Taqueria El Primo
Last inspected: Jul 3, 2013
74
Score
Public records show eight inspections at Taqueria El Primo stretching back to 2010. The most recent report on file is from Jul 3, 2013. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. The most recent inspection at Taqueria El Primo is from Jul 3, 2013, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near six violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 3, 2013
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: POTATO CHIPS PACKAGED FOR SALE WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL, NAME OF THE PRODUCT, COMPANY'S NAME, ADDRESS, ZIP CODE, INGREDIENTS, FLAVORINGS AND ADDITIVES.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN MULTI USE UTENSILS POTS,PANS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE /DOWN INVERTED .
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA. RUSTED LID OF THE CHEST FREEZER BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE. MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER IN THE SAME LOCATION(WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP).
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN,DISH WASHING AREA,ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER,BEHIND AND UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENTS. AND FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT,UNDER THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE WALLS BEHIND THE GYROS SPIT, WALLS IN THE STORAGE AREA IN THE REAR CLOSE TO THE WALK IN COOLER, AND WALLS IN THE PREP AREA BEHIND THE DEEP FRYER AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
74
May 15, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS NOT MEETING PROPER TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE PREP COOLER . RAW CHICKEN AT 45.6F, PORK AT 46.5F, AND CHORIZO AT 45.9F, INSIDE THE PREP COOLER. PREP COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 38.9F. GYROS AT 48.7F ON THE GYROS SPIT. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID MANAGER WORTH $50.00,TOTAL 10 LBS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL, 7-38-005A
3
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: POTATO CHIP PACKAGED FOR SALE WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABEL, NAME OF THE PRODUCT,COMPANY'S NAME.ADDRESS, ZIP CODE,INGREDIENTS, FLAVORING, AND ADDITIVES.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD AROUND THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA. RUSTED LID/COVER OF THE CHEST FREEZER BY THE DISH WASHING AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE. MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER IN THE SAME LOCATION,WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD -UP.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN,DISH WASHING AREA , BASEMENT AND UNDER THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MISSING DRAIN FLOOR COVER IN THE FLOOR DRAIN IN THE BASEMENT. MUST PROVIDE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE WALLS BEHND THE GYROS SPIT AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ICE SCOOP ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
43
74
Sep 21, 2012
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER DOORS AT FRONT PREP AREA AND ON FREEZER DOOR AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WOOD SHELVING UNIT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE SHELVES, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, FREEZER, STORAGE CABINETS, MICROWAVE OVEN, AND MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREA, STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT 1ST FLOOR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.
43
74
Aug 16, 2012
Routine
13 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACITLITY NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED TWO DOORS PREP REACH IN COOLER AT 50.7F, INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR COOLER AND KEEP AT 40F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT, WHEN REPAIRED MUST FAX LETTER REQUESTING TAG REMOVAL. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES; THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE ABOVE COOLER; 8LBS COOKED PORK AT 68F, 5LBS CUT TOMATOES AT 70.01, 6LBS CHEESE 52.8F, 3LBS HAM AT 50.7. INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION. INSTRUCTED COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE AT 40F OR BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED, V=$200. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-005(A).
3
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE, WASHING, RINSING, MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SETTING THEM TO DRY WITHOUT USING A SANITIZING METHOD. INSTRUCTED/DEMOSTRATED PROPER SET-UP OF 3PART SINK FOR PROPER SANITATION WITH 100PPM CHLORINE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-030.
8
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER DOORS AT FRONT PREP AREA AND ON FREEZER DOOR AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO SEAL WOOD SHELVING UNIT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE SHELVES, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, FREEZER, STORAGE CABINETS, MICROWAVE OVEN, AND MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS THRU-OUT PREP AREAS, DISH WASHING AREA, STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT WALLS THRU-OUT DISH WASHING AREA AND STORAGE ROOM, REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA AND DINING AREA, REPAIR WALL UNDER 3PART SINK, SEAL OPENINGS AT SAME AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE FRONT PREP AREA.
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT 1ST FLOOR STORAGE AREA AND BASEMENT, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED, CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.
43
Only authorized personnel in the food-prep area
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED ONLY AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES CAN BE IN THE FOOD-PREP AREAS.
44
52
Mar 2, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 28, 2011
License
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: Front (outermost) and rear doors not insect/rodent proof. Must seal openings to outside to prevent pest entry.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Accumulated grease and food debris on fryer and cooking equipment, interior of ice machine, cabinets. Must clean and maintain same.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Missing coving in women's washroom, coving in men's washroom in poor repair. Cracked and broken floor tiles in cooking area. Must repair and maintain same.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Water stained and damaged ceiling tiles in some areas. Dust accumulated on ceiling vents, must clean. Repair ceiling in basement by storage area. Accumulated grease in ventilation hoods, must clean. Walls by basement mop sink with peeling paint, must re-finish to be smooth and easily cleanable. cracked and broken wall tiles in kitchen areas. Must repair and maintain same.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing lightshields above rear produce storage. Must install lightshields ot shatter-resistant bulbs.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Some coolers/freezers missing conspicuously placed thermometers. Must provide thermometers by the door in all units. Must provide metal stem thermometer (0F-220F).
40
No smoking regulations
Inspector notes: Additional "no smoking" sign needed at front entrance.
70
70
Jul 6, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
May 21, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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 THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN STOVE TOP, OVEN, INTERIOR FRYER DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON THE BASEMENT FLOOR , INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6: OFF THE FLOOR.
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.OBSERVED THE REAR WALL NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN WALL VENT FAN.OVER REAR DOOR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.OBSERVED THE FRONT LIGHT SHIELD BROKEN INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
36
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria El Primo last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria El Primo on file is from Jul 3, 2013. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria El Primo?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taqueria El Primo.
Has Taqueria El Primo's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria El Primo have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taqueria El Primo 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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