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Mario's Tacos Corporation

4256 W FULLERTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60639 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

Mario's Tacos Corporation has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 20, 2012. The most recent inspection, on September 15, 2014, found no infractions.

4 of 7 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, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2014. For example: OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

  • 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 August 27, 2014. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 once on November 8, 2013. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

  • 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 August 27, 2014. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • 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 5 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2014. For example: PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING AND GREASE CONTAINER WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE. GARBAGE/LITTER AND GREASE UNDER AND AROUND BOTH CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-020
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FOOD PREP AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT BULB MUST BE SHIELDED ABOVE HOT HOLDING UNIT (COOKING LINE).
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE WOMEN'S WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM IN REAR. ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. 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
      • Rear exit door not rodent proof, appox: 1/4" mode of entry at corners must pest proof to prevent pest entry,need a map locator where the chemicals are or rodent boxes are placed. Serious violation 7-38-020.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROVIDE A SPLASHGUARD AT THE KITCHEN EXPOSED HANDSINK,PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR STORING MEATS IN THE FREEZERS. PROVIDE A BARRIER OR SWINGING DOOR AT THE ENTRY AREA TO FOOD SERVICE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Interior of deep fryer,hood/filters above hot cooking equipments require a detail cleaning.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Replace burnt-out light bulb and provide shield above the cooking equipment.Clean and sanitize interiors of light shields throughout the food prep areas.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Bathroom vent is not working,backflow prevention device for ice machine is needed,provide 3 sink stoppers for the 3 compartment sink.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • Employee in food service area needs hair restraints.
  6. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. License

    2 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • Adequate refrigeration not available on premises-only 2 door cooler. Instructed to provide more refrigeration for extensive menu items. Prep cooler not maintaining proper temperature. Internal temperature at 51.3 F. Instructed to repair cooler to maintain 40 F or below or replace.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Light bulbs under exhaust hood not shielded. Instructed to install shatter-proof bulbs or shields.

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