Taqueria La Paz
Last inspected: Feb 1, 2017
70
Score
Taqueria La Paz has been inspected 13 times since 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Feb 1, 2017. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent. The file hasn't been updated since Feb 1, 2017, so take the current picture with that in mind.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around five violations across recent inspections versus roughly seven violations before.
When inspectors have written things up, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been the most frequent reason, cited nine times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Taqueria La Paz's 70 doesn't quite reach. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 1, 2017
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELVING UNIT OF GRILL TABLE AND FOOD STORAGE SHELF.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE OVER SIZED POTS FROM PREMISES THAT CAN'T BE SUBMERGED IN 3- COMP SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN CHAIR SEATS IN DINING AREA,WORN DOOR GASKETS ON BOTH 1- DOOR PREP COOLERS,1 & 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LOWER SHELVES OF TABLES UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS,OVEN,GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLE,WHEEL BASES OF EQUIPMENT ,FOOD STORAGE SHELVES,STEAM TABLE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA,DINING AREA AND FLOOR MATS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN AND WORN FLOOR MATS ,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER UNDER 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING AND DAMAGED WALL TILES AND WALL BASE IN PREP AREA AND TOILETROOM,LOOSE CEILING VENT ABOVE HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM GRATED CEILING VENT IN PREP AREA,WALLS AND MENU BOARD IN PREP AREA,FILTERS,CEILING TILES,LIGHT SHIELDS.MUST REMOVE PAPER AND TAPE FROM WALL IN DINING AROUND COVERING UNFINISHED WALL NEAR REAR DOOR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND PREP AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPES AT HAND SINK OUTSIDE OF TOILETROOM AND PLASTIC BAGS WRAPPED AROUND PIPES THAT ARE LEAKING UNDER 3- COMP SINK AND LEAKY FAUCET AT SAME.
38
70
Nov 4, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT 2 DOOR COOLER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL CUTTING BOARDS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CEILING VENT FALLING DOWN, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO BROKEN LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
36
86
Apr 21, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
34
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TABLES UNDER THE GRILLS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN ALL DRIP TRAYS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE WALLS, CEILING DUSTY/NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.ALSO CLEAN CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
82
Sep 14, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY. MUST STORE INVERTED.
31
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT NOT SHIELDED INSIDE REACH IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK. MUST PROVIDE.
38
86
Jun 25, 2014
Reinspection
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON CHEST FREEZER.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMP SINK IN PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLES,REACH IN COOLER
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI AND GREASE FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN DINING AREA,SERVICE COUNTER SHELVES,PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASE IN TOILET ROOM.MUST CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING THROUGHOUT.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA AND AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE VENTILATION VENT IN PREP AREA AND CLEAN IN TOILET ROOM & AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
38
70
Jun 23, 2014
Routine
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF REACH IN COOLER AT 49.7F WITH READY TO EAT AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-80 40 WHEN READY.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE ABOVE MENTIONED REACH IN COOLER SUCH AS CHICKEN 45.4F - 46.1F,PORK 44.9F,STEAK 67.4F,POTATOES 46.7F,CHAYOTE 51.6F,CARROTS 50.0F,TRIPE 45.1F,CHICKEN BROTH 44.2F.NO TIME AND TEMPEARTURE LOGS AVAILABLE TO VIEW.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX 25LBS. $60.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING FACILITIES FOR STAFF IN PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINED.OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AND FAUCET HANDLE STRIPPED NOT ABLE TO TURN FAUCET ON.ADDITIONAL HAND SINK ON SITE INSTRUCTED TO USE.MUST PROVIDE COLD RUNNING WATER AND REPAIR FAUCET HANDLE AND MAINTAIN.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
11
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS ON LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON CHEST FREEZER.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMP SINK IN PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM GRILL TABLE,PREP TABLES,REACH IN COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI AND GREASE FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN DINING AREA,SERVICE COUNTER SHELVES,PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASE IN TOILET ROOM.MUST CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING THROUGHOUT.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA AND AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE VENTILATION VENT IN PREP AREA AND CLEAN IN TOILET ROOM & AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
38
61
Jul 9, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA
33
95
Jun 26, 2013
