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BARBACOA EL PERICO

4248 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BARBACOA EL PERICO has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 4, 2010. The most recent inspection, on May 17, 2013, found no infractions.

3 of 8 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, Pests and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 29, 2012. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 29, 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 7, 2011. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded once on March 9, 2012. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

  • 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 20 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on March 29, 2012. 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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 14. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM 3/13/12 (170177) NOT CORRECTED. MICE DROPPINGS NOTED IN OFFICE/STORAGE AREA (15), (3) NOTED BEHIND FREEZER. MGR IMMEDIATELY REMOVED DROPPINGS. RECENT PEST CONTROL SERVICE PROVIDED 3/13/12, AND PER MGR ADDITIONAL SERVICE SCHEDULED FOR LATER TODAY. PREMISES HAS INCREASED PEST CONTROL SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 CRITICAL.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • SEE VIOLATION 14 ABOVE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • IMPROPER STOPPERS MISSING FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS INCLUDING RUBBER GASKETS, CUTTING BOARDS, AND STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SLOW DRAINING. REPAIR SAME.
    • 39. LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER IN BASEMENT. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREAS.
  3. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED MICE DROPPINGS (OVER 50) BEHIND CHEST FREEZER ALONG WALLBASE AND ALSO IN STORAGE ROOM. FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APRROX. 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF DOOR. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF SAME SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND NO DAYLIGHT TO BE SEEN. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
    • 28. * INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
      • SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED OR VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS, UNABLE TO LOCATE. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B) SERIOUS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • IMPROPER STOPPERS MISSING FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS INCLUDING RUBBER GASKETS, CUTTING BOARDS, AND STORAGE SHELVES NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SLOW DRAINING. REPAIR SAME.
    • 39. LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN STORAGE ROOM. INSTD TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND ORGANIZE AREAS.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST DO SO.
  4. Tag Removal

    0 infractions

  5. Suspected Food Poisoning

    7 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities.REACH IN COOLER MAINTAINING IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURE OF 44.1F. GASKETS ALONG DOOR IN POOR REPAIR,RIGHT SIDE OF COOLER DOOR BROKEN WHICH KEEPS THE DOOR FROM CLOSING COMPLETELY. COOLER LOSING TEMPERATURE. COOLER HELD FOR INSPECTION/TAGGED. MUST NOT USE . MUST USE ANOTHER COOLER THAT MAINTAINS 40F OR LESS FOR STORING FOODS. CDI- CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND LARGE POT OF BLACK BEANS IN COOLER AT 48.8F,(20LBS)COOKED POTATO-(1-LBS)AT 44.5F,GABANZO BEANS IN POT-(10LBS) AT 47.9F,COOKED STEAK 48.9F,BEEF TRIPE (2LBS)AT 49F,COOKED RICE-(2LBS) AT 44.5F.ALL FOOD WAS DISPOSED OF BY MANAGER AT COST OF APPROX $50.00. MAINTAIN AT 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED
    • 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 MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. OR PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED
    • 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.MUST LABEL/DATE NAME OF FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER IN COOLERS,FREEZERS.
    • 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.MUST CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORE ALL UNUSED DISHES,POTS UTENSILS ON BASEMENT SHELVES.
    • 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.MUSTSEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVES IN BASEMENT.
    • 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.ONE OF THE TOILETS IN WOMENS WASHROOM NOT WORKING,MUST REPAIR. ALSO REPAIRLEAKY PIPE UNDER FRONT EXPOSED BOWL BEHIND COUNTER.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 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. MUST LABEL/NAME OF FOODS WITH DATE NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER IN COOLERS,FREEZER.
    • 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. MUST CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORE UNUSED DISHES,UTENSILS,POTS ON SHELVES IN BASEMENT/INVERT.
    • 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. MUST SEAL/PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN BASEMENT.
    • 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. MUST REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILES BY ICE MACHINE.
    • 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. ONE OF THE TOILETS IN WOMENS WASHROOM NOT WORKING,MUST REPAIR. ALSO MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE UNDER FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK BEHIND COUNTER.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. License

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PAINT RUSTY EXTERIOR 0F GREASE TRAP.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN FILTERS & HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN FRONT DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPAIR CHIPPED WALL AND RE-PAINT SAME OUTSIDE OF WOMEN'S WASHROOM. FINISH CLEANING WALLS IN KITCHEN AREA WHERE NEEDED.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • PROVIDE SHIELDS FOR LIGHTS IN FRONT DISH WASHING AREA OR REPLACE LIGHT BULBS WITH BULBS THAT ARE SHATTER RESISTANT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • RE-ATTACH SPLASH GUARD TO MOP SINK IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM NEXT TO WASHBOWL.

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