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TACOS Y TAMALES EL POLLO INC.

2558 S SPRINGFIELD AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TACOS Y TAMALES EL POLLO INC. has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 19, 2016. The most recent inspection, on June 4, 2019, 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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.

  • 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 7, 2018. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 September 7, 2017. For example: FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 7, 2018. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 April 19, 2016. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 18 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on August 7, 2018. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM MICROWAVE,PREP TABLES,MOPSINK BASIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOORING AT ENTRY TO WALK IN COOLER,IN FRONT OF MOPSINK AND 1- COMP SINK.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • Inspector Comments: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION .MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
  3. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA.MUST PROVIDE WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM MICROWAVE,PREP TABLES,MOPSINK BASIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.FAUCET HANDLE IS STRIPPED AND JUST SPINNING AROUND.MUST REPAIR FAUCET AND PROVIDE COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030C)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOORING AT ENTRY TO WALK IN COOLER,IN FRONT OF MOPSINK AND 1- COMP SINK.MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION .MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • FOUND A HOME TYPE REFRIGERATOR AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.4 DEGREES AIR TEMPERATURE. UNIT IS BEING TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. UNIT MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • FOUND THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZOURDOUS ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN REACH IN COOLER: BACON 1 LB, HOT DOGS 1 LB, CHEESE 3 LBS, EGGS 2 DOZEN, ETC.. FOUND 12 DOZEN TAMALES. ALL FOOD 50 - 100 DEGREES IN TEMPERATURE. ALL FOOD PRODUCTS WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED. TOTAL VALUE 25 LBS $200.00 CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM DECEMBER 6, 2016 REPORT #1976614 NOT CORRECTED. #33 MUST DETAIL CLEAN STOVE AND GRILLS OF GREASE AND OLD FOOD PARTICLES ALSO MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD OF GREASE BUILD-UP ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT, #34 MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS #35 MUST CLEAN THE CEILING VENT IN DISHWASHING AREA OF DUST BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA #40 MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS INSIDE PREMISES,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE #41 MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM REAR OF PREMISES NEAR STOVE AND IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA,TO PREVENT RODENT #43 MUST STORE THE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE IN PREP AREA. ALL MINOR VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • ALL SINGLE USE UTENSILS MUST BE STORED INVERTED IN ONE DIRECTION TO ELIMINATE HAZARD OF CONTAMINATION. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS, REACH IN FREEZERS, ALL PREP TABLES, DRINK DISPENSORS, ALL SINKS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND FOOD BUILD UP. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN STOVE AND GRILLS OF GREASE AND OLD FOOD PARTICLES ALSO MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD OF GREASE BUILD-UP ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN THE CEILING VENT IN DISHWASHING AREA OF DUST BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS INSIDE PREMISES,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM REAR OF PREMISES NEAR STOVE AND IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA,TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST STORE THE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE IN PREP AREA
  7. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#1763591 DATE 04-26-2016(38)INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.,INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT VIOLATION,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN STOVE AND GRILLS OF GREASE AND OLD FOOD PARTICLES ALSO MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD OF GREASE BUILD-UP ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE PREP AREA AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN THE CEILING VENT IN DISHWASHING AREA OF DUST BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS INSIDE PREMISES,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM REAR OF PREMISES NEAR STOVE AND IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA,TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST STORE THE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE IN PREP AREA
  8. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILD-UP.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN DIRT, DUST, AND DEBRIS FROM ALL LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.
  9. License

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • IMPROPER PEST CONTROL NOTED ON PREMISES.15 MICE DROPPINGS FOUND SCATTERED ALONG THE BASE OF THE WALL BEHIND THE WALK-IN COOLER NEXT TO THE MOP SINK, 15 DROPPINGS FOUND SCATTERED ALONG THE BASE OF THE WALL BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FOOD PREP AREA, AND 15 FOUND SCATTERED ALONG THE BASE OF THE WALL NEAR SEALED DOOR IN COMMON AREA WHERE WASHROOM IS LOCATED. NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, SEAL ALL OPENINGS FOUND IN FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILINGS, AND REQUEST SERVICE VISIT FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY WHICH CAN ALSO PROVIDE THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WHICH IS ALSO REQUIRED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT, ALL SINKS, CABINET INTERIOR UNDERNEATH WASH BOWL IN WASHROOM, AND ALL SINKS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALL AREAS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILD-UP.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN AND/OR PAINT ALL CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT. CLEAN DIRT, DUST, AND DEBRIS FROM ALL LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT WHERE PRESENT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • THE COMMON AREA WHERE THE WASHROOM IS LOCATED HAS EXCESSIVE CLUTTER UNDERNEATH THE STAIRS LEADING UP TO APARTMENTS WHICH IS DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE WASHROOM DOOR. THIS AREA MUST BE CLEANED AND ALL UNNECESSARY REMOVED ELIMINATING THE CLUTTER.

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