Taqueria El Norte

114 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60610

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Feb 23, 2010

Score

Low Risk

There aren't many inspections to draw from yet: just two so far. The most recent report on file is from Feb 23, 2010. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. The file hasn't been updated since Feb 23, 2010, so take the current picture with that in mind.

The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly seven violations earlier in the record.

When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been the most frequent reason, cited two times.

Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Taqueria El Norte is doing better than most peers. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 23, 2010

Reinspection

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Prep cooler rubber door gaskets ripped, by cookline. Must repair or replace damaged gaskets.

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. Observed cracks/crevices along wall base throughout prep area. Must seal all cracks/crevices throughout kitchen.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. Must provide thermometers for all coolers.

Feb 16, 2010

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: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. Observed 3 live roaches on walls/cracks and crevices at prep area behind South 3-compartment sink. Must remove/eliminate all insect activity. Advised to call pest control operator for service. Serious violation, citation issued. Ticket #H000057369 14.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. Observed accumilated food debris inside prep coolers door gaskets and door coolers corners. Must clean and maintain equipment.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

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. Observed cracks/crevices on wall behind grease trap by South 3-compartment sink. Must seal all gaps in walls.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. South wall 3-compartment sink middle compartment sink pipe leaks. Must repair and maintain sink.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Taqueria El Norte last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Norte on file is from Feb 23, 2010. The public record contains two inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Norte?

Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited two times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Norte.

Has Taqueria El Norte's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria El Norte have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Taqueria El Norte 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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