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EL VALLE RESTAURANT

806 N WINCHESTER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

EL VALLE RESTAURANT has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 24, 2010. The most recent inspection, on November 13, 2014, found no infractions.

2 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 Pests.

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 once on June 6, 2013. 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 June 6, 2013. 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 once on April 5, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 25 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on April 29, 2014. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

  • 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 8 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on April 22, 2014. 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 Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN ALL AREAS. CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREAS (SPILLS). REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND WASHROOM AREAS. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER WASHBOWL IN WASHROOM.
  3. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1261229 ON 7-19-13. 32-SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT HAND SINK NEAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN AREA. MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • INVERT ALL PLASTIC FORKS AND SPOONS ON PREP TABLE TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPLACE DAMAGED GASKETS ON DOORS OF 3-DOOR COOLER. REMOVE RUST DEPOSITS INSIDE CHEST FREEZER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND VENTILATION HOOD (GREASE BUILDUP).
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND UTILITY AREAS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN ALL AREAS. CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AREA AND DISH WASHING AREAS (SPILLS). REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND WASHROOM AREAS. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPE FITTINGS UNDER WASHBOWL IN WASHROOM.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN VENTILATION HOOD. REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN FRONT COOLER IN BEVERAGE AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL AN EXPOSED HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER IN FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA. INSTALL BACK FLOW DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ORGANIZE REAR UTILITY/STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  4. Short Form Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT HANDSINK NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN AREA MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT HANDSINK NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN AREA MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
  6. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT#679857 DATE 04-12-2012 NOT CORRECTED(33)DETAIL CLEAN PREP TABLE,SHELVING,COOLERS,DEEP FRYERS AND STOVE ETC(34)DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHTOUT THE KITCHEN ESPECIALLY UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT REMOVE CLUTTERED ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR BEHIND THE 3 DOOR COOLER KITCHEN(35)FOUND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN AREA(36)FOUND LIGHT SHIELDS DIRTY THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA MISSING LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE 3 DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN(38)VENTILATION IN MENS TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING ALSO HOOD AND ATTACHED EQUIPMENT OVER THE COOKING LINE REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • SOME BULK FOOD CONTAINERS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN NOT LABELED MUST LABEL
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT HANDSINK NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN KITCHEN AREA MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DEFROST REACH-IN FREEZER IN KITCHEN AREA HAS HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP INSIDE
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST KEEP FLOORS DRY IN THE KITCHEN AREA HAS WATER ON FLOOR NEAR 3 COMPARTNENT SINK
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS NEED CLEANING THROUGHOUT REAR KICHEN AREA OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ALSO REAR STORAGE ROON WHERE HOT WATER TANK IS LOCATED CEILING TILES HAS WATER STAINES ALSO WALLS BEHIND COFFEE AREA NEED CLEANING
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 3 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN KITCHEN
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE SOME CLUTTER FROM UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE IN KITCHEN TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 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.VIOLATION STILL PENDING SEE REPORT#679577.
    • 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.VIOLATION STILL PENDING SEE REPORT#679577.
    • 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.VIOLATION STILL PENDING SEE REPORT#679577.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.VIOLATION STILL PENDING SEE REPORT#679577.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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.VIOLATION STILL PENDING SEE REPORT#679577.
  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. FOUND REAR SIDE DOOR NOT INSECT/RODENT PROOFED. OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP ALONG THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSECT/RODENT PROOF THE DOOR. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 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.DETAIL CLEAN MEAT SLICER, PREP TABLE,SHELVINGS,COOLERS, DEEP FRYERS AND STOVE ETC.
    • 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.DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. REMOVE CLUTTERED ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR BEHIND THE 3 DOOR COOLER KITCHEN .
    • 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.FOUND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE KITCHEN AREAS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.FOUND LIGHT SHIELDS DIRTY THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AREAS,MISSING LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE 3 DOOR COOLER IN KITCHEN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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.FOUND WATER LEAKING AT PIPES BENEATH THE 3 COMP SINK IN KITCHEN,VENTILATION IN MENS TOILET ROOM NOT WORKING ALSO HOOD AND ATTACHED EQUIPMENTS OVER THE COOKING LINE REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP,A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE IS NEEDED AT THE COFFEE EXPRESSO MACHINE.
  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 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 INTERIOR OF CHESTER FREEZER, VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOLERS AND FREEZERS, CUTTING BOARD AND TOPS AND SIDES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • MUST PROVIDE STORAGE SPACE TO STORE EMPLOYEES BELONGINGS ONE DESIGNATED AREA NICE AND NEATLY
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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. MUST CAP OFF UNUSED TOILET COMMODE IN UNUSED BATHROOM, BEING USED AS A STORAGE SPACE
    • 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 REMOVE ALL CLUTTER IN STORAGE AREAS CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE
  10. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. License

    3 infractions

    • 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 REPLACE COOLER DOOR GASKETS AT MAIN KITCHEN.
    • 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. ALL WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES THRUOUT KITCHEN MUST BE REPLACED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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. MUST PROVIDE A BACK-FLOW DEVICE AT MOP SINK. THE CAPPUCHINO MACHINE MUST HAVE A BACKFLOW DEVICE PLUMED-IN, OR REMOVE IF NOT USING.

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