The Taco Spot
Last inspected: Apr 8, 2021
74
Score
Across the available record, The Taco Spot has six inspections on file, the first dated 2020. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 8, 2021. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme. The Taco Spot's record stops at Apr 8, 2021, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around six violations compared to roughly nine violations earlier on.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded nine times.
The Taco Spot's latest score of 74 falls below the Chicago average of 81. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 8, 2021
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED AS DISPENSING UTENSIL IN BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY INVERT AND STORE OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER NEAR BEVERAGE COOLER, STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG OR STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
74
Mar 30, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD(BEEF 165.8F, RICE 169.3F)PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
2
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZING TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE A PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
1
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED AS DISPENSING UTENSIL IN BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY INVERT AND STORE OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
45
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER NEAR BEVERAGE COOLER, STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG OR STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
50
Sep 2, 2020
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL BASES IN REAR STORAGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER AT REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
86
Aug 27, 2020
Complaint
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.HOT WATER IS TOO HOT TO WASH HANDS (139.5F).INSTRUCTED TO LOWER WATER TEMPERATURE TO 120.0F AND OR WASH HANDS AT ADDITIONAL SINK ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)
51
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
48
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PIC ON SITE DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN RICE,BEANS,BEEF,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 12:00 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.PAPER TOWELS ARE NOW PROVIDED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD LABELS ON PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER AT REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE SCOOPS INSIDE OF FOOD CONTAINERS AT HOT HOLDING UNITS AND NOT ON TOP.TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON PREP TABLES,PREP COOLER,STOVE.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMP SINK.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL BASES IN REAR STORAGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
35
Mar 13, 2020
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
3
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-501.19 Inspector Comments: MUST ADJUST SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR TO CLOSE COMPLETELY.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
82
Mar 6, 2020
License
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT HOLDING AND FREEZER EQUIPMENT ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY)
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID FOR TOILET ROOM.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST ADJUST SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR TO CLOSE COMPLETELY.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN MOP SINK CLOSET.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS .
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
52
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Taco Spot last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Taco Spot on file is from Apr 8, 2021. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Taco Spot?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at The Taco Spot.
Has The Taco Spot's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Taco Spot have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly nine earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Taco Spot 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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