Taqueria La Fogata
Last inspected: Apr 2, 2025
82
Score
Taqueria La Fogata appears in inspection records 11 times, starting in 2015. The latest inspection on file is from Apr 2, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “thermometers provided & accurate”, showing up five times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 2, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
55
82
Oct 8, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2581650 DATED 9/13/2023: #35 " OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE OF FROZEN BEEF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES." #58 " FOUND EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #60.
58
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: REPEAT CORE VIOLATION. CORRECTED ON SITE. SEE VIOLATION #60.
35
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN REAR PARKING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
54
78
Sep 13, 2023
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE OF FROZEN BEEF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
35
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE PREP COOLER IN THE KITCHEN.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MUST CLEAN CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE WASHROOM.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
82
Nov 10, 2022
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN UNISEX WASHROOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTS ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUSTS AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES. OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP LINE COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT MANUAL SINK STOPPER DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN.
57
78
Oct 6, 2021
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY BETWEEN 1:40-2:00PM WHILE FACILITY WAS OPEN AND OPERATING. PLUMBER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 2PM AND CORRECTED VIOLATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT HOT WATER THROUGHOUT FACILITY AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
50
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE PREP COOLER AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
36
82
Aug 5, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SUPPLIES MISSING FROM VOMIT AND DIARRHEA KIT (DISPOSABLE APRON, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP HEAD). MUST PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES AS OUTLINED IN POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED TO ELEVATE FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST STORE FOOD ITEMS ON PROPER SHELVING.
39
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LID ON TRASH CAN IN UNISEX BATHROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
53
82
Aug 12, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: METAL STEM THERMOMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST CALIBRATE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
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
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CEILING TILES NOT TIGHT FITTED ABOVE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL CEILING TILES MUST BE TIGHT FITTED.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CEILING LIGHT BULB BURNED OUT ABOVE COOKLINE. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING LIGHT BULB.
56
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
61
Feb 13, 2018
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE SIDE OF THE GRILL TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Mar 20, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON PREP AREA 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER CONDENSER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLER CONDENSER.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULB ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB.
36
90
May 24, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR PUBLIC VIEW AT ALL TIMES.DID FIND ONE POSTED AT THIS TIME.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF BOTH FRYERS AT THE COOKING AREA. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM PORTION AND BOTH CORNERS OF THE ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS AT THE EXHAUST CANOPY.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ALL FOOF STAFF WITH THEIR IDPH FOOD HANDLER'S CETIFICATE AT ALL TIMES. ALSO MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF HIRE DATE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES BY MAINTAINING PROPER RECORD LOGS.
45
82
Aug 13, 2015
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria La Fogata last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Fogata on file is from Apr 2, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Fogata?
Across the inspection record, “thermometers provided & accurate” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Fogata.
Has Taqueria La Fogata's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria La Fogata have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria La Fogata 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 Fogata inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Taqueria La Fogata is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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