Taco Bell
Last inspected: Mar 23, 2026
95
Score
Taco Bell appears in inspection records 25 times, starting in 2010. The most recent report on file is from Mar 23, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near zero violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code”, which has been cited six times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Taco Bell is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
25
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 23, 2026
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAINED
55
95
Jan 6, 2026
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE DEEPFRYERS ON KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.
55
90
May 23, 2025
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Feb 14, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 18, 2024
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 22, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Mar 3, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Mar 1, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE (IN USE) AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT 0 PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION. NO AVAILABLE SANITIZER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED ?HELD FOR INSPECTION?. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED (SEE COMMENTS BELOW). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF DISHMACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER ENCLOSURE AREA. NOTED SOME LITTER AND CARDBOARD ON GROUND.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH (DRIVE-THRU) BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: MANAGER UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE OR PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRAINING/CLASS OR CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
67
Dec 27, 2021
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
95
Aug 20, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON TOP OF LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
95
Jul 7, 2020
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW. MUST PROVIDE A VERIFIED WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR A VOMIT/DIARRHEA EVENT ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION FOR REVIEW OR ANY OF THE REQUIRED CLEANING EQUIPMENT. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
5
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS AND COFFEE POTS BEING STORED DIRECTLY ABOVE, INCHES AWAY FROM THE DIRTY WASH BASIN AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST STORE ALL CLEAN FOOD CONTAINERS PROPERLY AND AWAY FROM SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF THE DISH WASHING MACHINE WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE DISH WASHING MACHINE DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE FOR ALL.
58
67
Apr 24, 2019
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE AND DUST BUILD UP ON REACH IN COOLER CONDENSERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
49
95
Feb 1, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 30, 2018
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES OBSERVED ON PREMISES: OBSERVED FOOD HANLDER SWEEPING FOOD DEBRIS OFF THE CUTTING BOARD WITH A WIPING CLOTH, THEN CARRY DISHES AWAY FROM THE PREP AREA, AND HEAD BACK TO THE LINE TO PREPARE FOOD WITHOUT REMOVING THE OLD PAIR OF GLOVES, WASH HANDS, AND APPLY A NEW PAIR OF GLOVES. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST WASH THEIR HANDS PRIOR TO RETURNING TO THE PREP AREA AFTER PERFORMING AN ACTIVITY OTHER THAN FOOD PREPARATION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010
6
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN USE AND UNABLE TO ADEQUATELY WASH DISHES AT THE PROPER TEMPERATURE AND SANITIZE AT THE PROPER CHEMICAL CONCENTRATION: OBSERVED THE WARNING SIGN ON THE DISHMACHINE SCREEN FOR LOW WASH TEMPERATURE BECAUSE THE WASH TEMPERATURE NEVER EXCEEDED A TEMPERATURE OF 107F. THE SANITZING CONCENTRATION WAS 0 PPM CHLROINE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MACHINE WAS TAGGED AND CANNOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AFTER THE MACHINE IS PROPERLY FUNCTIONING BY WASHING DISHES AT A MINIMUM OF 120F AND SANITIZING AT 50-100 PPM CHLORINE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
8
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HAND SOAP AT THE REAR HAND SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGER STATED THAT SHE TOOK THE SENSOR OUT TO USE IT IN THE MEN'S BATHROOM AND ORDERED THE PART FOR THE AUTOMATIC SOAP SENSOR. MANAGER WAS INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AND DID SO UPON REQUEST. ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS ON PREMISES MUST CONTAIN SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES REGARDLESS IF THE SENSOR FOR THE AUTOMATIC DISPENER IS WORKING OR NOT. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
11
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE SANITIZER BAG THAT IS STORED UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS DRIPPING INTO A BUCKET BECAUSE OF A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE SANITIZER DISPENSER TO PREVENT SANIZITING SOLUTION FROM LEAKING.
32
82
Jul 3, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP ON EXTERIOR OF DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MENS WASHROOM FLOOR LITTERED. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR IN MENS WASHROOM.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MENS WASHROOM WALLS WITH DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MENS WASHROOM WALLS.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEFT SIDE COMPARTMENT DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
82
Jan 26, 2017
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 16, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE DRY, UNPLUGGED AND NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME.MANAGER STATED DISH MACHINE HAS NOT BEEN IN USE FOR A FEW DAYS. FOUND FACILITY USING THE 3-COMP SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE(QUATS 200PPM) MULTI-USE UTENSILS. DISH MACHINE WAS TAGGED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE CONTACT CDPH TO REQUEST A TAG REMOVAL WHEN THE DISH MACHINE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND IT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING AT 180F. DO NOT USE MACHINE UNTIL IT IS INSPECTED BY CDPH AND DO NOT REMOVE TAG FROM MACHINE.NO CITATION ISSUED.
8
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND THE 3-COMP SINK AREA.
34
90
May 27, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUSTY FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE PREMISES TO REMOVE DUST. MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL WINDOW SILLS AT ALL WALLS THROUGHOUT DINING ROOM AREA TO REMOVE DUST. MUST INSTALL MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DINING ROOM AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL AN AIR GAP AT THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 1-COMP PREP SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
38
86
Mar 12, 2015
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: BULK DRY FOOD WHITE CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED TO IDENTIFY FOODS STORED AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ROTTED WOOD SHELVINGS AT FRONT SECTION STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SHELVINGS MUST BE SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS ARE DIRTY BENEATH THE FRYER STATION EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND FLOOR DRAIN DIRTY BENEATH THE 1 COMP SINK,CLEAN FLOORS,FLOOR DRAINS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS BEHIND FRYER STATION TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATIONS ON VENTILATION COVERS IN KITCHEN PREP AREAS AND INSIDE TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE BENEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT MET. (NO PROOF, NO RECORDS,NO APPROPIATE DOCUMENTATION). INSTD TO OPERATOR TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AN ORGANIZED SYSTEM OF DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED.
45
74
Jul 1, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CHIPPING PAINT ON WALL OF WALK-IN COOLER DOOR, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE,
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT PREP AREA,
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN WALL BY ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA, AND REMOVE ALL OLD CAULKING FROM WALL,
35
86
Jun 27, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULKING AROUND THE WASHBOWL SINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM,WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MOP SINK NOT MAINTAINED. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN AROUND AND BEHIND THE WATER HEATER WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
May 6, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CAULKING AROUND THE WASHBOWL SINK OF THE MENS WASHROOM,WORN OUT. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MOP SINK NOT MAINTAINED. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN AROUND AND BEHIND THE WATER HEATER WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
May 10, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING, MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; TWO DOORS FREEZERS, SMALL PREP REACH IN COOLER, AND EXTERIOR AND UPPER PANELS OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS UNDER 3PART SINK AND ONE COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
86
Jun 13, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN-SANITIZE; COOLERS, FREEZER, MOP SINK, FRYERS AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
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. FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS NEED CLEANING, MUST CLEAN.
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 CLEAN WALL BEHIND FRYERS.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT REAR STORAGE AREA, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
82
Jan 19, 2010
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILES WATER DAMAGED FRONT BY SODA MACHINE INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.CEILING BRACKETS RUSTY NEED TO RESEAL, OR REPLACE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN FOOD PREP AREA DUSTY, AND 1 LIGHT OUT FRONT DINNING AREA MUST CLEAN AND REPAIR.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VENTS DUSTY AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Bell last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Bell on file is from Mar 23, 2026. The public record contains 25 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Bell?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Taco Bell.
Has Taco Bell's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taco Bell have averaged around zero violations per visit across the recent 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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