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DIEGO'S TACOS

5750 N CALIFORNIA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60659 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

DIEGO'S TACOS has been inspected 3 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 3, 2020. The most recent inspection, on May 11, 2021, found no infractions.

1 of 3 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • 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 December 10, 2020. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2020. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 December 3, 2020. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 10 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2020. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

3 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    14 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • AT START OF INSPECTION OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE FACILITY WAS OPEN AND OPERATING. CERTIFIED MANAGER DID ARRIVE ON-SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 1:20 PM AND THEN DEPARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 2:25 PM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICIES ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICIES ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDSINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA AND MEN'S TOILET ROOM LOCATED AT REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH LICENSED PEST CONTROL SERVICE AND MAINTAIN ALL NECESSARY RECORDS THEREOF ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C).
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED OLD CARDBOARD BOX BEING USED AS A MAT IN FRONT OF REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH WASTE HAULER AND MAINTAIN AN OUTSIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE OF SUFFICIENT SIZE FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED NONFUNCTIONING COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM FACILITY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON HOOD FILTERS ABOVE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS WORKING WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY FROM THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION POSTED ON SITE FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO POST CURRENT SUMMARY ON SITE FOR PUBLIC TO VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B).
    • 62. COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE
      • OBSERVED 3 HOOKAH PIPES ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF SMOKING. VIOLATION 7-32-020(C). CITATION ISSUES. MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE.
  3. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • AT START OF INSPECTION OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE FACILITY WAS OPEN AND OPERATING. CERTIFIED MANAGER DID ARRIVE ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 1:20PM AND THEN DEPARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 2:25PM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HANDSINK LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA AND MEN'S TOILET ROOM LOCATED AT REAR OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA MAINTAINING IMPROPER CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OF 0PPM CHLORINE. UNABLE TO TAG MACHINE DURING INSPECTION. SEE COMMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR MACHINE SO THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF MAINTAINING A CHEMICAL SANITIZER CONCENTRATION BETWEEN 50-100PPM. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH LICENSED PEST CONTROL SERVICE AND MAINTAIN ALL NECESSARY RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED OLD CARDBOARD BOX BEING USED AS A MAT IN FRONT OF REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CAULK, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO OUTSIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH WASTE HAULER AND MAINTAIN AN OUTSIDE TRASH RECEPTACLE OF SUFFICIENT SIZE FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B).CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED NONFUNCTIONING COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM FACILITY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE AND GRIME ON HOOD FILTERS ABOVE FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLERS WORKING WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO SUMMARY FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION POSTED ON SITE FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO POST CURRENT SUMMARY ON SITE FOR PUBLIC TO VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 62. COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE
      • OBSERVED 3 HOOKAH PIPES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF SMOKING. VIOLATION 7-32-020(C). CITATION ISSUES. MANDATORY COURT APPEARANCE.

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