rosas Tamales
Last inspected: May 20, 2025
74
Score
Rosas Tamales has been inspected 18 times since 2014. The most recent report on file is from May 20, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly eight violations earlier in the record.
“Adequate ventilation & lighting” comes up most often, recorded 10 times in the inspection record.
Rosas Tamales' latest score of 74 falls below the Chicago average of 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 20, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY STORE BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR NET/RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTHS AT FRONTLINE AND PREP AREA TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF IN-USE UTENSILS (TONGS) ON TOP OF FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BETWEEN USAGE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS/BAGS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE CONTAINER/BUCKET WITH WATER DRIPPING FROM LEAKING CEILING IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY (DUE TO THE HEAVY RAIN) AND SEVERAL BROKEN/MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Dec 11, 2024
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: FULLY SUBMERGED STYROFOAM CUPS NOTED IN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO REMOVE STYROFOAM AND USE PROPER DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLE ABOVE BEVERAGE AT ALL TIMES.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: UNFINISHED WALLS WITH RAW WOOD NOTED IN NEWLY ADDED REAR STRORAGE AREA. INSTD TO FINISH ALL WALLS SO AS SURFACE TO BE NON POROUS, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
55
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED (SHOES IN CABINET OF BAN SAW, MEDICATION ON TABLE IN REAR). INSTD TO STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN DESIGNATED AREA
28
86
Feb 13, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: THREE 1-BURNER GAS STOVES NOT UNDER VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO HAVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES. FOUR 1-BURNER GAS STOVES IN REAR WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER COMMERCIAL VENTILATION ABOVE STOVES OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
56
95
Sep 15, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2556888 ON 6/7/22 WAS NOT CORRECTED: #58-OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
60
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBESRVED MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT REAR PREP HANDWASH SINK. INTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VEGETABLES STORED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR LEAK AT DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
78
Jun 7, 2022
Complaint
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTS OF TAMALES STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MANAGER USING STYROFOAM CUP INSIDE COOLERS FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS STORED ABOVE BEVERAGE TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE POTS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE POTS FROM FLOOR, REWASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AND STORE IN SANITARY MANNER.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE POTS TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND OPENINGS IN WALLS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA WITH NO VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL VENTILATION HOOD OR REMOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
61
May 27, 2022
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTS OF TAMALES STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MANAGER USING STYROFOAM CUP INSIDE COOLERS FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS STORED ABOVE BEVERAGE TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE POTS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE POTS FROM FLOOR, REWASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AND STORE IN SANITARY MANNER.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE POTS TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE METHOD TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND OPENINGS IN WALLS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA WITH NO VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL VENTILATION HOOD OR REMOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
61
Jun 4, 2021
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER CORRECTEDAT TIME OF INSPECTION
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: REACH IN COOLER IN REAR IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD AND WATER SPILLS. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: GARBAGE CAN IN WASHROOM MUST HAVE LID THAT STAYS CLOSE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
53
86
Dec 7, 2020
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: CLUTTER, NON USED UNNECESSARY ARTICLES ON SITE :ONE BURNER STOVES IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA, AND OLD COOLERS IN REAR OUTSIDE PREMISES. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-202.11: NO LIGHTSHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE LIGHTSHIELDS
56
90
Nov 18, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: SMALL PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 66F, NOT BEING USED AT THIS TIME. UNIT TAGGED AND INSTD NOT NOT USE UNTIL ABLE TO MAINTAIN PRODUCT TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
33
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: USING STYROFOAM CUP STORED IN HOT CHOCOLATE AND BEING USED TO DISPENSE. INSTD TO USE PROPER UTENSIL (LADLE, ETC) AND STORE PROPERLY, NOT IN BEVERAGE.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLUTTER, NON USED UNNECESSARY ARTICLES ON SITE :ONE BURNER STOVES IN REAR WAREWASHING AREA, AND OLD COOLERS IN REAR OUTSIDE PREMISES. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: THREE ONE BURNER STOVES NOT UNDER VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO HAVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO LIGHTSHIELDS ON LIGHTS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE LIGHTSHIELDS
56
70
Aug 7, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2243433 ON 12-12-18:57-MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINIING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST MAINTAIN SAME. 58-MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
60
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES FOR CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010
3
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF FOOD AND DRINK STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKING POTS TOO LARGE TO FIT IN COMPARTMENTS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AN APPROVED METHOD TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES IN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VENTILATION HOOD OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
58
Dec 12, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up procedure on site. Must provide. Priority foundation 7-38-005.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010.
3
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: Observed no thermometer in front beverage cooler. Must provide thermometers in all refrigeration in a conspicuous spot. Must maintain same.
36
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Backflow prevention device not located. Must provide.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Must provide proof of food handler training for all employees. Must maintain same.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago food sanitation managers.
58
67
Jul 25, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILE IN REAR DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT DINING AREA CEILING DUSTY, PEELING PAINT OVER MIDDLE TABLE, AND LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING REMOVE DUST,LIGHT SHILEDS, AND REMOVE PEELING PAINT/REPAIR AND RESEAL. REAR WALL COVING UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK COMMING OFF, INSTRUCTED TO REATTACH COVING.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NON COMPLIANCE ON FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
86
Oct 24, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE HOSE FROM MOPE SINK OR INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Jan 25, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: LOCK NEEDED ON OUTSIDE FREEZER AND COOLER. MUST LOCK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FAUCET ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
90
Aug 17, 2015
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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 INFO. AT THIS TIME.
45
95
Jul 16, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR BOX FREEZERS INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLE IN WALL FRONT, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, ALSO OBSERVED WALL IN REAR DISH AREA ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK/STORAGE RACK NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. OBSERVED HOOD FILTERS DUSTY FRONT COOKING/SERVING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO. AT THIS TIME.
45
86
Aug 13, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 7, 2014
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE SECOND PREP AREA WHERE THE 3-COMPARTMENT IS LOCATED. MUST PROVIDE EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE.
11
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW PREVENTER TO THE UTILITY/MOP SINKS FAUCET.
38
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rosas Tamales last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Rosas Tamales on file is from May 20, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Rosas Tamales?
Across the inspection record, “adequate ventilation & lighting” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Rosas Tamales.
Has Rosas Tamales' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Rosas Tamales have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Rosas Tamales 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 Rosas Tamales inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Rosas Tamales is inspected around two times per year on average.
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