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MESON DEL TACO EXPRESS

7616 W BELMONT AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60634 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

MESON DEL TACO EXPRESS has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 15, 2018. The most recent inspection, on February 4, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

2 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Protecting food from contamination, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 February 4, 2026. For example: FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 22, 2024. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 23, 2021. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 May 20, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 March 23, 2021. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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

    2 infractions

    • 15. FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED
      • OBSERVED RAW MEAT NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED RAW MEAT IN METAL PAN STORED INSIDE OPEN GARBAGE CAN IN PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED MEAT. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS COST $10.00. MUST PROTECT FOOD FROM CONTAMINATION AT ALL TIMES.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE CURRENT FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
  2. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED GREASE ON OUTSIDE OIL TANK CONTAINER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN THAWING IN BUCKET WITH WATER. INSTRUCTED TO THAW UNDER CONTINOUS RUNNING WATER WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 70F OR BELOW OR IN ADEQUATE REFRIGERATION WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CARD BOARD BOXES STORED OUTSIDE BY REAR DOOR. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM PREMISES.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A VISIBLE,ACCURATE WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE THE PREP LINE COOLER AND AT REFRIGERATOR NEAR THE EXIT DOOR.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH EXPIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST RENEW ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS WRITTEN IMPROPERLY INSIDE MENU.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. MUST PROVIDE MENUS WITH CORRECT REMINDER DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF (TCS FOODS) STORED IN (KITCHEN) REFRIGERATOR: COOKED CHICKEN INTERNAL TEMPERATURES (46.0 F-48.6 F).INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, (TCS FOODS) MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR BELOW AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135F.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.CORRECTED ON SITE (COS).
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED DESSERTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN THE PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO LABEL ALL DESSERTS WITH COMMON NAME, NAME OF MANUFACTURER AND ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS, NET CONTENTS, ETC.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED REAR EXIT SCREEN DOOR WITH GAP/OPENING APPROX:1/4" AT BOTTOM OF DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE,INVERT POTS/PANS ON KITCHEN SHELF TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE AND MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE STORED WITH HANDLES-UP.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH FOOD DEBRIS SPILLAGE UNDER AND AROUND COOKING GRILL EQUIPMENTS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL AND DATE READY TO EAT TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE COOLERS. MUST IDENTIFY PRODUCT SHELF LIFE OR "CONSUME BY" DATING (7 DAYS FROM PREPARATION DATE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTH IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT EXTERIOR TOP SURFACES OF GREASE BOX WITH RUST ACCUMULATION UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE ACCUMULATION UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE CLEANING EQUIPMENT (BROOMS, MOPS ETC) OFF THE FLOOR.
  9. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/KIT ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE POLICY /KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO EXPOSRD HANDSINK ACCESSIBLE TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A EXPOSED HANDSINK NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. CORE VIOLATION
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON MENU PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO FIND LOCATION OF BACKFLOW DEVICE IN ICE MACHINE OR INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE. CORE VIOLATION
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO LIGHT SHIELDS OVER FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PUT SHIELDS OVER LIGHTS. CORE VIOLATION
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED ONE EMPLOYEE NO CERTFIED WITH FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO GET THIS EMPLOYEE CERTIFIED IN FOODHANDLER TRAINING. CORE VIOLATION
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • THISESTABLISHMENT IS NOT ALLERGEN CERTIFIED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO BECOME ALLERGEN CERTIFIED. CORE VIOLATION
  10. License

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOOR UNDER STAIRWELL CLOSET DIRTY.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER STAIRWELL CLOSET
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO VENTILATION IN EMPLOYEES RESTROOM.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO IINSTALL VENTILTION FAN. OBSERVED NO MOPSINK ON SITE.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A MOPSINK WITH BACKFLOW DEVICE AN IF INSTALLED NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK A SPLASHGUARD WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE INSTALLED. OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARD AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.INSSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A DRAIN BOARD AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
  11. License

    0 infractions

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