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ALICIA'S TAMALES

2753 W 55TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60632 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ALICIA'S TAMALES has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 23, 2010. The most recent inspection, on May 18, 2015, found no infractions.

2 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Cleaning and sanitizing and Pests.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 5, 2014. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on January 18, 2013. For example: DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on January 27, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on March 23, 2010. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 27 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on October 31, 2014. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED ONLY EXPOSED HANDSINK IN REAR KITCHEN BLOCKED AND INACCESSIBLE WITH PILED UP BUCKETS IN FRONT OF SINK AND BAGS OF FLOUR WITHIN SINK. MANAGEMENT WAS INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BUCKETS AND FLOUR AND KEEP SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD INCLUDING CHICKEN BEEF IS COOKED, COOLED, FROZEN AND REHEATED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED ICE ACCUMULATION ON IONTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZERS. DEFROST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL REACH IN FREEZERS. REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD LINER FROM WITHIN REACH IN FREEZERS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZERS UNCLEAN WITH FOOD SPILLS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZERS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED FRYER STORED UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND SANITIZE FRYER BEFORE STORING. KEEP FRYER CLEAN WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED FOOD SORAGE SHELVES AND SHELVES USED FOR DISHES UNCLEAN WITH DUST AND GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SHELVES USED FOR FOOD AND DISHES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DEAD COCKROACHES IN BASEMENT FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN KITCHEN CLOSET AREA ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND SANITIZE ALL FLOORS WHERE DEAD ROACHES ARE FOUND.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WALLS IN BASEMENT UNCLEAN WITH COBWEBS AND DUST ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL WALLS IN BASEMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED LIGHT SHEILDS ABOVE COOKING AREA IN FRONT UNCLEAN WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHEILDS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WALL OUTLET ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR KITCHEN IN DISREPAIR. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN OUTLET.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED DRY STORAGE ROOM WITH EXCESS CLUTTER. ALL FOOD NEEDS TO BE STORED AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS. YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND WALLS BEHIND PRODUCT.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED ORGANIZATION NEEDED IN AREA BEHIND REGISTER. CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO DETER ALL INSECT AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE UNCLEAN WITH FOOD DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOOR TILES BEHIND MAIN COOKING AREA IN DISREPAIR. REPAIR OR REPLACE FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED DEAD COCKROACHES ON FLOOR OF BASEMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS OF ROOM. REMOVE ALL DEAD COCKROACHES AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BASEMENT FLOOR DRAIN CLOGGED WITH STANDING WATER AND FLOOR DRAIN COVER MISSING. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAIN IN A WORKING ORDER AND REPLACE COVER.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • NO THERMOMETERS IN REFRIGERATORS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ALL REFRIGERATORS NEED INTERNAL THERMOMETERS. A LONG STEM THERMOMETER IS NEEDED IN ORDER TO MONITOR LARGE BATCHES OF BEANS AND SALSA ARE BEING PROPERLY COOLED.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER HAS GREASE ENCRUSTED INSIDE COMPARTMENT, CLEAN INTERIOR OF BOTH REACH-IN FREEZERS IN REAR PREP AREA AND CLEAN UNUSED CHEST FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES ALSO CLEAN FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • OBERVED WATER COMING FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ONTO FLOOR WHEN SINK IS TURNED ON IN REAR PREP AREA/KITCHEN CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER HAS GREASE ENCRUSTED INSIDE COMPARTMENT, CLEAN INTERIOR OF BOTH REACH-IN FREEZERS IN REAR PREP AREA AND CLEAN UNUSED CHEST FREEZER IN REAR OF PREMISES ALSO CLEAN FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT AREA ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS ALSO MUST PROVIDE FLOOR DRAIN COVER NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR LEAK AT BOTTOM OF HANDSINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REACH-IN FREEZERS IN REAR PREP AREA AND INSIDE CHEST COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • 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. FOUND 25-30 MICE DROPPINGS AT SOUTHEAST WALL IN THE REAR VEGETABLE STORE ROOM. SERIOUS VIOLATION GIVEN 7-38-020 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UP THE AREA AND CALL YOUR PEST CONTROL TECH TO COME HERE TO SERVICE THIS ESTABLISHMENT.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. CLEAN THE BOTH HOODS AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS GREASE BUILDUP.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN BOTH PREP AREAS HAS GREASE BUILDUP. MISSING FLOOR TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE NEW TILE TO THE FLOOR. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DIRT BUILDUP. CEA
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CEILING IN THE REAR PREP AREA IS IN POOR REPAIR HAS PEELING PAINT HANGING DOWN SOUTH WEST CORNER. INSTRUCTCD REMOVE THE PEELING PAINT AND REPAIR CEILING AND AND PAINT IT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. THE LIGHT SHIELDS IN BOTH PREP AREAS UNDERNEATH THE HOODS ARE THICK WITH GREASE BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THEM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE THE CLUTTER IN THE REAR STORE OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT ECT SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP NOT CLEAN. CLEAN AND PAINT. IMPROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN REAR NOT CLEAN AND WITH SAME PEELING PAINT. CLEAN AND REMOVE PEELING PAINT.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.
  9. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • 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.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.REPLACE DAMAGED SNEEZE GUARD AT FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.REACH IN FREEZER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Use dustless cleaning methods. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN REAR PREP AREA AND WALL NEAR TOILET ROOM.MUST SEAL HOLE IN WALL IN TOILET ROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER HOOD.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • 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.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.IN BASEMENT & DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA.

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