The Tamale Lady
Last inspected: May 7, 2024
74
Score
Across the available record, The Tamale Lady has five inspections on file, the first dated 2023. Inspectors last stopped by on May 7, 2024. Diners should read medium risk as a signal that some issues exist but aren't extreme.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around six violations compared to roughly 10 violations earlier on.
Looking across the full record, “warewashing facilities” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which The Tamale Lady's 74 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
May 7, 2024
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58
74
Apr 24, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 6 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Proper cooling time and temperature
Inspector notes: 3-501.14 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATE COOLING TCS FOODS; OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN BEING COOLED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, SCATTERED ON PREP TABLES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. TEMPERATURES OF COOKED CHICKEN RANGED FROM 85F-95F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS USE PROPER COOLING METHODS, SUCH AS AN ICE BATH, TO COOL ALL TCS FOODS AT ALL TIMES ADEQUATELY. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
20
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
Inspector notes: 5-103.11(B) OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER AT ALL SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, HOT WATER RANGED FROM 71.6F-77.7F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND TOILET ROOM AS WELL AS AT BOTH 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES (110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND 100F AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS). THE PLUMBER ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION, AND BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION, ALL SINKS WERE MAINTAINING ADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUE 7-38-030(C).
50
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MISSING THE P-TRAP AND EXCESSIVE WATER FALLING INTO A BUCKET WHEN THE HAND WASHING SINK IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
51
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED NO UP-TO-DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A SERVICE REPORT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).
38
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATIONS ABOVE 7-38-030(C).
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-203.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION INSIDE THE BASEMENT TOILET ROOM AND THE 1ST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION SUCH AS PAPERTOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION ABOVE 7-38-030(C)
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
58
26
Mar 29, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.
3
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT INSPECTION TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
48
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
78
Mar 27, 2023
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-306.11 FOUND NO BARRIER/ SNEEZE GUARD AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
39
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.
3
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
48
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
67
Mar 20, 2023
License
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOUND NO BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 70-38-005
39
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
48
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND CEILING TOWELS IN FRONT OF FOOD PREP AREA BROKEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND THE VENTILATION HOOD FAN MISSING A PANEL. ALSO NOTED NO FILTERS WERE INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEMS IN FOOD PREPARATION AND WAREWASHING AREAS, INCLUDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS HOODS, FANS, GUARDS, AND DUCTING, SHALL BE DESIGNED TO PREVENT GREASE OR CONDENSATION FROM DRAINING OR DRIPPING ONTO FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT BULBS IN REAR PREP AND FRONT SERVICE ARE WITHOUT SHIELDS. INSTRUCT MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: FOUND VENT LOCATED IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
58
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Tamale Lady last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Tamale Lady on file is from May 7, 2024. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Tamale Lady?
Across the inspection record, “warewashing facilities” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at The Tamale Lady.
Has The Tamale Lady's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at The Tamale Lady have averaged around six violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Tamale Lady 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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