Rosas Tamales
Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026
74
Score
The health department has logged 25 inspections at Rosas Tamales, the earliest from 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 20, 2026. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to five violations.
“Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 10 times across the record.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Rosas Tamales trails the local norm. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
25
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 20, 2026
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON RIGHT DOOR OF LARGE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA OF FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED GASKET OF RIGHT DOOR OF LARGE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CRACKED FRONT INTERIOR CLOSE TO LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR CRACKED FRONT INTERIOR CLOSE TO LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED DAMAGED LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT CAUSING LID NOT TO CLOSE PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LID OF DAMAGED CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT SO THAT LID OF CHEST FREEZER SHALL CLSOE PROPERLY.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: OBSERVED POTS STORED ON FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET OF RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF FIRST FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET OF RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF FIRST FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN BOTH FIRST FLOOR ALL GENDER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED COVERED RECEPTACLES IN BOTH FIRST FLOOR ALL GENDER WASHROOMS FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON WALK IN FREEZER DOOR IN HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DAMAGED GASKET ON WALK IN FREEZER DOOR IN HALLWAY AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: AT TIME OF INSPECTION ALL FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR FOOD HANDLERS WERE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
74
Jan 12, 2026
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES TO ENSURE ATTAINMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
36
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHLORINE TEST KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF CHLORINE SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
48
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTS STORED ON FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON RIGHT DOOR OF LARGE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA OF FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED GASKET OF RIGHT DOOR OF LARGE TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN FRONT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CRACKED FRONT INTERIOR CLOSE TO LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REPAIR CRACKED FRONT INTERIOR CLOSE TO LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED DAMAGED LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT CAUSING LID NOT TO CLOSE PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LID OF DAMAGED CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT SO THAT LID OF CHEST FREEZER SHALL CLSOE PROPERLY.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET OF RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF FIRST FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK AT FAUCET OF RINSE AND SANITIZER COMPARTMENTS OF FIRST FLOOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN BOTH FIRST FLOOR ALL GENDER WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED COVERED RECEPTACLES IN BOTH FIRST FLOOR ALL GENDER WASHROOMS FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON WALK IN FREEZER DOOR IN HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DAMAGED GASKET ON WALK IN FREEZER DOOR IN HALLWAY AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: AT TIME OF INSPECTION ALL FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR FOOD HANDLERS WERE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
61
Apr 29, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Feb 3, 2025
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 27, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2589525 DATED 2/13/24: #37 -OBSERVED LARGE WHITE BULK CONTAINERS OF INGREDIENTS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS OF BULK INGREDIENTS WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN. #44-OBSERVED POTS NOT INVERTED ON SHELVES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL POTS, PANS, AND DISHES MUST BE STORED INVERTED WHEN STORED. #47-OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA (DIRECTLY NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. #55-OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER CEILING AND WALL. OBSERVED PEELED PAINT IN HALLWAY AREA LEADING TO REAR PREP AREA NEAR RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #55-OBSERVED SEVERELY WATER-DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR, REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATON #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
86
Feb 13, 2024
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE WHITE BULK CONTAINERS OF INGREDIENTS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL CONTAINERS OF BULK INGREDIENTS WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.
37
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTS NOT INVERTED ON SHELVES IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL POTS, PANS, AND DISHES MUST BE STORED INVERTED WHEN STORED.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA (DIRECTLY NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE ON THE INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COLD HOLD UNITS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER CEILING AND WALL. OBSERVED PEELED PAINT IN HALLWAY AREA LEADING TO REAR PREP AREA NEAR RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERELY WATER-DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR, REPLACE, AND MAINTAIN.
