Salsa Picante
Last inspected: Oct 4, 2023
58
Score
Going back to 2015, Salsa Picante has 12 inspections in the public record. Salsa Picante was last inspected on Oct 4, 2023. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. Public records show no inspections at Salsa Picante since Oct 4, 2023, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Salsa Picante trails the local norm. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 4, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (STEAK, CHICKEN, RICE, BEANS, ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 05-17-22 INSPECTION #2555916. VIOLATION 58: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED, 7-42-090.
60
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
1
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY STORING RAW VEGGIES AND ORANGE PEPPERS INSIDE OF SINGLE USE THANK YOU BAGS IN THE FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR BAGS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED/TORN GASKETS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILL FOOD DEBRIS ON THE BOTTOM AND IN BETWEEN GASKETS IN REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE AND VERIFY FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
58
58
May 17, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE ACROSS FROM THE GRILLS TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPLASH. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VEGETABLES AND CHICKEN STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING OF WATER AT THE FOOD PREP/ DISH AREA HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING.
51
78
Sep 1, 2020
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN TOILET ROOM LOCATED ON EAST SIDE OF BUILDING CLOSEST TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
95
May 28, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS BEING HELD AT THE FOLLOWING IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE PREP COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR OF FACILITY: CHEESE SAUCE HELD AT 65.1F AND SOUP 45.1F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 20LBS OF CHEESE SAUCE VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $400 AND APPROXIMATELY 10LBS OF SOUP VALUED AT $70. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EGGS SERVED POTENTIALLY UNDER COOKED ON MENU IN BREAKFAST SECTION WITHOUT REMINDER, DISCLAIMER, AND FOOTNOTE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL REMINDER, DISCLOSURE, AND FOOTNOTE FOR ALL POTENTIALLY UNDER COOKED ITEMS ON THE MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN A PAN ON THE COUNTER OF THE MAIN PREP LINE. MANAGEMENT PUT MEAT UNDER CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING WATER DURING INSPECTION.
35
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP COOLER CONTAINING MEAT AND TORTILLAS ON MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LARGE YELLOW CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A TORN GASKET HELD TOGETHER WITH DUCT TAPE IN PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE ON USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN REAR ALLEY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
54
61
Sep 18, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 3, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2252343, 01/10/19. #58 OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING. #51 OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT. SLIME LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USING MACHINE UNTIL SERVICE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
16
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN REAR OF BASEMENT.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60
58
67
Jan 10, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKETING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
23
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE FRONT CHEST FREEZER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MUST USE A FOOD GRADE BAGS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF DEEP FRYER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ITEMS NOT ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
58
Jul 25, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE DUST DEBRIS BUILDUP FROM THE FAN VENT COVER IN THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP FROM THE GASKETS OF THE REFRIGERATION UNIT WHERE TORTILLAS ARE STORED AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZER SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
43
86
Apr 20, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST THE DEEP FREEZER TO REMOVE HEAVY FROST BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR WALLS OF ABOVE MENTIONED FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILDUP IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT DEEP FRYER AND DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE MICROWAVE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE CUSTOMER BATHROOM CEILING VENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENTS TO PROVIDE PROPER VENTILATION.
38
86
Jun 3, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 5-24-16,REPORT #1931512 NOT POSTED VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. POSTED BY THE LICENSE WAS SINSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM JUNE 2,2015. NEW REPORT GIVEN AND POSTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-010(B)
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF REACH-IN COOLER
32
90
May 24, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED EMPLOYEES HANDLING NOT FOOD SURFACES FROM WIPING COUNTER, STORE FOOD(RAW AND COOKED)AWAY,MOVING GARBAGE CONTAINERS,WASHING,RINSING AND STORE CLEAN DISHES. MAKING READY TO EAT FOOD(TACOS)WITHOUT HAND WASHING,JUST GLOVING THEIR HANDS. MUST WASH HANDS PRIOR TO GLOVE HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION. MANAGER CORRECTED PROBLEM DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
6
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT AREA WERE MOP SINK IS INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS,REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENTS,INCLUDED REACH-IN COOLER,STOVE, ETC. SEAL ANY HOLES IF NEEDED AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BROKEN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE DOOR OF REACH-IN COOLER
32
86
Jun 2, 2015
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MOP SINK NEEDED MUST INSTALL.
38
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Salsa Picante last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Salsa Picante on file is from Oct 4, 2023. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Salsa Picante?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Salsa Picante.
Has Salsa Picante's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Salsa Picante have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Salsa Picante means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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