Taqueria Santa Rita
Last inspected: Mar 3, 2017
86
Score
Taqueria Santa Rita has been inspected 10 times since 2011. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 3, 2017. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. Note that Taqueria Santa Rita's inspection history hasn't been updated since Mar 3, 2017; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited eight times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.
10
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 3, 2017
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOODEN SURFACES BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTERS.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL RAW WOODEN SURFACES USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN.
32
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO HANDSINK AT THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AN EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE, SOAP, AND PAPER TOWELS.
38
86
Feb 24, 2017
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE--ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE,REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOODEN SURFACES BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTERS.INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL RAW WOODEN SURFACES USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR PREP AREA,MUST CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACES OF MICROWAVE OVEN ETC,MAINTAIN.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULBS INSIDE STAND-UP COOLERS NOT SHIELDED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR PROVIDE SHATTER-PROOF LIGHTS AND MAINTAIN.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO HANDSINK AT THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AN EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE, SOAP, AND PAPER TOWELS. NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK AND AT WATER LINE FOR THE ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
74
Sep 8, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS INSIDE UPRIGHT MEAT COOLER IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON WALL NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE REAR COLD HOLDING UNIT LOCATED NEXT TO MEAT UPRIGHT FREEZER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
86
May 5, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: GASKETS TO REACH-IN COOLER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR, AND HANDLE BROKEN AT TOP AREA DOOR TO PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND REPLACE BROKEN HANDLE,
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILE NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH-OUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED CEILING TILE.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
78
Oct 29, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS INSIDE FREEZER NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE FREEZER OR STORAGE BAGS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS, INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE CUTTING BOARDS AND STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING TILE NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH-OUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL DAMAGED CEILING TILE. LIGHT COVERS IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL LIGHT COVERS. WALLS IN PREP AREA NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND/OR REPAINT SURFACE.
35
78
Apr 17, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN FOOD GRADE MATERIAL STORAGE/FREEZER BAGS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: STORAGE SHELVES, EXHAUST HOOS AND FILTERS AND INTERIOR PARTS OF ICEMACHNE NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLBASE 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: CEILING TILES NOT MAINTANED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING TILES. LIGHT AND VENTILATION COVERS NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER NOT PROVIDED INSIDE REAR STORAGE ROOM REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER CONSPICUOUSLY INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
78
Jul 23, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS/GREASE BUILD-UP ON EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOLERS, CHEST FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, MOP SINK, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, AND STORAGE SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS/FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS; MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS AT BOTH PREP AREAS AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED DAMAGED CEILING PANELS, OPENINGS AROUND PIPES, EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP ON HOOD AND FILTERS AND DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING ATTACHMENTS; INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING PANELS, SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES AT REAR PREP AREA, DETAIL CLEAN HOOD, FILTER, VENT COVERS IN WASHROOMS AND CEILING ATTACHMENT AT DINING AREAS.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: NO SELF CLOSING DEVICE FOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM DOOR; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLOSING DEVICE.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO BACK FLOW PREVENTER FOR ICE MACHINE; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER.
38
78
Jan 29, 2013
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLERS AND DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO DATE/LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRCUTED TO PROPERLY STORED CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BOTTOM PANEL OF ONE PREP TABLE AT REAR PREP AREA NEAR 3PART SINK IN POOR REPAIR, (BROKEN), INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: : MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND SANITIZE THE BOTTOM INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND REACH IN FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DEFROST ALSO(WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED). MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE TUBE AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL EXTERIOR OF THE STOVE WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA AND CLEAN WEST WALL NEAR PREP TABLE AT SAME AREA. ALSO NOTED DUST BUILD-UP ON CEILING FANS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 3PART SINK FAUCET IN POOR REPAIR, LEAKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED CLEANING TOWELS IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
43
70
Dec 7, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPER FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.(DRAIN STOPPERS ARE ALL BROKEN). FOUND KNIVES ALL OVER THE FRONT CABINET AND BESIDE THE GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KNIFE RACK TO STORE THE KIVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND SANITIZE THE BOTTOM INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND REACH IN FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DEFROST ALSO(WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED). MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE TUBE AND MAINTAIN. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL EXTERIOR OF THE STOVE WITH GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION(NOT ON TOP OF THE ICE).
43
82
Jun 15, 2011
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health. POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES, OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER WASHING HIS HANDS INSIDE 3PART SINK, (TWICE); ALSO A WAITRESS WASHED HER HANDS INSIDE THE SAME SINK. INSTRUCTED, HAND MUST BE WASHED INSIDE THE EXPOSED SINK WITH WARM WATER AND SOAP. THE WASHING OF HANDS IN A UTENSILS WASHING SINK IS PROHIBITED. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-010(A).
6
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLER AND DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, MUST LABEL.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. MUST PROPERLY STORED CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
31
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. MUST REPLACE BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ON FRONT PREP AREA PREP REACH IN COOLER, AND REAR PREP AREA COOLER; ALSO MUST SEAL RUSTY BOTTOM PANEL OF PREP TABLE, AT REAR PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MICROWAVE OVEN, COOKING EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, FREEZERS, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, NOT CLEAN; MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE.
33
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. FLOORS AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS NOT CLEAN, MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS THRU-OUT PREMISES AND CLEAN FILTER UNDER HOOD.
35
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON TOILET ROOM DOORS.
37
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.
40
64
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria Santa Rita last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Santa Rita on file is from Mar 3, 2017. The public record contains 10 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria Santa Rita?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Santa Rita.
Has Taqueria Santa Rita's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Taqueria Santa Rita have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria Santa Rita 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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