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JOEL'S TACOS

604 N CICERO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60644 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

JOEL'S TACOS has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 26, 2011. The most recent inspection, on August 14, 2013, found no infractions.

2 of 5 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: Pests and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 31, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 May 26, 2011. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 31, 2012. 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 31, 2012. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 31, 2012. For example: * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Short Form Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED FRONT DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ALONG ALL SIDES & REAR DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ALONG BOTTOM DOOR SWEEP DAMAGED.MUST RODENT PROOF DOORS TO BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.(SERIOUS 7-38-020).
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY & NO CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW WHILE (PIZZA PUFFS,HAMBURGERS,CHICKEN WINGS ARE BEING PREPARED ,HANDLED & SERVED AT THIS TIME.MUST PROVIDE & POST & BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS PREPARED & SERVED.(SERIOUS 7-38-012).
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN THE REACHIN FREEZERS HAS ICE BUILDUP ON THEM. CLEAN THE HOOD AND COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS GREASE BUILDUP ON THEM.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP ON THEM
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS ARE PREP AND SERVED. SERIOUS CITATION GIVEN 7-38-012 H000075400 18 COURT DATE 06-14 2012 AT I:00PM ROOM 112 400 WEST SUPERIOR CHICAGO,IL OR YOU CAN PAY THE FINE BY MAIL SEE THE BACK OF THE TICKET.
    • 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. CLEAN THE REACHIN FREEZERS HAS ICE BUILDUP ON THEM. CLEAN THE HOOD AND COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS GREASE BUILDUP ON THEM.
    • 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. CLEAN THE FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS HAS DUST BUILDUP ON THEM.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. License

    12 infractions

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • NO HOT WATER, MUST PROVIDE SAME CONNECTED TO THE CITY WATER SYSTEM PER CITY CODE.
    • 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. NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK- BOOK MUST INCLUDE A MAP OF PREMISES, COPY OF MSDS(PESTACIDES),CURRENT COPY OF STATE STATE LICENSE.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. NO OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OR WASTE GREASE CONTAINER MUST PROVIDE SAME.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER. PREMISES NOT OPEN
    • 27. TOILET ROOMS ENCLOSED CLEAN, PROVIDED WITH HAND CLEANSER, SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AND PROPER WASTE RECEPTACLES
      • PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASH ROOM DOOR.
    • 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. PROVIDE CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 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. SOME SHELVES/PREP TABLE SHELVES RUSTY, PAINT SAME DETAIL CLEAN ALL COOKING/COOLING EQUIPTMENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. DETAIL CLEAN EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS.
    • 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. REPLACE ALL MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT. DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT INCLUDING ALL CORNERS.
    • 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. MAKE ALL WALLS CLEAN WITHOUT HOLES, CRACKS, OPENING AROUND PIPES ETC. PAINT A LIGHT COLOR EASY CLEANABLE.
    • 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. REPLACE ALL MISSING LIGHTS, MUST PROVIDE SHIELDS. DETAIL CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.
    • 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. REMOVE ALL CLUTTER/BROKEN EQUIPTMENT.

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