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LOS TACOS EXPRESS, INC

3742 W MONTROSE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LOS TACOS EXPRESS, INC has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 13, 2018. The most recent inspection, on November 7, 2024, found no infractions.

2 of 12 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, Protecting food from contamination and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 28, 2023. 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 28, 2023. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 on October 11, 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 once on January 5, 2022. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 October 11, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

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

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-203.13 NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.16 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13 INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • PREMISES LAST PEST CONTROL SERVICED WAS ON 06-24-2021. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT SERVICE. (MINIMUM PEST CONTROL SERVICE 2X A YEAR) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT SERVICE AND A PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK WITH A COMPLETE CONTENTS ( CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT, SERVICE REPORTS, CHEMICALS USED ETC.) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NOTED PREMISES HAD AN EXISTING MOPSINK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL MOPSINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER EQUIPPED WITH BAKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HEAVY WATER STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE HALLWAY LEADING TO WASHROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL AROUND PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • 4-904.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12--BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114--OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-202.11--INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13-- OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13--OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  5. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT POTS/PANS IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE REAR 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP UNDERNEATH AND SIDES OF THE GRILL AND ON TOP OF THE COOKING STOVE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE WATER PRESSURE AT HANDSINK IN KITCHEN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING ISSUE AND PROVIDE WATER UNDER PRESSURE TO HANDWASHING SINK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030,CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES NOT LOCATED AT UTILITY MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED BROKEN UNUSED PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS FROM THE PREMISES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD WITH END CAPS ON LIGHT BULB INSIDE THE KITCHEN PREP 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER OR SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR REMINDER STATEMENT 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 A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • : OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2453894 ON 10/27/20 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY OR REMINDER STATEMENT 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 A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MUST INCLUDE THAT "THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED." PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM THE PREMISES. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2453894 ON 10/27/20 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
  8. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON BATHROOM DOOR TO PREVENT ANY OBNOXIOUS ODORS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER NEAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE JUNK AND CLEAN AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED REFRIGERATED TCS FOODS WITHOUT SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOOD, PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD GREATER THAN 24 HOURS MUST HAVE SELL BY DATE ON LABELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • SOME FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES NOT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE CERTIFICATES WITH NAMES OF EMPLOYEES ON PREMISES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES.
  11. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Removal of excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to still replace door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator.
  12. License

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • Rear exit door not rodent proofed: Observed 1 inch gap under door at the rear exit door. Must install a door sweep to properly seal and rodent proof rear exit door. Serious violation# 7-38-020
    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • Observed no chemical test kit on site at this time. Instructed to provide. Serious violation# 7-38-030
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed ripped door gaskets on the two door reach-in refrigerator. Must replace to provide a tight fitting seal at all times, and maintain. Observed excess debris on fan vent cover in two door reach in refrigerator. Instructed to remove debris, clean, and maintain.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Observed mops and brooms stored on floor. Must store mops and brooms hanging at least six inches off the floor in between use during storage for sanitary purposes.

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