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CTA CHICAGO TACO AUTHORITY

4219 W IRVING PARK AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CTA CHICAGO TACO AUTHORITY has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 5, 2017. The most recent inspection, on May 20, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 14, 2025. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 January 12, 2023. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 20, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 22, 2021. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 August 13, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK FOOD ITEM OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  2. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANTIZER FOR USE IN WAREWASHING AVAILABLE ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CHEMICAL SANITIZER USED TO SANITIZE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS PROVIDED AND AVAILABLE ON-SITE AT ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. THE PERSON IN CHARGE OBTAINED CHEMICAL SANITIZER CORRESPONDING TO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA NOT LABELED WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD STORED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK DRY FOOD CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SPILLS STORED IN STILL WATER WITHOUT CHEMICAL SANITIZER SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN WIPING CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SPILLS IN A CHEMICAL SANITIZER SOLUTION OF ADEQUATE WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED COMPRESSORS OF ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA HEAVILY SOILED WITH DUST AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXPOSED COMPRESSORS AND OTHER NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST AND OTHER DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR KITCHEN AREA (NEAR THE REAR DOOR LEADING TO THE DRY STORAGE ROOM) IN POOR REPAIR, SEVERELY DAMAGED OR MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR KITCHEN AREA FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN ALL PHYSICAL FACILITIES IN GOOD REPAIR.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED LIGHTING IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS TO BE INSUFFICIENT IN INTENSITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LIGHT FIXTURES IN WASHROOMS TO PROVIDE LIGHTING OF ADEQUATE INTENSITY FOR THESE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
  3. License

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR BY SEALING 1/4 GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER. OBSERVED FISH AT 51.1F, CORN AT 48.2F, CHEESE AT 44.6F, CUT TOMATOES AT 45.7F, GUACAMOLE AT 50F, PICO DE GALLO AT 51.8F, SOUR CREAM AT 52.7F, AND CUT LETTUCE AT 47.5F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 47F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS FISH AND CHEESE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • THE MEN'S WASHROOM DOOR LACKS A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • THE FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM ARE BROKEN OR MISSING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • ONE OF THE LIGHTS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA IS NOT WORKING. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON-WORKING LIGHTS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A MISSING AND CRACKED LIGHT SHIELD IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING AND CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 4 DOOR PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13--ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 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,CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 4 DOOR PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2521762 DATED:06/22/2021 #10--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINK (PREP, DISHWASHING AREA, WASHROOMS). #36--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS. #37--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS SALT ETC). #49--INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP. #55--INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR HALLWAY STORAGE AREA. MUST REORGANIZE. #56--INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE ICE MACHINE IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 6/17/2022. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090,CITATION ISSUED.
  8. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINK (PREP, DISHWASHING AREA, WASHROOMS).
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVVIDE PROPER LABEL FOR FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, BEANS SALT ETC).
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH MINIMAL CALCIUM BUILD-UP.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR HALLWAY STORAGE AREA. MUST REORGANIZE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE ICE MACHINE IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • FOUND NO INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT (01-15-20) POSTED ON PREMISE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, A SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 7-42-010 (B) NO CITATION ISSUED
  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND PROVIDE CLEANING SUPPLIES KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • DEEP FRYER LOWER COMPARTMENT WITH GREASE ACCUMULATED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • PEELING PAINT ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN COOK AREA AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SCRAPE PEELING, RE PAINT/RE SEALED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD MUST OBTAIN A FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST OBTAIN AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
  10. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN FRONT PREP AND IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT AND IN REAR OUTSIDE HALLWAY AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES, MUST USE PROPER RAISED SHELVES.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
  11. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE WHICH TO BE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ICE MACHINE DOOR WITH MISSING HINGE IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER AND AROUND COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN FRONT PREP AND IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN BASEMENT AND IN REAR OUTSIDE HALLWAY AREA. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER. USABLE ITEMS (FOOD AND NON FOOD) MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING. NO MILK CRATES, MUST USE PROPER RAISED SHELVES.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
  12. License

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN AND SANITIZE ICE MAKER WITH MINIMAL LIME DEPOSIT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE EXIT DOOR. OLD EQUIPMENT, PAPER GOODS, SHELVES DISHES,ETC. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE AREA, ORGANIZE AND DISCARD UNNECESSARY ITEMS,ARTICLES NOT BEING USED TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.

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