Taco Max
Last inspected: Oct 4, 2022
100
Score
Taco Max has been inspected 14 times since 2017. The most recent report on file is from Oct 4, 2022. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. The most recent inspection at Taco Max is from Oct 4, 2022, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around four violations each.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged nine times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 4, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 26, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 10 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT (MICE) DROPPINGS UNDERNEATH THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AT FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT MICE DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS.PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC.)
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR EXIT SCREEN DOOR WITH OPENINGS/TORN SCREEN.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE PREP LINE COOLER AT REAR MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN STORAGE RACKS, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS,STOVE,BROILER AND DEEP FRYER.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS WITH EXCESSIVE DIRT AND GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPLASHED FOOD DEBRIS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS ON COVING BASEBOARD UNDERNEATH THE POT/PAN STORAGE RACK AND ON LOWER WALL UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING/PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASIER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIORS OF LIGHT SHIELDS OF LIGHT FIXTURES THROUGHOUT THE REAR DISHWASHING/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CURRENT CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED.
58
55
Nov 1, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 25, 2021
Complaint
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING HOT TCS ITEMS HELD AT THE STATED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN HOT HOLD UNIT ON COOK LINE: SHREDDED CHICKEN AT 54.8F, BEEF AT 79.5F, AND BEEF AT 66.9F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 15LBS OF PRODUCT VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $300. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTIAN ALL HOT TCS ITEMS AT OR ABOVE 135F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
21
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUMPSTER IN REAR GARBAGE AREA OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN GARBAGE AREA SO THAT DUMPSTER LID IS ABLE TO BE SHUT TIGHTLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
54
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT USED TO STORE TORTILLAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON INTERIOR OF 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT USED TO STORE TORTILLAS AND 2 DOOR COOLER LOCATED IN MAIN PREP AREA USED TO STORE PRODUCE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON HOT LINE COVERED IN KNIFE MARKS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT UTILITY SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL RELEVANT LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS.
51
64
Nov 5, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS ON THE COOKS LINE PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
90
Nov 2, 2020
Reinspection
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS ON THE COOKS LINE PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #60 NOT CORRECTED.---- #49-: RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE FRONT BAR MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED.------INTERIOR DOOR RUBBER GASKETS WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE REAR PREP MEAT COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.#54-MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY STORED ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE REAR PATIO TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.#55- CRACKED, DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE BAR AND KITCHEN AREAS, UNDER COOLERS. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR FLOORS TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----: FLOORS, BASEBOARDS AND FLOOR COVING THROUGHOUT ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT, FRONT BAR AND THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AND DISH AREAS. ALL WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD SPILLAGE.----HOLE IN THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----#58-NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
59
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: SOILED WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT FRONT, REAR AND COOKS LINE PREP AREAS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
74
Oct 21, 2020
Complaint
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 9 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cooling time and temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COOLING OF COOKED RICE. APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS COOKED RICE NOTED PILED HIGH IN A TIGHTLY COVERED PAN ON A COOLING RACK IN THE PREP AREA AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 117F. MANAGER STATES THE RICE WAS PREPARED IN THE MORNING BETWEEN 9 AND 10 AM. RICE TEMPERATURE OF 117F WAS NOTED AT 3PM. REVIEWED WITH MANAGER PROPER COOLING PROCEDURE. RICE DISCARDED. APPROXIMATE VALUE $150.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
20
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN EGGS BEING STORED IN THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER DIRECTLY NEXT TO READY TO EAT AVOCADO SLICES, CUT LIMES, DICED PINEAPPLE. ALSO OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED INSIDE A BOX COOLER DIRECTLY NEXT TO FRESH CILANTRO, FRESH PEPPERS. FRESH TOMATILLOS STORED DIRECTLY NEXT TO AND TOUCHING THE DIRTY MOP SINK. RAW EGGS AND RAW BEEF BEING STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER ON TOP SHELVING DIRECTLY OVER READY TO EAT SALSA. ALL REMOVED AND DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND FOOD PROTECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
15