55
74
Feb 6, 2023
Complaint
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 4/5/22 REPORT 2553923 NOT CORRECTED: 37 : 3-302.12 MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE. 41 : 3-304.14 OBSERVED SEVERAL WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES WERE HANDS ARE BEING WIPED ON .MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. 44 : 4-903.11 (A;B;D) : MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES THROUGHOUT. 47 : 4-501.11 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SEVERAL WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS THROUGHOUT PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,RUSTED LID ON BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER. 49 : 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES,WALK IN FREEZER SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF SEVERAL REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. 55: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING/STORAGE AREAS.HOLE IN FLOOR AROUND PIPES AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK 57: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED EXPIRED AND MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. 58 : 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
60
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: SEE 60
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE 60
58
82
Apr 13, 2022
Reinspection
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ation Codes: 3-304.14 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES WERE HANDS ARE BEING WIPED ON .MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A;B;D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES THROUGHOUT.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SEVERAL WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS THROUGHOUT PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,RUSTED LID ON BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES,WALK IN FREEZER SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF SEVERAL REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING/STORAGE AREAS.HOLE IN FLOOR AROUND PIPES AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED AND MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
67
Apr 5, 2022
Complaint
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 19 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FEMALE EMPLOYEE HANDLING TAMALES HUSK IN HER HAND AND SPREADING MASA AND FILLING WITH CHICKEN AND RED ROJAS AND WRAPPING WITH SEVERAL RED LESIONS ON BACK OF BOTH HANDS AND FOREARMS AS WELL AS ANOTHER FEMALE WORKER HANDLING AND PREPPING HOT PEPPERS AND TOMATO WITH SEVERAL DARK BROWN LESIONS ON BOTH HANDS AND FOREARMS AS WELL .MANAGER VOLUNTARILY REMOVED EMPLOYEES FROM HANDLING FOODS AT THIS TIME. MUST COVER WITH BANDAGE AND GLOVES THAT COVER FOREARMS AS WELL.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS A 5 GALLON BUCKET OF RED ROJAS AT 49.5F ON LOWER SHELF OF REAR PREP TABLE.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX 5 GALLONS $60.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
22
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MULTI-USE UTENSILS BEING WASHED WITH A BUCKET OF SOAP WATER AND RINSED AT MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND PLACED ON SHELVING UNITS NOT BEING SANITIZED.INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON SETTING UP SINK PROPERLY TO SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 50 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELVING UNITS AND ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS,ON FLOOR MIXED IN WITH DIRT IN STORAGE UNDERNEATH STAIRS IN BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/5/22.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES WERE HANDS ARE BEING WIPED ON .MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES THROUGHOUT.
44
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO GLOVES BEING USED BY FOOD HANDLERS THAT HAS LESIONS ON HANDS AND FOREARMS.MUST COVER WITH BANDAGE AND WEAR GLOVES.
46
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WORN AND PITTED CUTTING BOARD IN BASEMENT PREP AREA BEING USED TO SLICE PEPPERS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED CAN OPENER BLADE AND HOLDER.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SEVERAL WORN DOOR GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS THROUGHOUT PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,RUSTED LID ON BASEMENT CHEST FREEZER.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS FOR STORAGE IN BASEMENT.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES,WALK IN FREEZER SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF SEVERAL REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND STORAGE AREAS AS WELL AS FLOOR VENTS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN BASEMENT PREP/DISH WASHING/STORAGE AREAS.HOLE IN FLOOR AROUND PIPES AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT ,MOP SINK BASIN AND WHERE NEEDED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN BASEMENT.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED AND MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
29
Oct 13, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STOED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (HANDLE UP)
44
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
55
90
Jan 11, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOMATILLOS AND TAMALE HUSKS BEING PREPARED/RINSED IN MIDDLE AND 3RD BASIN OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH CONTAINER OF SOAPY WATER, SOILED EQUIPMENT AND TOXIC ITEMS IN BASINS OF ALL COMPARTMENTS OF SINK. FOOD SHALL ONLY CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT THAT ARE CLEAN AND SANITIZED. 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SHALL SHALL NOT USED FOR CLEANING EQUIPMENT/UTENSILS WHEN USING AS A FOOD PREPARATION SINK. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
15
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-305.11: STOCK/LARGE CONTAINERS OF FOOD ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER AND IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES
39
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERSE. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE.
58
78
Nov 2, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: STOCK ON FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CONDENSOR LINE LEAKING IN FRONT PREP COOLER, CAUSING WATER ACCUMULATION ON BOTTOM SHELF. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
47
90
Jan 23, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Observed no employee health policy on site. Must provide written employee health policy. Priority foundation violation.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: Observed no vomit and diarrhea clean up policy on site. Must provide. Priority foundation violation.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: Observed menu board without proper consumer advisory. Must provide consumer advisory disclosure statement and reminder for under cooked foods (eggs). Priority foundation violation.
