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ROSAS TAMALES

5632 S KEDZIE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ROSAS TAMALES has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 17, 2015. The most recent inspection, on June 26, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

None of the 13 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Protecting food from contamination and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 2026. 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 June 2, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 13, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 21, 2020. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 June 2, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL DEAD BUGS ON FLOOR IN UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE DEAD BUGS, SANITIZE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND LITTER ON FLOOR OF UTILITY ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF LITTER AND DEBRIS.
  2. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AT COFFEE STATION WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED SCOOP FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINER (LABELED BAKING SODA) BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE PREP AREA COOLER AND DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO TRASH CAN/RECEPTACLE COVER IN PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE WASHING MULTI USE UTENSILS AND POTS WITH ONLY SOAP AND WATER, AND RINSING OFF . 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT SET UP NOR ANY SANITIZER USED. INSTD ON PROPER SET UP OF SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE OF ALL MULTI USE EQUIPMENT. MULTI USE EQUIPMENT WAS PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED AFTER INSTRUCTED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025 PRIORITY
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOOD STORAGE (TAMALES WITH POTS) ON WALK IN COOLER FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • CONTAINERS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN SALSAS AND BEING USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS. INSTD TO USE PROPER DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES AND HAVE HANDLES STORED ABOVE FOOD
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 1 BURNER STOVES (#2) AND 2-BURNER STOVES (#3) NOT UNDER ANY VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTD TO HAVE ALL STOVES COMPLETELY UNDER PROPER VENTILATION SYSTEM OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTD TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS
  4. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUSTY VENTILATION FILTERS IN BOTH EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS OFF FLOOR AND MAINTAIN .
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER USING STYROFOAM CUP TO DISPENSE BEVERAGES FROM LARGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLES SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN .
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN FIRST UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST AND SMOKE BUILDUP ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP AREAS, WATER ON FLOOR NEAR GREASE TRAP AND DEAD INSECTS ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS AND OPENINGS AROUND OUTLETS IN DINING AREA, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR, REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • DUST ON CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WATER ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND CORRECT
  7. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • MISSING EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. INSTD TO PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES IMPROPERLY WASHING HANDS, ONLY RINSING WITH WATER AND DRYING HANDS WITH A CLOTH. INSTD TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS, WITH SOAP AND WATER FOR AT LEAST 20 SECONDS AND DRY WITH PROPER HAND DRYING PROVISION (DISPOSABLE TOWELS OR AIR DRYING DEVICE). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SIGNAGE
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • EMPLOYEE MEDICATION BOTTLES STORED ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN DEIGNATED AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MISSING COVER FOR TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
  8. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY WHERE ALL MANAGERS, FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGES THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REPORTING ANY ILLNESSES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • FOUND NO FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE (THERMOMETER) ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THERMOMETER WITH THE METAL STEM FOR ADEQUATE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • THE VENTS IN THE TOILET ROOMS AND THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS THICK DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • THE FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH BROKEN/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT AND PROVIDE PROOF.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • ALUMINUM FOIL ON GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL AND RUST AND MAINTAIN SURFACE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • UNFINISHED WALL NEXT TO REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE A SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
  10. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED ALL DOORS OPENED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED,( BOTH FRONT DOORS, AND THE REAR DOOR OPEN AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION) . INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE, CAN'T OPEN UNLESS YOU INSTALL SCREEN DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED FRONT FREEZER LID BROKEN/OFF LINE DON'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/OR REPLACE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE FRONT FREEZERS INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
  11. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED REAR SLICER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN DINING AREA FRONT, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER/DRY MOP.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED FRONT HALL STORAGE AREA WEST WALL IN POOR REPAIR, INSRUCTED TO REPAIR. ALSO RE-ATTACH REAR WALL BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE OUT SIDE 2ND. RESTROOM.
  12. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHTS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF PROPER SHEILDS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  13. License

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED MASA PURCHASED IN GROCERY BAGS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINER OR BAGGIES IE. ZIP-LOCK ETC.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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