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TAQUERIA EL JEFE LOCO CO.

4646 W CHICAGO AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUERIA EL JEFE LOCO CO. has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 17, 2019. The most recent inspection, on February 10, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

1 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 6 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 February 2, 2026. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 2, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 February 10, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 11, 2024. For example: PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

  • 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 once on February 10, 2025. 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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13---OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROX.10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDER/AROUND THE FURNACE UNIT LOCATED IN THE SIDE FURNACE ROOM AND 10 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER UNDERNEATH THE REAR UTILITY MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL, CLEAN, AND ORGANIZE THE REAR STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES/UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS/FOOD EQUIPMENT STORED IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE PREMISES, AND ALL OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6 INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER INSIDE OF COOLING UNIT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED NO LABELS ON FOOD CONDIMENT CONTAINERS/BOTTLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF WIPING CLOTH ON THE FOOD PREPARATION TABLE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO LIGHT BULB COVER/FIXTURE IN THE PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • #56 - CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE; CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM PREVIOUS REPORT #2596481 DATED 6/18/24, 6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE'S STYROFOAM DRINKING CUP WITH STRAW AND LIQUID CONTENTS ON THE COUNTER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. NO PERSONAL DRINKING CUPS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENT COVER MISSING IN THE BATHROOM AND DEBRIS/DIRTY LENT AT VENT. INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 2576137 ISSUED ON 05/18/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. VIOLATION#38. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR INSECTS/PESTS. VIOLATION#53. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING; SELF-CLOSING COMPONENT IS BROKEN/UNATTACHED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. ITEM #55. NOT CORRECTED. OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  6. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED (SUCH AS RICE, BEANS, CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOOD ITEMS (COOKED CHICKEN, SOUP, COOKED BEEF) IN PREP COOLER WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS (NOT TO EXCEED 7 DAYS) ON ALL FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF SOME OF THE REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  7. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN OPENING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR LEADING TO OUTSIDE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO HELP AVOID POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ENTERING AND HARBORING.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF ALL REFRIGERATORS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM DOOR SELF CLOSING DEVICE BROKEN. INSTRUCTED THEY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALLS WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED FLAT TOP, BOTTOM OF SHELVING COUNTER WITH WHEELS AND OTHER ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANY NON USED ITEMS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE HOOD VENTILATION FILTERS AND THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF FOODS BEING COOKED AND PREPARED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED THE A/C VENT COVER OVER THE CEILING FAN IN THE SEATING AREA MISSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER COVERING AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR ON PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • WASHROOM DOOR NOT SELF-CLOSING. MUST MAKE SELF-CLOSING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION ON OF HANDS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLE IN CEILING ABOVE WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST ACTIVITY.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN FOOD HANDLER TRAINING WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.
  9. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
  10. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  11. License

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • **PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • **PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR AT THE BOTTOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ADD A BETTER WEATHER STRIP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TO OF THE SINK STOPPERS IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A BACK FLOW DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • PREMISES HAS NO OUTSIDE DUMPSTER OR POOF OF SERVICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B).
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • PREMISES MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.

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