25
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: Observed TCS foods in prep cooler in front prep area not properly labeled. Must label all TCS foods with discard date. Priority foundation violation.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Observed no hand washing signs at exposed hand sinks. Must provide handwashing signage at each handwashing sink.
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Observed 1-2 gaps along bottom of rear exterior door. Must repair to prevent pest entry. All exterior doors must be tight fitting.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: Observed leak at pipes under left basin of 3 compartment sink in basement prep area. Must repair and maintain same.
51
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: Observed standing clear liquid throughout floor of basement prep area. Must keep floors clean and dry at all times. Must make repairs to nearby equipment (freezers) to prevent leaks.
52
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Observed no proof of allergen training on site. Must provide proof of allergen training for all Chicago food sanitation managers.
58
52
Jul 13, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BASEMENT CEILING TILES WATER DAMAGED, SOME WITH A BLACK SUBSTANCE COMMING THRU THE TILE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO CLEAN BASEMENT LIGHT SHIELDS,AND REPAIR/CLEAN CEILING IN MIDDLE & REAR PREP AREAS.
35
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FREEZER WALK-IN COMPRESSOR NOT MAINTAINED, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. ALSO OBSERVED 100 LBS BULK MASA IN 3 GROCERY BAGS IN REAR STORAGE FROM MASA UNO INC., INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINER, OR BAGGIE/ZIP LOC. OBSERVED RAW WOOD STORAGE UNITS IN THE BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT CUTTING BOARDS , AND #10 CAN OPENER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR STORAGE AREA FLOOR MISSING TILES, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/OR REPLACE FLOOR.
34
82
Sep 13, 2016
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1953700 ON 9/2/16 NOT CORRECTED: 18 - OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA. 50 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WOODEN SHELVES AND BOXES OF STOCK IN THIS AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090.
14
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PREMISES PREPARES AND SERVES TAMALES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT HAS EXPOSED INSULATION IN THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DOOR. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IS DAMAGED. MUST REPAIR THE CEILING. REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE CEILING DRYWALL IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ARE NEEDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
45
78
Sep 2, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA. 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WOODEN SHELVES AND BOXES OF STOCK IN THIS AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY WAS POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010B.
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1547394 ON 8/17/15 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - TWO 1-BURNER STOVES NOT UNDER VENTILATION. INSTD TO HAVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION OR REMOVE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PAINT OR SEAL THE WOODEN STORAGE SHELVES IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA. THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE BASEMENT HAS EXPOSED INSULATION IN THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DOOR. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE. MUST USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR SALSAS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IS DAMAGED. MUST REPAIR THE CEILING. SCRAPE AND REPAINT CHIPPED PAINT ON CEILING IN THE BASEMENT. REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE BASEMENT. REPAIR THE OPENINGS IN THE CEILING DRYWALL IN THE GARAGE STORAGE AREA.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ARE NEEDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
45
70
Aug 17, 2015
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO SEAL/PAINT SAME. WORN CAULKING WITH BLACK SUBSTANCE AT BASE OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND WALL. REPLACE/REPAIR SAME.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR VENT IN BASEMENT TOILET ROOM.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: TWO 1-BURNER STOVES NOT UNDER VENTILATION. INSTD TO HAVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION OR REMOVE. MISSING PROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
38
86
Jan 16, 2015
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TAMALES), NOR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE AVAILABLE AND ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 SERIOUS.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: COOKED FOOD NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE SAME.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY (HANDLE UP).
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL SHELVING NEEDED FOR STOCK TO ELEVATE PRODUCT 6 INCHES.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STOCK ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS AVAILABLE. INSTD TO PROVIDE SAME.
