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SUPERMERCADO LA TORTILLA

5915-5919 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60636 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

SUPERMERCADO LA TORTILLA has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 30, 2023. The most recent inspection, on March 26, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

1 of 7 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Protecting food from contamination and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 26, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 26, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 26, 2026. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 April 14, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 May 15, 2024. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • Bags of ice stored too close to raw meat in walk-in freezer, instructed to store away.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • Food handlers at deli/ fresh meat station not wearing hair restraints, Instructed to wear.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Lower shelves of meat display coolers not clean, food debris noted. instructed to clean and maintain.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN/DEEP GROOVE CUTTING BOARDS IN DELI/MEAT & HOT FOOD PREP AREAS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • : 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA OFF OF DELI/MEAT DEPT.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN/DEEP GROOVE CUTTING BOARDS IN DELI/MEAT & HOT FOOD PREP AREAS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • : 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA OFF OF DELI/MEAT DEPT.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2615252 4/7/25 NOT CORRECTED-#48-4-603.15 : STILL OBSERVED SEVERAL OVERSIZED KETTLES AND POTS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN SANITIZING PROCEDURE ON HOW TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  4. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT 1- COMPARTMENT SINK NEXT TO PREP TABLE IN DELI/MEAT DEPT.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REAR STORAGE AREA,VEGETABLE WALK IN COOLER,HOT FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN/DEEP GROOVE CUTTING BOARDS IN DELI/MEAT & HOT FOOD PREP AREAS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM DELI/MEAT DEPT-PREP TABLES,GRINDER,LOW SHELF OF HOT HOLDING UNIT.TAQUERIA-EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,FRYER CABINET,PREP COOLER,MICROWAVE,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT & ONE -EYE STOVE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE CORRAL WITH A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CRATES PILED UP ON GROUND MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE BUILD UP FROM WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN TAQUERIA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA OFF OF DELI/MEAT DEPT.BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN DELI/MEAT DEPT.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2594624 5/15/25 NOT CORRECTED #10-5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST REPAIR LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINKS IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. #37-3-302.12 : MUST LABEL SHAKERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE. #39-3-305.11 : MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS FROM FLOOR IN WALK MEAT WALK IN COOLER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.#47-4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLES IN DELI/MEAT PREP AREA.#48-4-603.15 : OBSERVED SEVERAL OVERSIZED KETTLES AND POTS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN SANITIZING PROCEDURE ON HOW TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.#49-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES IN TAQUERIA.#51- 5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.#55-6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR DRAINS & FLOOR IN TAQUERIA AND DELI/MEAT PREP AREA,PRODUCE & MEAT/DAIRY WALK IN COOLER.#55-: 6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.#56- 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT IN TAQUERIA.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    12 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST REPAIR LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINKS IN MEN'S & WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND SLOW DRAIN AT MEN'S HAND SINK.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B) : MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR MEAT DISPLAY UNIT AT DISPLAY UNIT INSIDE OF CASE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL SHAKERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-305.11 : MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER,DAIRY & MEAT WALK IN COOLER,DAIRY & POP WALK IN COOLER,MEAT WALK IN FREEZER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 : MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLES IN DELI/MEAT PREP AREA.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN DAIRY WALK IN COOLER
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 : OBSERVED SEVERAL OVERSIZED KETTLES AND POTS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN SANITIZING PROCEDURE ON HOW TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) : MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP ON COMPRESSOR COILS INSIDE OF MEAT/DELI DISPLAY UNITS.MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES IN TAQUERIA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12 : OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR DRAINS & FLOOR IN TAQUERIA AND DELI/MEAT PREP AREA,PRODUCE & MEAT/DAIRY WALK IN COOLER
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT IN TAQUERIA
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES BY FOOD HANDLER.OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER IN MEAT/DELI PREP AREA BLOW HIS NOSE WITH CLOTH GLOVES ON AND THEN PUT ON PLASTIC OVER THE TOP OF THEM AND HANDLED A STYROFOAM CONTAINER AND PUT RAW MEAT INTO IT FOR A CUSTOMER WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS.MANAGER HAD EMPLOYEE TO REMOVE GLOVES AND WASH HANDS.MUST WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MUST REPAIR LOW HOT WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINKS IN MEN'S & WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AND SLOW DRAIN AT MEN'S HAND SINK.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR MEAT DISPLAY UNIT AT DISPLAY UNIT INSIDE OF CASE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL SHAKERS AND SQUEEZE BOTTLES WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS ON TOILET & WALLS,FLOOR DRAINS AND SEVERAL DEAD ON FLOOR.ALSO EVIDENCE OF NUMEROUS LIVE WORM LIKE INSECTS MOVING AROUND IN WATER OF FLOOR DRAINS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS.MUST ELIMINATE OR MINIMZE LIVE FLY ACTIVITY RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/3/24.(PRIORITY 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST ELEVATE FOOD PRODUCTS FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER,DAIRY & MEAT WALK IN COOLER,DAIRY & POP WALK IN COOLER,MEAT WALK IN FREEZER TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
    • 46. GLOVES USED PROPERLY
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE NOT USING GLOVES PROPERLY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REMOVE RUST FROM LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLES IN DELI/MEAT PREP AREA.MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN DAIRY WALK IN COOLER.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL OVERSIZED KETTLES AND POTS TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN SANITIZING PROCEDURE ON HOW TO WASH,RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP ON COMPRESSOR COILS INSIDE OF MEAT/DELI DISPLAY UNITS.MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES,PREP TABLES IN TAQUERIA.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR DRAINS & FLOOR IN TAQUERIA AND DELI/MEAT PREP AREA,PRODUCE & MEAT/DAIRY WALK IN COOLER .
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT COOKING EQUIPMENT IN TAQUERIA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR SOME EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  7. License

    0 infractions

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