Taqueria Valparaiso
Last inspected: Jan 24, 2019
100
Score
Taqueria Valparaiso has been inspected 14 times since 2010. The most recent report on file is from Jan 24, 2019. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. Public records show no inspections at Taqueria Valparaiso since Jan 24, 2019, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around four violations per visit versus roughly one violation earlier in the record.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Taqueria Valparaiso on the better side of that line. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
14
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 24, 2019
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 16, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 10 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER CUTTING READY TO EAT TOMATOES WITH BARE HANDS IN REAR PREP AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THERE IS NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD. MUST WEAR GLOVES, USE TONGS, UTENSILS, ETC. PRIORITY CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010
9
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS IN UNUSED WALK-N COOLER, 20 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN NORTHWEST CORNER UNDER DRAINBOARD OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION 7-38-020(A)
38
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT FOODS NOT PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL AND DATE ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOOD HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
23
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVES IN WALK-IN STORAGE AREA ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL AREAS.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IN SOILED WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DISPOSABLE FOAM CUPS USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS AND STORED INSIDE FOOD IN BULK FOOD CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE UTENSILS FOR DISPENSING FOOD AND ALL HANDLES SHALL BE ABOVE FOOD.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILING LEAKING IN UNUSED WALK-IN/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR CEILING.
55
45
Jun 19, 2018
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: OBSERVED THE KNIFES IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN WALL AND PREP TABLE IN REAR AND IN FRONT BETWEEN TWO COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A KNIFE RACK FOR PROPER STORAGE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER, AND THE FRONT CUTING BOARDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN CHAR. GRILL DRIP TRAY.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING VENTS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
35
86
Aug 9, 2017
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED TAMALES STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS INSIDE DEEP FREEZER. INSTRUCTED THAT NO USE OF GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE. MUST USE CONTAINERS THAT ARE FOOD GRADE.
32
95
Mar 22, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LOWER WALL AREAS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AT 3-COMP SINK AND MOP SINK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
35
95
Mar 20, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES AT FRONT PREP EXPOSED HAND SINK. COLD WATER HANDLE IN POOR REPAIR. UNABLE TO TURN COLD WATER ON AND OFF FROM HANDLE. MUST REAPAIR. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: LOWER WALL AREAS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AT 3-COMP SINK AND MOP SINK.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
35
90
Jan 8, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INVERT CARRYOUT CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
31
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREAS. CLEAN WALL VENT ABOVE 3-COMPARMENT SINK(DUST BUILDUP).
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN DISH WASHING/PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TOILET LEAKING AT BASE WHEN FLUSHED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR TOILET.
38
82
Jan 12, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD AND RUST FROM THE LOWER SHELF OF THE PREP TABLE AND THE CAN OPENER IN THE REAR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILE AT THE DOOR ENTRANCE INTO THE PREP AREA.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO FIX THE LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS MEET THE IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENT.
45
78
Mar 6, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING FLOOR TILE AT ENTRANCE WAY TO PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL.
34
90
Jan 9, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN DUSTY MENU BOARD IN FRONT.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT FRONT.
34
90
May 14, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. Use dustless cleaning methods. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. NEED TO REPAIR CEILING FRONT PREP AREA AND IN FRONT HOOD ON CUSTOMER SIDE PEELING PAINT NEED TO REMOVE RESEAL, ALSO CLEAN CEILING VENTS AND HEATING PIPES (DUSTY).
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. NEED TO CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS (INSIDE).
36
90
Aug 30, 2011
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
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. LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLER.
30
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. REMOVE RUST ON FAN COVER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
32
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. CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF KNIFE RACK, CAN OPENER, VENTILATION HOOD, STEAM TABLES, PREP TABLES, FRYERS.
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. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. REPAIR LIGHTING ABOVE PREP COOLER AND CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA (DUST BUILDUP).
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: STORE WASHCLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
70
Jan 27, 2011
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. CLEAN INTERIOR OF FRYER CABINETS.
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. ALL FLOOR DRAINS NEED CLEANING.
34
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. REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMP SINK.
38
82
Jan 14, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
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. REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE LIGHT IN WALK-IN FOOD STORAGE AREA.
36
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. PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN WALK-IN COOLER.
40
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taqueria Valparaiso last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taqueria Valparaiso on file is from Jan 24, 2019. The public record contains 14 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taqueria Valparaiso?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taqueria Valparaiso.
Has Taqueria Valparaiso's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taqueria Valparaiso have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taqueria Valparaiso 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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