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TAQUERIA EL HERRADERO

6828 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUERIA EL HERRADERO has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 23, 2010. The most recent inspection, on May 14, 2024, found no infractions.

1 of 17 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 source, labelling and allergens and Chemicals and toxic substances.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 2023. For example: NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 14, 2024. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on June 26, 2023. For example: TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

  • 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 June 24, 2019. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • 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 15 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on June 24, 2019. 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.

17 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC WITHOUT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER CERTIFICATE. INSTD TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN), NOR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTD TO HAVE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • THE FOLLOWING TCS READY TO EAT REFRIGERATED FOODS IN PREP COOLER AND WALK IN COOLER BEING OFFERED FOR SALE/SERVICE AND ARE PAST THE USE BY DATE: COOKED CHICKEN (2/29/24), COOKED PICADILLO (2/23/24), COOKED CESINA (BEEF) 2/29/24, COOKED TRIPE (3/4/24). ALL ABOVE DISCARDED AND DENATURED. ALL TCS REFRIGERATED READY TO EAT FOODS shall be consumed on the PREMISES, sold, or discarded when held at a temperature of 5ºC (41ºF) or less for a maximum of seven (7) days. APPROX 20LBS $200 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 9. NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED
      • MALE FOOD HANDLER USING BARE HAND CONTACT WITH THE FOLLOWING READY TO EAT FOODS TO PLACE ON TACOS: CHEESE, ONIONS, CILANTRO. BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOODS IS PROHIBITED. INSTD TO USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE USE GLOVES OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010. PRIORITY. FOOD HANDLER WEARING SINGLE SERVICE GLOVES TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS BY END OF INSPECTION.
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE 60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 5/17/22 REPORT 2555885: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON SITE. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE IN NEED OF COVER. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS AROUND FURNACE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • EMPLOYEE NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • see 60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED 0N 6/24/19 REPORT 2294090 NOT CORRECTED: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090 PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
  7. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP, DISH WASHING AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE/REMINDER ON MENU. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND DISCLOSURE ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED NUTS NOT LABELED AND DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL PACKAGED NUTS WITH NAME OF FOOD, INGREDIENTS, NET WEIGHT, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR AVAILABLE. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CARDBOARD BOXES BEING USED TO STORE SMALL CONTAINERS OF SALSA. INSTD TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS. ALUMINUM FOIL ON ATTACHED PIPING BEHIND COOKING LINE. INSTD TO REMOVE AND HAVE SURFACE SMOOTH, EVEN AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • STOCK ON FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE, MEAT, AND CHIPS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS AND OR BAGGIES/ZIP LOC. ETC.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED REAR MICROWAVE INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE BOTTOM OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE SPLATTER. CLEAN HOOD FILTERS TO REMOVE GREASE BUUD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  11. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REAR WALK-IN FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINER, OR FOOD BAGGIES, ZIP LOCK ETC.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE COFFEE MACHINE NOT CLEAN ABOVE COFFEE BASKET, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED SPRAYER ONLY NO NOZZLE THAT REACHES ALL 3 COMPARTMENTS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. GIVEN COPY OF IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER INFO. AT THIS TIME.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • THE MEDIUM FOOD CONTAINERS LOCATED IN THE KITCHEN NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO TO LABEL THEM.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE FURNACE ROOM IT HAS SOME DUST BUILDUP.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MISSING LIDS FOR DRY STORAGE GOODS. REPLACE SAME.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
  14. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN DRINK MACHINE AT NOZZLE. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  15. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 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. Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. MUST CLEAN AND OR ORGANIZE ALL CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  16. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT MUST BE UNDER VENTILATION UNIT. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  17. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage.THE TWO REACH IN CHEST FREEZERS HAS ICE BUILDUP ON THE WALLS.INSTD. TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.ALSO CLEAN THE HOOD AND THE FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT HAS SOME GREASE ON THEM.

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