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TACO BELL

255 W GARFIELD BLVD, CHICAGO, IL 60621 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TACO BELL has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 20, 2020. The most recent inspection, on September 14, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

2 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 April 10, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 10, 2025. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 April 24, 2023. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 once on January 29, 2021. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 11 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on October 6, 2025. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

12 inspections

  1. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITH NO VALID AND ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER HOLDER ON SITE. PIC PRESENTED PHOTO OF CERTIFICATE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A VALID AND ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE AND ITS HOLDER MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • BSERVED NO FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA NEED CLEANING UNDER STORAGE SHELVES; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ON THE CEILING VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENTS WHERE NEEDED.
  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • FOUND TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. TCS FOODS INCLUDED CUT TOMATOES, ONIONS, CHICKEN, BEEF, CHEESE AND SOUR CREAM. THE TEMPERATURE RANGED FROM 45.7 F TO 51.4 F. INSTRUCTED PIC TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN TCS FOODS AT 41.0 F OR LOWER. PIC DISCARDED OF ITEMS A COMBINED WEIGHT OF 560 POUNDS VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $2,500 (PER DM). PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • WALK IN COOLER WITH AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 48F. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE UNIT SERVICED SO IT HOLDS AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR LESS. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • BEVERAGE STATION IN THE DINING AREA LOWER SURFACE WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN THE WALK IN FREEZER AND IN THE CORNERS IN THE REAR WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • CFM ON SITE DOES NOT HAVE THE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE HOSES ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TOO LONG, RESTING IN THE WATER PASS THE FILL LINES. INSTRUCTED TO CUT HOSES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON THE GROUND AROUND THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITH DIRT AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED TWO MALE EMPLOYEES ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MEET AND PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS IN ALL HOT AND COLD HOLDING UNITS.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-301.12 OBSERVED THE MECHANICAL SINK STOPPER NOT WORKING ON THE RINSE COMPARTMENT OF THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. THE SAID COMPARTMENT IS UNABLE TO HOLD AND MAINTAIN WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE BROILING UNIT WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER AT THE REAR WHERE THE DRY GOODS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID REA TO ELMINATE POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA ACCROSS FROM THE DEEP-FRYING STATION. THE TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 70.1F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT (100F) AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS IN ALL HOT AND COLD HOLDING UNITS.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED THE MECHANICAL SINK STOPPER NOT WORKING ON THE RINSE COMPARTMENT OF THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. THE SAID COMPARTMENT IS UNABLE TO HOLD AND MAINTAIN WATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE BROILING UNIT WITH SLIGHT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AT THE REAR WHERE THE DRY GOODS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID REA TO ELMINATE POTENTIAL HARBORAGE POINTS FOR PEST.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 11/22/2022, REPORT #2567443 #58 OBSERVED CERTFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION:7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE AREA WITH ACCUMULATION OF LEAVES AND SOME EMPTY PLASTIC BOTTLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN DUMPSTER RECEPTACLE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILDUP THROUGHOUT KITCHEN FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENT
  9. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER NEEDS CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOUND CLEAN SERVING UTENSILS STORED ABOVE PRE-WASH/SCRAPE STATION AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED PIC TO RELOCATE CLEAN UTENSILS/DISHES TO AVOID CONTAMINATION. OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. OBSERVED QUESADILLA PRESS LOCATED DIRECTLY NEXT TO HANDWASHINK SINK. INSTRUCTED PIC TO PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD ON HANDWASHING SINK TO PROTECT FOOD AND FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT FROM MISCELLANEOUS SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION.
  11. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN BUILD UP ON SODA NOZZLES AT DRIVE-THRU.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP,DISH WASHING,DRIVE-THRU AND LOBBY SODA AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAB DUST BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION CEILING VENTS IN DISH WASHING AREA.
  12. License

    0 infractions

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