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PALETERIA LAS TARASCAS INC.

1806 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

PALETERIA LAS TARASCAS INC. has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 18, 2011. The most recent inspection, on February 3, 2017, found no infractions.

2 of 9 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 source, labelling and allergens.

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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on May 31, 2016. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 May 31, 2016. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 13 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on June 13, 2016. For example: CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 31, 2016. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 13, 2015. For example: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

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.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • OBSERVED UTENSILS FOR ICE CREAM TOPPINGS BEING STORED WITH THE HANDLE DOWN IN THE TOPPINGS CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS WITH THE HANDLES UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED GARAGE WITH OLD EQUIPMENT AND BOXES BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND ORGANIZE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 5 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES LOCATED IN THE REAR. OBSERVED 20 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED BEHIND 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR AND UNDER THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • OBSERVED INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED PALETAS AND POTATO CHIPS NOT LABELED WITH BUSINESS ADDRESS AND NAME ALONG WITH INGREDIENTS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • OBSERVED UTENSILS FOR ICE CREAM TOPPINGS BEING STORED WITH THE HANDLE DOWN IN THE TOPPINGS CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS WITH THE HANDLES UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUST INSIDE OF THE DIPPING WELL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD STAINED WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES ATTACHED TO THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT ARE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS ALONG ALL WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS OF THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS IN BOTH FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED GARAGE WITH OLD EQUIPMENT AND BOXES BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND ORGANIZE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATES BY 6-30-15.
  5. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 20-30 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG SOUTH WALL UNDER UTENSIL STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR PREP AREA, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED INSIDE CABINET UNDER 2-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA, 40-50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON COUCH, INSIDE UNUSED CONTAINERS, STOVE TOP EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, WOODEN BOARDS, ALONG EAST WALL BEHIND WATER HEATER AND FURNACE IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • INVERT PLASTIC FORKS AND CARRYOUT TRAYS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF CABINET UNDER 2-COMPARTMENT SINK, STORAGE SHELVES, ALL USED AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN FIRST FLOOR AND BASEMENT STORAGE AREAS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE, GARAGE, WALK-IN FREEZER, AND BASEMENT AREAS.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATES BY 6-30-15.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DAMAGE FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA AND DINING AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGE FLOOR TILES. 2. BASEMENT FLOOR HAS DEBRIS . MUST DETAIL CLEAN BASEMENT FLOOR.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • BASEMENT IS DARK , ONLY ONE LIGHT WAS PROVIDED. MUST PROVIDE LIGHTS FOR THE ENTIRE BASEMENT.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER UNDER AND TOP OF PREP TABLE. BASEMENT HAS ITEMS ON FLOOR. MUST ORGANIZE AND LIFT ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF BASEMENT FLOOR.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CLEAN INTERIORS AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FREEZERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN KITCHEN AND FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE BLOWN LIGHT BULB IN KITCHEN FOR ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE STANDING MOP WATER AFTER USING AND STORE WET MOPS WITH MOP HEAD UPWARD TO DRY.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. License

    2 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. BACK DOOR HAS A ONE HALF INCH GAP UNDERNEATH THE DOOR AND THE GARAGE DOOR HAS A TWO INCH GAP ON THE SIDES AND A ONE INCH GAP UNDER THE DOOR. DOORS NOT TIGHT FITTING OR INSECT OR RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE THE DOORS TIGHT FITTING AND RODENT PROFFED. SEROUS VIOLATION7-38-020.
    • 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. FOUND LARGE AMOUNT OF CLUTTER- OLD EQUIPMENT,WOOD ,FURNITURE ECT IN THE ATTACHED GARAGE AND IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ARTICLES AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SAME SO NO INSECTOR RODENT HARBORAGE.

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