Taco Bell
Last inspected: Sep 9, 2025
86
Score
Taco Bell appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2019. The latest inspection on file is from Sep 9, 2025. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around six violations each, up from closer to three violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited 13 times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Taco Bell is comfortably above that bar. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 9, 2025
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE DRIP PAN AT THE SODA MACHINE IN THE DRIVE THRU AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DRIP PAN. THE PERSON IN CHARGE STATES THAT AN ORDER WAS PLACED FOR A NEW ONE TO BE INSTALLED BY PEPSI.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SOME HANDSINKS IN NEED OF CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIORS OF THE HANDSINKS IN PREP AREA WHERE NEEDED.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS UNDER SHELVES AROUND AND BEHIND SOME EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AT DRIVE THRU BEVERAGE AREA. (CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION) OBSERVED SOME CEILING VENTS AND CEILING TILE IN THE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FLOOR DRAINS AT THE DRIVE THRU AREA, SELF SERVE BEVERAGE AREA AND AT THE 3 COMP SINK AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jan 16, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY REPORT POSTED AND VISIBLE FOR PUBLIC TO VIEW FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION A NEW SUMMARY REPORT WILL BE POSTED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
61
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ELECTRICAL WALL MOUNT HAND DRIERS IN BOTH MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS NOT OPERABLE.MANAGER HAD TO GO TO ELECTRICAL PANEL TO RESET THEM NOW THEY ARE WORKING.MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSIED)(COS)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM IN THE CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK & FRYERS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN CORNERS IN WALK IN COOLER,IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR OIL STRAINER AND SODA STORAGE AND REMOVE STANDING WATER ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMP SINK AND KEEP DRY.
55
70
Jan 24, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER WITH PLASTIC GLOVES ON OBSERVED HIM SWEEPING THE FLOOR AND PLACED THE BROOM AND DUST PAN AGAINST HOT HOLDING UNITS THEN HE HANDLED THE FRYER BASKETS AND A PACKAGE OF FLATBREAD WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAIMNATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
8
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF LARGE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,ICE DISPENSER & LOWER CABINETS AT SELF SERVICE AND SODA CADDY AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL GAP ALONG TOP OF WALL BASE NEXT TO MOPSINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER & COOLER,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP & DISH WASHING AREAS,CLOSET.ALSO FLOOR DRAIN AT SODA MACHINE BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN CLOSET.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL SHAKER CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM IN THE CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
38
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE THAT NEEDS A BEARD GUARD MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Gloves used properly
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE NOT CHANGING GLOVES AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
46
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WORN DOOR GASKET ALONG BOTTOM OF WALK IN FREEZER MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
50
Jun 12, 2023
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Apr 24, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCESS FOOD DEBRIS AT THE BOTTOM OF HOT HOLDING UNITS AT THE END OF COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS BEHIND LARGE EQUIPMENT, AND SOIL ACCUMULATION AND RESIDUE BUILD UP IN FLOOR DRAIN AT THE FRONT LINE DRIVE THRU. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Jun 10, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2546048 12/29/21 NOT CORRECTED #58-OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
60
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FRYER CABINET,LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLES,SODA CABINET IN DINING AREA,ICE DISPENSER ON SODA MACHINE AT DRIVE-THRU,WALK IN COOLER-FANGUARD COVERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST GROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST FROM CEILING IN WALK IN COOLER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #60.
58
67
Dec 29, 2021
License
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP BETWEEN DOUBLE ENTRY DOORS OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL/CLOSE GAP(RODENT PROOF) DOORS TO PREVENT ENTRY OF UNWANTED PESTS.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING HANDSINK IN REAR NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOTION SENSOR ON HANDSINK NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SINK SHOULD ACTIVATE WHEN MOTION IS DETECTED AND HOLD FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS BEFORE REACTIVATING.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOUNTAIN SYRUP SPILLAGE ON FLOOR NEAR REAR DISPENSING/STORAGE STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
78
Dec 16, 2021
Complaint
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (CHICKEN 165.2F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIROITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING AND LIGHT SHIELD IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SPILLS ON WALLS, GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANGERS MUST ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
74
Feb 22, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
5
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (BEEF 146.8F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIROITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
61
Jun 29, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
5
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF DRIP TRAY AT SODA MACHINE IN DINING AREA.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING TOILET TANK LID IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
70
Mar 28, 2019
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Bell last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Bell on file is from Sep 9, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Bell?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 13 times, more than any other issue at Taco Bell.
Has Taco Bell's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taco Bell have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taco Bell means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Taco Bell inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taco Bell is inspected around two times per year on average.
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