45
74
Jul 17, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 10, 2014
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND SINK INACCESSIBLE DUE TO TWO FREE STANDING BURNERS WITH LARGE STOCK POTS OF BOILING LIQUID IN FRONT OF HAND WASH SINK. MANAGER MOVED BURNERS OVER MADE HAND WASH SINK ACCESSIBLE TO EMPLOYEES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 15 CASES OF DICES TOMATOES, BAG OF ONIONS AND BOXES OF FRESH JALEPENOS ON FOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN GARAGE. GARAGE IS ALSO USED FOR CAR. GARAGE IS NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY FOOD OR FOOD RELATED ITEMS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUST ON BOTTOM OF ALL REACH IN FREEZERS. REMOVE RUST AND RESTORE BOTTOWM OF ALL REACH IN FREEZERS TO A SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK NEXT FREE STANDING BURNER WITH LARGE POT USED FOR COOKING. SPLASH GUARDS ARE NEEDED ON EACH SIDE OF HAND WASH SINK TO PROTECT FOOD FROM POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR TO GARAGE UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DOOR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR OF CLOSET IN BASEMENT CLOSET UNDER STAIRS UNCELAN. CLEAN FLOOR OF BASEMENT CLOSET AND MAINTAIN.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS IN BASEMENT UNCLEAN UNDER SHELVING AND BEHIND LARGE EQUIPMENT. CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN A SANITARY CONDITION.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVFED FLOOR IN BASEMENT BEHIND REACH IN FREEZERS IN DISREPAIR. REPAIR CONCRETE BEHIND REACH IN FREEZERS AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WALLS OF BASEMENT CLOSET UNDER STAIRS UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTIAN WALLS OF BASEMENT CLOSET.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS WITHIN REACH IN REFRIGERATORS. ALL REFRIGERATORS NEED THERMOMETERS THATS ARE ACCESSIBLE AND EASY TO READ. CHECK THERMOMETERS OFTEN TO INSURE REFRIGERATORS ARE MAINTAINING 40F OR BELOW.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLOSET UNDER STAIRS IN BASEMENT WITH CLUTTER. REMOVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT CLOSET TO DETER AND INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
58
Jul 23, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE INVERTED (HANDLE UP).
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PAINT ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AT FRONT COUNTER WITH NON-TOXIC PAINT. IMPROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE SAME.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FLAT TOP GRILL AND 1-BURNER UNITS NOT UNDER VENTILATION HOOD. INSTD TO CORRECT SAME.
38
86
Dec 31, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DEFROST AND CLEAN THE TWO CHEST FREEZERS HAS ICE BUILDUP AROUND THE TOP NOT ABLE TO CLOSE THEM TIGHTLY. CLEAN THE REACHIN COOLERS AND REACHIN FREEZERS IN REAR PREP AREA HAS FOOD DEBRIS IN THEM. CLEAN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS GREASE BUILDUP ON THEM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORE ROOM AND FURNACE ROOM ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING IN THE PREP AREA BY THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK HAS SOME PEELING PAINT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE PEELING PAINT AND PAINT CEILING.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL THE VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES HAS SOME DUST BUILDUP ON THEM.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN THE WALKIN COOLER, REACHIN COOLER,BOTH TWO REACHIN COOLERS.
40
78
Feb 3, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. LABEL THE LARGE SUGAR CONTAINER IN THE BACK PREP AREA.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. DEFROST AND CLEAN THE TWO CHEST FREEZERS HAS ICE BUILDUP AROUND THE TOP NOT ABLE TO CLOSE THEM TIGHTLY. CLEAN THE REACHIN COOLERS AND REACHIN FREEZERS IN REAR PREP AREA HAS FOOD DEBRIS IN THEM.
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. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT STORE ROOM ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP.
34
86
Jan 21, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 19, 2011
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HANDSINK MISSING IN REAR PREP AREA. PROVIDE SAME.
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: DOORS NOT RODENT PROOF. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND NO DAYLIGHT TO BE SEEN.
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET IMPROPERLY DESIGNED. INSTD TO PROVIDE FAUCET THAT EXTENDS TO EACH COMPARTMENT.
24
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALL IN BASEMENT IN POOR REPAIR. REPAIR SAME.
35
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rosas Tamales last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Rosas Tamales on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains 25 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Rosas Tamales?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Rosas Tamales.
Has Rosas Tamales' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Rosas Tamales have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two 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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