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: REACH-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING COOLER TEMP 40'F AND BELOW, COOLER READING 50'F, COOLER TAGGED, MUST RESTRICT USE, UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINING TEMP 40'F, MUST CONTACT CDPH THOUGH FAX, #312 746-4042 FOR TAG REMOVAL, ONCE REPAIRED, CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE AND PREPARATION, NOTED COOKED (BEEF) STEAK, TONGUE, SOUP, AT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE READING 50.7'F-51.9'F STORED INSIDE REACH-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED MANAGER, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40'F OR BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCTS, TOTAL VALUE $250.00, TOTAL WEIGHT 30 LBS., CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK NOT COMPLETE, NO PEST CONTROL BUSINESS LICENSE, TECH LICENSE, CHEMICALS USE, MAP, OR CURRENT PEST CONTROL REPORTS, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN PREP AREA AND PROVIDE MISSING VENT COVER IN DINING AREA,
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVER ON LIGHTS IN PREP AREA,
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT BATHROOM DOOR
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR KNOB TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER ACCURATE AND VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, ALSO MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF HOT AND COLD HOLDING OF FOOD PRODUCTS,
40
64
Feb 25, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RESEAL BOTTOM COUNTER SHELF IN KITCHEN AREA REMOVE CHIPPING PLASTER AT BOTTOM OF SHELF
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN WIRE SHELVES INSIDE REACH-IN COOLERS
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXHAUST FAN ATTACHED TO WALL BY COOKING EQUIPMENT
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK
38
82
Apr 12, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor along wallbase and under equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Light and ventilation covers thru-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
86
Feb 24, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient toilet facilities shall be provided. They should be properly designed, maintained, and accessible to employees at all times. FOUND EXPOSED HANDSINK IN FOOD PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE AND CONVENIENT TO FOODHANDLER. NOTED BUCKETS OF SOAP STORED UNDER AND INFRONT BLOCKING THE SAID EXPOSED HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUCKETS AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND CONVENIENT TO EMPLOYEES WASHING HANDS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
11
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. FOUND GARBAGE DUMPSTER IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA NOT CLEAN, GARBAGE OVERFLOWING, GARBAGE ON GROUND UNDER AND AROUND THE SAID GARBAGE AND GREASE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (GARBAGE DISPOSAL TRUCK CAME IN TO PICK-UP GARBAGE AND EMPLOYEE CLEANED AROUND DUMPSTERS) SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
19
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. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN RUBBER GASKET AROUND REACH-IN COOLER (2) DOORS IN PREP AREA.
32
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. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. (NOTED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE ACCUMULATION).
34
82
Feb 2, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 26, 2010
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All hot food shall be stored at a temperature of 140F or higher. FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE AND PREPARATION. NOTED COOKED (BEEF) STEAK AT INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 91.7F, 88.9F, 92.9F STORED IN PAN ON TOP OF PREP TABLE FOR SERVICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 140F OR ABOVE AND COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID PRODUCTS. TOTAL VALUE $40.00, TOTAL WEIGHT 5 LBS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.
3
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING. ALSO NOTED GARBAGE/LITTER ON GROUND. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED.
19
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Use dustless cleaning methods. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT INSIDE WASHROOM. NOTED DUST AND DEAD INSECTS.
35
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. INSTRUCTED TO FIX SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR.--- MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT COMP SINK. NOTED PLASTIC BEING USED AS STOPPER.
38
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER ACCURATE AND VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS. ALSO MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF HOT AND COLD HOLDING OF FOOD PRODUCTS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF REORGANIZING, MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES. ----ALSO NOTED ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO STORE 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING AND TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE.
41
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria La Paz last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria La Paz on file is from Feb 1, 2017. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria La Paz?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Taqueria La Paz.
Has Taqueria La Paz's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Taqueria La Paz have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Taqueria La Paz 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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