Taquerias El Paso #1
Last inspected: Jul 18, 2014
78
Score
Inspectors have visited Taquerias El Paso #1 seven times, with records going back to 2010. Taquerias El Paso #1 was last inspected on Jul 18, 2014. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. Taquerias El Paso #1's record stops at Jul 18, 2014, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
The trend has not been favorable: recent inspections average around seven violations each, up from closer to three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Taquerias El Paso #1 on the weaker side. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 18, 2014
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN WINDOW SILLS
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE DIPPING WELL FOR BULK ICE CREAM
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN PREPARING FOOD
42
78
Jul 11, 2014
Complaint
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 43.9F AND ANOTHER PREP COOLER AT 44.9F.WITH READY TO EAT AND POTENTIALY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE.NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOGS AVAILABLE TO VIEW.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 40.0F OR BELOW.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-8040.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF COOKED,READY TO EAT & RAW FOODS STORED INSIDE OF ABOVE MENTIONED PREP COOLERS SUCH AS COOKED SHRIMP 46.6F,RAW STEAK 45.5-51.0F,RAW SHRIMP 45.3F,COOKED STEAK 46.8F,COOKED PABLANO PEPPERS 46.4F,COOKED CHICKEN 44.7F,COOKED RICE 43.8F-48.0F,COOKED BEANS 45.9F-51.7F-51.4F,COOKED PORK 44.8F.NO TIME AND TEMPEARTURE LOGS AVAILABLE TO VIEW.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 44LBS. $210.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF MORE THAN 50 RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTER ON FLOOR UNDER PREP TABLE IN DISH WASHING AREA,ON FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM,ON FLOOR NEXT TO REACH IN COOLER IN REAR AREA,IN LOWER CABINET OF VANITY IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM,ALSO MORE THAN 30 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN CONTAINER OF ONIONS AND 3- LARGE FLIES FYING AROUND PREMISES.MUST REMOVE DROPPING,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 7/11/14.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE READY TO EAT AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS RICE,SHRIMP,CHICKEN,BEANS ETC.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
21
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #1336090 6/13/13 NOT CORRECTED #30-ALL FOOD CONTAINERS AND STORAGE AREA,IN REACH IN COOLER AND UPRIGHT CONTAINERS NEED TO BE LABELED AND DATED.#32-MUST RESTRICT FROM USING CARRYOUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE MUST INVEST IN FOOD GRADE BAGS.MUST RESEAL ALL RAW WOOD CHIPPING SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.#34-FLOORS IN MAIN KITCHEN AREA AND PREP REAR AREA FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING,BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER AND AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT.THE FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA NEEDS TO BE SEALED TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.#36-NEEDS MORE LIGHTING IN THE REAR PREP AREA BY 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.#38-CANOPY HOOD MISSING FILTER,ALSO VERY GREASY AND DIRT BUILD UP,NEEDS TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REPLACE MISSING FILTER.WOMEN'S BATH ROOM IN FRONT AREA MISSING KNOB FOR THE COLD WATER,NEEDS TO REPLACE.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE FOIL FROM PIPES AND OTHER SURFACES.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER AND DOOR ON SAME.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM PREP TABLES AND AT GRILL TABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN PREP TABLES,GRILL TABLES,WINDOW SILLS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLES IN WALLS AROUND PIPES IN DISH WASHING AREA,MEN'S TOILET ROOM AND NEAR REAR EXIT DOOR.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DIPPING WELL FOR BULK ICE CREAM.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN PREPARING FOOD.
42
58
Jun 13, 2013
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD CONTAINERS AND STORAGE AREA,IN REACH IN COOLER AND UPRIGHT CONTAINERS NEED TO BE LABEL AND DATED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST RESTRICT USING CARRYOUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE MUST INVEST IN FOOD GRADE BAGS, MUST RESEAL ALL RAW WOOD CHIPPING SURFACES, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN MAIN KITCHEN AREA,AND PREP REAR AREA FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING,BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER AND AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT.THE FLOORS IN THE REAR PREP AREA NEEDS TO BE SEALED TO BE SMOOTH AND EASY CLEANABLE.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NEEDS MORE LIGHTING IN THE REAR PREP AREA BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: CANOPY HOOD MISSING FILTER, ALSO VERY GREASY AND DIRTY BUILD UP, NEEDS TO DETAIL CLEANING AND REPLACE MISSING FILTER. WOMEN'S BATHROOM IN FRONT AREA MISSING KNOB FOR THE COLD WATER, NEEDS TO REPLACE, AND REPAIR SLOW DRAINING HAND SINK IN REAR KITCHEN AREA
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: ALL REACH IN AND UPRIGHT REFRIGERATIONS NEED THERMOMETER.
40
74
Sep 4, 2012
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 23, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: Dish washing facilities not maintaned or operated. While running and draining water in middle of three compartment sink, water coming up right side. Instructed to detail clean grease trap and drainline to prevent inadequate disposal of waste water. Serious citation issued 7-38-030.
24
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.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Exhaust hood. filters, storage shelves and cooking equipment 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: Floors along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Light bulbs not shielded in prep area or under exhaust hood. Instructed to sheild bulbs and provide ends caps.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thmermometer not provided inside coolers. Instructed to have thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers.
40
74
Mar 30, 2010
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED TOWEL AND PAPER TOWEL IN BETWEEN FILTERS IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE THE SAID TOWELS
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN BOILER ROOM AND UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR.
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. INSTRUCTED TO COVER/SEAL WALLS UNDER HOOD NEXT TO COOKING EQUIPMENT.
35
86
Mar 22, 2010
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dish washing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR, WATER SEEPING FROM 2ND COMPARTMENT INTO 3RD COMPARTMENT AND PLUMBERS PUTTY APPLIED BETWEEN 1ST COMPARTMENT AND SECOND COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO FIX OR REPLACE. NO PLUMBERS PUTTY ALLOWED, MUST BE WELDED SMOOTHLY. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
24
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. NOTED TOWEL AND PAPER TOWEL IN BETWEEN FILTERS IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE THE SAID TOWELS.
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 FLOORS IN BOILER ROOM AND UNDER AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR.
34
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 VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Taquerias El Paso #1 last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Taquerias El Paso #1 on file is from Jul 18, 2014. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Taquerias El Paso #1?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Taquerias El Paso #1.
Has Taquerias El Paso #1's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Taquerias El Paso #1 have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Taquerias El Paso #1 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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