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30 TO 40 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA, ON WALLS, STORED FOODS AND BAGGED RED ONIONS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FLIES, SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ALSO NOTED APPROXIMATELY 20 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG THE BASEBOARD UNDER THE FRONT PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE ALL AND SANITIZE. RECOMMEND HAVING PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT FOR FLIES AND MICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR PREP HAND WASHING SINKS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK WAS NOTED WITH DIRTY DISHES INSIDE THE SINK. THE REAR PREP HAND SINK ALSO HAD DIRTY DISHES INSIDE AND WAS ALSO BLOCKED FOR USE BY A LARGE GARBAGE CAN, A STEAM TABLE AND PREP TABLE BLOCKING ACCESS TO THE COOKS LINE. MANAGER REMOVED. INSTRUCTED ALL HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS ON THE COOKS LINE PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 5-12-20 #2370481 NOT CORRECTED. #37-: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.#39- OBSERVED BASEMENT BOX FREEZER BEING STORED DIRECTLY UNDER WASTE WATER PIPE LINES AND DRY FOODS ie: BULK RICE. MUST REMOVE BOX FREEZERS AND BULK RICE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE CEILING ABOVE FREEZERS.#40-ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.#47-: BROKEN/MISSING COOLER DOOR HANDLES, REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE BROKEN HANDLES AND REMOVE TAPE.#49-: RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE FRONT BAR MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED.-----: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR EQUIPMENT. ALL COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT, LEGS AND WHEELS OF EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE.----INTERIOR DOOR RUBBER GASKETS WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE REAR PREP MEAT COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.#54-MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY STORED ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE REAR PATIO TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.#55- CRACKED, DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE BAR AND KITCHEN AREAS, UNDER COOLERS. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR FLOORS TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----: FLOORS, BASEBOARDS AND FLOOR COVING THROUGHOUT ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT, FRONT BAR AND THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AND DISH AREAS. FLOOR OF OUTDOOR WALK-IN COOLER. ALL WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD SPILLAGE.-----WALL BEHIND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-----HOLE IN THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----RAW WOODEN WALL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PAINT/SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.-----EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM SEALANT USED ON THE RAW WOODEN WALL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED THROUGHOUT THE REAR BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER ITEMS STORED ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED.----#57- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING SERVERS. MUST PROVIDE.#58-NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INOPERABLE/BROKEN VENTILATION IN THE WASHROOM. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
56
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE WITH RUST AND DIRT. MUST REMOVE RUST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR THE FRONT PREP SALSA COOLERS.
36
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: SOILED WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT FRONT, REAR AND COOKS LINE PREP AREAS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
41
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOTED WITH BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE IN CORNERS AND SEAMS OF THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT.----STORED MEAT SLICER NOTED DIRTY WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS.----EXTREMELY DIRTY SPLASH GUARD ON THE COOKS LINE DEEP FRYER/STOVE.----INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: PRESSED WOOD SHELVING UNDER THE FRONT PREP COFFEE MAKER IN POOR REPAIR, CHIPPING AND BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SOILED MOP NOTED STORED ON THE FLOOR AT THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENT IN THE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----RAW, MOLDY WOOD ON THE WALL NEXT TO THE FRONT PREP HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPLACE/PAINT/SEAL.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL AT THE REAR PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINATAIN.
55
32
May 12, 2020
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 14 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN EGGS BEING STORED IN THE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF THE TWO DOOR PREP COOLER DIRECTLY NEXT TO READY TO EAT GUACAMOLE, LETTUCE, SHREDDED CHEESE, FRESH TOMATOES. ALSO RAW EGGS INSIDE THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER ON SHELVING OVER PREPARED FOODS AND A LARGE CONTAINER OF SHREDDED CHEESE IN A COOLER ON TOP OF PLASTIC PACKED RAW MEAT. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL RAW AND PREPARED READY TO EAT FOODS PROTECTED. ALL FOODS REMOVED/REARRANGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
15
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS READY TO FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE VARIOUS COOLERS SUCH AS COOKED BEEF, COOKED PORK WITH NO DATE LABELING AND SOME PREPARED FOODS DATED WITH A PREPARATION DATE ONLY. INSTRUCTED ALL PREPARED TCS READY TO FOODS HELD LONGER THAN 24 HOURS MUST BE DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL CONTAINERS OF TOXIC CLEANING ITEMS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND NOT LABELED IN THE WORKING CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL TOXIC CLEANING ITEMS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-015. NO CITATION ISSUED.
