Taqueria La Esmeralda
Last inspected: Jan 24, 2025
82
Score
Taqueria La Esmeralda appears in inspection records eight times, starting in 2020. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 24, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around two violations to closer to four violations.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Taqueria La Esmeralda's latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
8
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 24, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT REAR EXIT DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF REAR EXIT DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND DEAD INSECTS ON PREP AREA FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND EQUIPMENT/ALONG WALLS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SMALL HOLE/GAP IN WALL ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST SEAL HOLE/GAP IN WALL ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Mar 22, 2024
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: PROVIDE COVER AT RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WASHROOM
53
95
Mar 11, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: WE OBSERVED 6 BABY ROACHES COMING OUT FROM HANDLES OF HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP AREA,WHEN HANDLES IS TURNED ON.ONE LIVE ADULT ROACH INSIDE THE FRAME OF HANDWASHING SIGN ABOVE HANDWASHING SINK(SAME SINK).TWO LIVE ADULT ROACHES IN BASEMENT BEHIND THE REACH-IN AND CHEST FREEZER. MUST REMOVE. CLEAN AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION :7-38-O20(A),CITATION ISSUED
38
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISHROOM NOT MAINTAINED: FAUCET NOT REACHING THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, ONLY MIDDLE COMPARTMENT NOT ABLE TO USE COMPARTMENT FOR WASH AND SANITIZE.FAUCET MUST REACH ALL THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR :WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-025,CITATION ISSUED
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE GAS STOVE AND DEEP FRYER WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: PROVIDE COVER AT RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE WASHROOM
53
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPARTMENTS NOT CLEAN (INTERIOR TOP AND BIN). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.
16
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE CLEAN CUTTING BOARD ON THE BACK-SPLASH OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: KNIVE SARE STORED BETWEEN PREP COOLER AND WALL,MUST PROVIDE KNIFE RACK
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROPER SINK STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
61
Apr 11, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 6-22-22 INSPECTION# 2559715.VIOLATION 58.OBSERVED INCOMPLETE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT ANY EMPLOYEE THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-42-090.MUST PROVIDE.
60
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND POTS TO LARGE TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE,AND SANITIZE INSIDE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REMOVE OR PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE LARGE POTS.
48
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK FAUCET.MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE SERVICED AND LOCATED.
51
82
Jun 22, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FREEZERS LOCATED IN BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS TO STORE FOOD ITEMS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH FOOD DEBRIS/SPILLS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT ANY EMPLOYEE THAT HAS A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE COMPLETES ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND RECEIVES ALLERGEN AWARENESS CERTIFICATE.
58
86
May 4, 2021
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 23, 2021
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED PORK AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 45.3F IN PREP COOLER. ALSO OBSERVED RED SALSA FOUND AT 47.7F, SHELLED EGGS FOUND AT 44.6F, AND PAPAS CHORIZO FOUND AT 44.7F IN PREP COOLER. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE FOOD. ALL FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 75 LBS AT A COST OF $125.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF PREP COOLER AT 45.9F. PROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE INSIDE OF COLD HOLDING UNIT MUST BE AT 41.0F OR BELOW TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS AT PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE. COOLER IS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
33
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 8/20/2020, REPORT #2386280. #51-MUST PROVIDE BECK FLOW PREVENTION FOR UTILITY SINK FAUCET WITH HOSE ATTACHED. #55-NOTED CLUTTER OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER UNUSED ITEMS ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS TO ALLOW CLEANING AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS. #57-OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT. #58-NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-42-090.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010.
3
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING OF THREE BOXES OF BEEF STORED IN 1-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN REFRIGERATION AT 41.0F OR BELOW OR PLACE UNDER RUNNING WATER.
35
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WASTE WATER PIPE OVER SODA GLASS BOTTLES (JARRITOS) IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE SODA AWAY FROM WASTE WATER PIPE TO PREVENT DRIPPING ONTO ITEM. ANOTHER OPTION IS TO COVER AND PROTECT WASTE WATER PIPE.
39
55
Aug 20, 2020
License
2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE AND CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED USE OF UNPROTECTED WOOD ON SHELVING USE TO RAISE ICE MACHINE. MUST USE SMOOTH EASY CLEANABLE MATERIALS FOR SHELVING IN FOOD STORAGE
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE BECK FLOW PREVENTION FOR UTILITY SINK FAUCET WITH HOSE ATTACHED
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED CLUTTER OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER UNUSED ITEMS ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOMS.MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS TO ALLOW CLEANING AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOLES IN WALLS IN BASEMENT AREA ABOVE REACH IN COOLERS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THAT MOPS HAVE BEEN STORED ON FLOORS IN REAR AREA MUST PLACE MOPS OVER MOP SINK IN POSITION THAT CAN ALLOWS THEM AIR DRY WITH OUT SOILING WALLS AND FLOORS
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT AREA, AND MUST CLEAN CEILING AND WALL CONNECTION FROM OLD SPIDER WEBS AND DUST IN SAME AREA
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria La Esmeralda last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Esmeralda on file is from Jan 24, 2025. The public record contains eight inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Esmeralda?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Esmeralda.
Has Taqueria La Esmeralda's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taqueria La Esmeralda have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria La Esmeralda 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 Taqueria La Esmeralda inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria La Esmeralda is inspected around two times per year on average.
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