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BIRRIERIA LA TAPATIA DE OCOTLAN

2861 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BIRRIERIA LA TAPATIA DE OCOTLAN has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 18, 2010. The most recent inspection, on August 30, 2018, found no infractions.

1 of 11 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 source, labelling and allergens, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 9, 2016. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 once on February 24, 2012. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 October 25, 2010. 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 26 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on August 22, 2017. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 7 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on August 22, 2017. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE TO REMOVE ALL SALT FROM EDGE OF OPENING. CLEAN STORAGE SHELF WHERE GLASSES ARE STORED TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • ALL PREPARED FOODS AND FOODS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND STORED MUST BE LABELED WHEN HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST DISCONTINUE USE OF NON FOOD GRADE APPROVED PLASTIC BAGS WHEN STORING UNCOVERED FOODS IN FREEZERS, IN COOLERS, AND IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS AND IN CORNERS(REMOVE DEBRIS IN BASEMENT), FOOD DEBRIS IN REAR AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT. CLEAN ALL STAINS AND DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • ATTACH A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON STAFF WASHROOM DOOR IN REAR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE ALL ARTICLES STORED IN BASEMENT 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BIRRIA (GOAT MEAT) BEING STORED IN GROCERY BAGS LOCATED IN THE REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO NOT USE GROCERY BAGS AND TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE STORAGE BAGS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED A MINOR SLITE PINKISH SUBSTANCE ON THE ICE MAKER INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED IN MOP CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • REAR INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE NEEDS WIPING; WIPE REAR INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE IN FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR NEEDS SWEEPING IN REAR PREP AREA; SWEEP FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA.
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PLASTIC LINING ON STORAGE SHELVES. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME SO AS SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHTSHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • GROCERY STORE BAGS ARE BEING USED TO STORE MEATS, STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS OR SINGLE USE BAGS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE COCA COLA REFRIGERATOR IN THE FRONT KITCHEN HAS MOLDY SHELVES; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE SHELVING.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • THE REAR KITCHEN WALL HAS A HOLE WHERE THE GAS LINE COMES OUT, REPAIR THE WALL SO IT IS SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE COOKED MEAT IN REFRIGERATOR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. PAINT CEILING OUTSIDE OF FURNACE ROOM AND WALL INSIDE OF FURNACE ROOM IN REAR STORAGE AREA WHERE PAINT HAS PEELED. REATTACH VENTILATION FAN COVER TO CEILING WHERE LOOSE IN WOMENS WASHROOM.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE A THERMOMETER FOR TWO DOOR COOLER IN REAR KITCHEN WHERE COOKED MEAT STORED.
  9. Canvass

    6 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 & DATE COOKED FOODS IN COOLERS & BULK FOOD STORAGE 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.MUST STORE PLASTIC & SILVER WARE PROPERLY.MUST INVERT MULTIUSE UTENSILS PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.
    • 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 REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLE.MUST REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE TO FURNANCE ROOM.MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK & MOP SINK.
    • 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.MUST CLEAN LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE,INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED & DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREAS & DINING ROOM,DAMAGED & MISSING WALLS & TILES IN ENTRY WAY & DINING AREA.MUST SCRAPE & PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA & MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 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.MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA & BASEMENT.
  10. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 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. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE 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. MUST SEAL RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES AT REAR DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES AT BOTH PREP AREAS.
    • 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 CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT REAR STORAGE ROOM AND BASEMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN AND/OR PAINT WALLS AND CEILING THRU-OUT REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING PANELS TRHU-OUT.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THRU-OUT BASEMENT, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. FOOD HANDLER MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. ICE SCOOP MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.
  11. Canvass

    4 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 PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE; CHEST FREEZERS, MICROWAVE OVEN AND COOLERS.
    • 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 AND CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR WALLS THRU-OUT REAR MAIN KITCHEN AND PAINT, ALSO MUST SEAL OPENINGS ON WALLS SAME AREA, TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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