28
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE PREPARING/FILLING TO GO CONTAINERS WITH SAUCES IN THE UNUSED DINING ROOM WHERE CUSTOMERS HAVE ACCESS TO PICK-UP TOGO ORDERS. INSTRUCTED ALL FOODS MUST BE PREPARED IN THE DESIGNATED FOOD PREPARATION AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
39
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BASEMENT BOX FREEZER BEING STORED DIRECTLY UNDER WASTE WATER PIPE LINES AND DRY FOODS ie: BULK RICE. MUST REMOVE BOX FREEZERS AND BULK RICE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE CEILING ABOVE FREEZERS.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: BROKEN PLASTIC ICE SCOOP AT ICE MACHINE REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE ICE SCOOP.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: BROKEN/MISSING COOLER DOOR HANDLES, REPAIRED WITH TAPE. MUST REPLACE BROKEN HANDLES AND REMOVE TAPE.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR EQUIPMENT. ALL COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT, LEGS AND WHEELS OF EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE.----INTERIOR DOOR RUBBER GASKETS WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE REAR PREP MEAT COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: RAW WOODEN SHELVING AT THE FRONT BAR MUST BE PAINTED/SEALED.
49
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY STORED ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE REAR PATIO TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORING.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED THROUGHOUT THE REAR BASEMENT MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES AND ALL OTHER ITEMS STORED ORGANIZED AND ELEVATED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CLOTH MATS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MATS MUST BE EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS, BASEBOARDS AND FLOOR COVING THROUGHOUT ENTIRE ESTABLISHMENT, FRONT BAR AND THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AND DISH AREAS. FLOOR OF OUTDOOR WALK-IN COOLER. ALL WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND FOOD SPILLAGE.-----WALL BEHIND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.-----HOLE IN THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKS LINE HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----RAW WOODEN WALL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PAINT/SEAL TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.-----CHIPPING, PEELING PAINT AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT.-----EXPANDING SPRAY FOAM SEALANT USED ON THE RAW WOODEN WALL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REMOVE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CRACKED, DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE BAR AND KITCHEN AREAS, UNDER COOLERS. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR FLOORS TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES INCLUDING SERVERS. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
58
32
Jul 12, 2019
Complaint
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE (1. ASTERIK NEXT TO THE FOOD AND 2. STATEMENT ABOUT THE FOOD) ON MENU OR TABLE TENTS/PLACARDS ON ALL TABLES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
78
Jun 24, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE (1. ASTERIK NEXT TO THE FOOD AND 2. STATEMENT ABOUT THE FOOD) ON MENU OR TABLE TENTS/PLACARDS ON ALL TABLES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
78
Jun 17, 2019
Routine
4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY WITH DISCLOSURE (1. ASTERIK NEXT TO THE FOOD AND 2. STATEMENT ABOUT THE FOOD) ON MENU OR TABLE TENTS/PLACARDS ON ALL TABLES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO SANITIZING SOLUTION TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE SANITIZING TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
48
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR NOT MAINTAINED, OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAP AT DOOR SWEEP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED ON BASEMENT ICE MACHINE WATER LINE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR BASEMENT ICE MACHINE.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
58
58
Mar 8, 2018
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A DAMP MOP ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE THE MOP IN BETWEEN USE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ENCRUSTED WHEELS ON THE DEEP FRYER NOT BEING USED IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE UNCRUSTED WHEELS OR REMOVE THE DEEP FRYER FROM THE BASEMENT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GASKETS AROUND THE DOORS OF THE COLD-HOLDING REFRIGERATION UNIT TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT BULB IN THE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHT BULB TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE AIR VENTS ON THE FLOOR THAT MUST BE SECURED TO THE FLOOR AND MAINTAINED.
38
78
Oct 31, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREMISES USING PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS TO STORE MEATS INSIDE FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO USE FOOD GRADE PLASTIC BAGS ONLY FOR FOODS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN- OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP ON STAND UP 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER DOOR RAILS ALSO OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD BUILD UP ON CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS (X2) ABOVE DISHWASH AREA. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING LIGHT BULBS.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS CLUTTERED WITH ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST BE CERTIFIED WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
45
78
Apr 14, 2017
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREP AREA STAND UP REACH IN FREEZER SHELVES RUSTED. MUST CLEAN/COVER RUSTED SHELVES INSIDE SAID FREEZER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE SNAPPLE STAND UP COOLER BEHIND FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK ALSO WASHROOM VENTILATION FAN NOT WORKING. MUST PROVIDE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR MOP SINK AND PROVIDE WORKING WASHROOM VENTILATION FAN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER INSIDE 1-DOOR STAND UP SNAPPLE COOLER BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR COOLER.
40
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taco Max last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taco Max on file is from Oct 4, 2022. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taco Max?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Taco Max.
Has Taco Max's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taco Max have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taco Max means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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