Tropical Taste
Last inspected: Jan 8, 2020
78
Score
Going back to 2010, Tropical Taste has 13 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jan 8, 2020. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Public records show no inspections at Tropical Taste since Jan 8, 2020, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded eight times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Tropical Taste on the weaker side. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 8, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL SUPPLIES LISTED ON THE CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
5
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP SITTING ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN CONTAINER TO STORE THE ICE SCOOP.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION.
57
78
Nov 12, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: TCS FOODS (COOKED BEANS, COOKED RICE, ETC) NOT PROPERLY LABELED, DATED. REFRIGERATED, READY TO EAT TCS FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH FOOD SHALL BE SOLD OR DISCARDED FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS IN TOILET ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS AT PREP LINE WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: LOOSE WALL PANELING NEXT TO PREP COOLER. INSTD TO REPAIR AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION.
57
74
Oct 3, 2018
Reinspection
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B) OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE DURABLE FOOD STORAGE BAGS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 REPAIR THE LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
70
Sep 25, 2018
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
Inspector notes: 3-101.11 OBSERVED SEVERAL LIVE ANTS CRAWLING IN THE CONTAINER OF SUGAR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT DISCARDED THE CONTAINER OF SUGAR. PRIORITY 7-40-050(A). CITATION ISSUED.
13
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 OBSERVED LIVE ANTS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE ANTS ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA UNDER THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11(B) OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE DURABLE FOOD STORAGE BAGS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 REPAIR THE LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
52
Aug 9, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: NOTED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS INSIDE 2-DOOR COOLER NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE REFRIGERATION UNITS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENTS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE SERVING FOOD IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
42
86
Jan 12, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER STORED IN GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS INSIDE AN APPROVED FOOD GRADE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED DIRTY SHELVES WITH FOOD SPILLS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTIPLE HOLES ON CEILING AT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL HOLES TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY...ALSO NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND/OR REPLACE.
35
82
Jan 6, 2015
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FROZEN MEATS STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE 2-DOOR FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP AT THE VENT ABOVE UPRIGHT REFRIGERATOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN FRONT OF PREP TABLES. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILING TILES ABOVE REFRIGERATION UNITS, REAR PREP AREA AND ABOVE REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUST REPLACE/MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
38
78
Jul 24, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN FREEZER TO REMOVE DEBRIS AT THE BOTTOM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENT COVER IN THE PREP AREA TO REMOVE DUST.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED A MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
36
82
Sep 27, 2013
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: TWO KNIVES WERE FOUND STORED IN A DIRTY KNIFE HOLDER WITH UNSANITARY TAPED HANDLES, KNIVES WERE THROUWN IN THE GARBAGE, CLEAN THE KNIFE HOLDER.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE ICE MACHINE HAS A DIRTY BUILDUP INSIDE; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOOR IN THE STORAGE CLOSET IS DIRTY, CLEAN THE FLOORS FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE WALLS ARE DIRTY IN THE SEATING AREA AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, CLEAN THE WALLS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
35
82
Apr 5, 2012
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: 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. ALL SINGLE SERVE TOOTH PICKS MUST BE DISPENSE FROM A DISPENSER OR WRAP
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 REPAINT RAW WOOD SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AREA, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE MUST RESTRICT USING PLASTIC FOOD CARRYOUT BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, MUST USE BAGS MADE FOR FOOD STORAGE
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. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR SHELVES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS KITCHEN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS
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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER, BEHIND, AND IN CORNERS OF WALLS OF KITCHEN AND STORAGE AREAS
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 CLEAN AND REPAIR WALL BY 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND BY REAR STORAGE AREA
35
78
Nov 18, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VIOLATION STILL PENDING
40
95
Nov 2, 2011
Complaint
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 35 MICE DROPPINGS AT FRONT BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER FLOOR AREA,BENEATH SHELVINGS INSIDE THE DRY STORAGE REAR ROOM ALSO IN CLUTTERED TOOL ROOM.MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS,SEAL NOTICEABLE OPENINGS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dishwashing 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 THE 3 COMP SINK NOT MAINTAINED THAT IS DRAINING SLOWLY ALLOWING WASTE WATER TO COME BACK INTO OTHER COMPARTMENTS WHEN MIDDLE COMPARTMENT IS DRAINING,ALSO NOTED EVIDENCE OF PLUMBERS PUTTY ON FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT OF SAID 3 COMP SINK.MUST REMOVE PLUMBERS PUTTY,REPAIR SAID SINK USING A LIGHT WELD ON FAR LEFT COMPARTMENT,MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPPLASHGUARDS ARE NEEDED AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN KITCHEN AREA,AT MOP SINK AREA NEXT TO MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT STORAGE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYER,SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS,DRY STORAGE SHELVINGS,INTERIORS OF COOLERS,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES INCLUDING LEGS OF EQUIPMENTS,COUNTERS ALL ALONG FRONT SERVICE COUNTERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS BEHIND-UNDER-AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENTS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES,SEAL NOTICEABLE OPENINGS WERE NOTED AROUND PLUMBING/ELECTRICAL FIXTURES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN HOOD AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN,ORGANIZE ALL STORAGE AREAS,REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
41
64
Feb 9, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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. MUST PROVIDE LABEL ON DRY FOOD CONTAINERS.
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 INVERT SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS ON SHELVING UNITS. MOST EMPTY OPEN CAN FOODS INTO PLASTIC,GLASS,OR STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS BEFORE STORAGE IN COOLER.
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 REPAIR RUSTED SHELVING UNITS IN WALK-IN FREEZER
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. TOP OF ICE MACHINE WITH STAINS,CUTTING BOARD IN KITCHEN ALSO WITH STAINS,AND COUNTER SHELVES BY ROTISSERIE OVEN WITH DEBRIS NEEDS CLEANING. MUST REFRAIN FROM USING TOP ICE MACHINE AS STORAGE DEVICE.
33
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 SEAL WALLS AT MOP SINK AREA WITH OPENING,CLEAN WALLS UNDER EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK AND BY 3COMP. SINK WITH FOOD SPLASHES. MUST PAINT RAW WOOD DOOR AT CORNER OF EXPOSE HAND WASH SINK.
35
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropical Taste last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropical Taste on file is from Jan 8, 2020. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropical Taste?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Tropical Taste.
Has Tropical Taste's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tropical Taste have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tropical Taste 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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