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EL HABANERO INC.

3300 W FULLERTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL HABANERO INC. has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 27, 2014. The most recent inspection, on February 28, 2025, found no infractions.

2 of 16 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, Cleaning and sanitizing and Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • 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 6 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 23, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 August 1, 2019. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 18, 2022. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 December 5, 2018. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 23, 2017. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

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.

16 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK/AND COFFEE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP ON DINING ROOM FLOOR. MUST CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO THE REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST ALSO ADD THIS STATEMENT BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ANY OF THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT ESPRESSO MACHINE WATER LINE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAKE VISIBLE A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR ESPRESSO MACHINE WATER LINE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED CALCIUM/LIME BUILD UP ON WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL AROUND HOT AND COLD WATER HANDLES. MUST CLEAN/REMOVE ALL CALCIUM/LIME BUILD UP ON SAID HANDWASH BOWL.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORTILLA CHIPS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN A CONTAINER WHICH CAN BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    10 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF BASEMENT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • Violation Codes: 3-304.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-101.19 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,DISH RACKS
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • Violation Codes: 5-501.17 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR GARBAGE CAN IN TOILET ROOM
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: MUST ELIMINATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CONCRETE FLOOR IN PREP / DISH WASHING AREAS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD
  9. Canvass

    21 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.( PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010).
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 9. NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
      • OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLE TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS COOKED TORTILLA CHIPS WITH BARE HANDS AND PLACE IN A BOWL TO SERVE TO CUSTOMER.HAD EMPLOYEE TO DISCARD TORTILLA CHIPS.INSTRUCTED MANAGER NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE IN TOILET ROOM.MANAGER PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION.MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.COS(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT STATING THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. (PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED NO HAIR RESTRAINT FOR MALE EMPLOYEE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS INSIDE OF A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST HAVE SILVERWARE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION IN UTENSIL CONTAINER.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST HAVE PLASTIC WEAR HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION IN UTENSIL CONTAINER.
    • 46. GLOVES USED PROPERLY
      • OBSERVED PLASTIC GLOVES NOR UTENSILS USED WHEN HANDLING TCS READY TO EAT FOODS.MUST PROVIDE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST PROVIDE 2- MORE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FRYER CABINETS,GRILL TABLES,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,DISH RACKS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED A STRONG SEWAGE SMELL IN REAR PREP AREA AND IN TOILET ROOM.MUST ELIMINATE SMELL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE A LID FOR GARBAGE CAN IN TOILET ROOM.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED.OBSERVED GREASE CONTAINER STUFFED WITH TRASH AND ON TOP OF LID AND ON GROUND AROUND CONTAINER(BOTTLES,CIGARETTE BOXES,PAPER,ETC) MUST REMOVE TRASH ,CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AND CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELIMINATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CONCRETE FLOOR IN PREP / DISH WASHING AREAS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.MUST REPLACE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE AND DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC TO VIEW.A NEW SUMMARY WILL BE POSTED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B)
  10. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS (SALSAS) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE DISCARDED OR CONSUMED BY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD WITH A MAXIMUM OF 7 DAYS FROM WHEN THE FOOD WAS PREPARED, WITH DATE OF PREPARATION COUNTING AS DAY 1. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT STATING THAT EATING RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  11. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST REPAINT OT REPLACE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  12. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • OBSERVED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. MUST LABEL AND DATE FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME, PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE 3-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED DIRT AND FOOD PARTICLES ON RAILS OF THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • NOTED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS ON PREP TABLE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
  14. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR FAUCET LEAK AT THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. MUST REPAIR FACET HANDLE AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE STEM THERMOMETER TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURES.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED.MUST PROVIDE
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • FOUND CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELF LINERS THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND SHIPPING PLASTIC STILL ON THE FRYER DOOR. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO SURFACE IS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  16. License

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND EQUIPPED WITH BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER.

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