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TAQUERIA LA CIUDAD INC

5005 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUERIA LA CIUDAD INC has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 26, 2017. The most recent inspection, on January 21, 2022, 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: Food source, labelling and allergens, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 22, 2021. 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on March 12, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 22, 2021. 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 October 2, 2019. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 on March 12, 2019. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

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

    8 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSEREVD AN APPX. "3/4-1" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS & MISSING DOOR HANDLES ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL OUTLET COVER & WALL TILE NEAR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST SEAL GAP BETWEEN WALL BASE AND FLOOR IN DINING AREA NEAR COOLERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AN MASSIVE AMOUNT OF UNUSED EQUIPMENT ON REAR PORCH.RECOMMENDED TO REMOVE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AREAS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FRONT DOOR WITH AN APPROXIMATE 1 1/2" GAP AT THE BOTTOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT SEAL TO PROTECT FROM PESTS AND RODENTS. OBSERVED FRONT WINDOW BROKEN WITH GLASS MISSING AND NO SCREEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNFINISHED DRYWALL BEHIND THE TOILET AND THE HAND WASHING SINK STORAGE AREA IN DISREPAIR IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED UNUSED BROKEN EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL ITEMS ON SITE AND IN THE OUTDOOR BACK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • FOUND TCS FOOD(CHEESE) OUT OF TEMPERATURE(51.8F). TCS FOODS SHALL BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW.MANGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 35LBS VALUED AT $65. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 75 SMALL BLACK FLIES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY(TOILET ROOMS, PREP AREA, DINING AREA, BACK STORAGE AREA)AND APPROXIMATELY 15 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND THE WHITE FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PREMISES SHALL BE MAINTAINED FREE OF PESTS AND RODENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FRONT DOOR WITH AN APPROXIMATE 1 1/2" GAP AT THE BOTTOM.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT SEAL TO PROTECT FROM PESTS AND RODENTS. OBSERVED FRONT WINDOW BROKEN WITH GLASS MISSING AND NO SCREEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH WATER BACKING UP INTO THE SINK AND WATER LEAKING ONTO THE FLOOR FROM THE GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(c)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNFINISHED DRYWALL BEHIND THE TOILET AND THE HAND WASHING SINK STORAGE AREA IN DISREPAIR IN THE WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED UNUSED BROKEN EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL ITEMS ON SITE AND IN THE OUTDOOR BACK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
  6. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT OR DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT HAND WASH SINK IN PREP AREA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c)
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • VARIETY OF FOODS NOT PROPERLY LABELED (COOKED PORK, SHREDDED LETTUCE, SOUR CREAM) STORED INSIDE THE PREP COOLER. FOOD PREPARED AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS SHALL BE PROPERLY LABELED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED WHITE BUCKETS WITHOUT PROPER LABELING. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE. SHALL USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR STORING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED WHITE BUCKETS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO SANITIZING SOLUTIONS TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. A TEST KIT OR OTHER DEVICE THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTIONS SHALL BE PROVIDED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SURFACES OF MULTIPLE COUNTERS AND SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A LIGHT COVER MISSING FROM UNDER THE EXHAUST HOOD IN THE COOKING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION 60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FOR ALLERGEN TRAINING. A CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION ITEM. 7-42-090
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Must provide proof that all employees are aware of employee health policy. Priority foundation violation 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Must provide written clean up policy for clean up of vomit and diarheal events. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • Observed TCS foods in refrigeration without proper labels. Must label all TCS foods with discard date. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Observed light out in rear of prep area. Observed no proper lighting in 2 door cooler in rear of prep area. Must provide, repair and/or replace. Must provide adequate lighting for proper cleaning. Must maintain same.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • All Chicago food sanitation managers must provide proof of allergen training.
  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • Observed exposed hand sink with hand sanitizer in place of soap. Instructed may not use hand sanitizer, unless hands have been washed with soap first. Instructed must keep soap (and sanitary means to dry hands) at hand sink at all times. Operator provided soap for exposed hand sink and removed hand sanitizer. Critical violation 7-38-030.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Observed all potentially hazardous foods and dry storage items without proper labels. Must label all potentially hazardous foods with name and prep date. Must label all dry storage items with name. Must maintain same.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Observed standing water in basement on floor. Must keep floors clean and dry. Observed excessive debris, dirt build up and clutter on floors under exposed hand sink and 3 compartment sink in prep area. Must remove all items and elevate at least 3 inches above the floors. Must detail clean and sanitize floors. Must maintains same.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Observed light out in rear of prep area. Observed no proper lighting in 2 door cooler in rear of prep area. Must provide, repair and/or replace. Must provide adequate lighting for proper cleaning. Must maintain same.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • Observed food handler without proper hair restraint while handling food in prep area. Must provide proper hair restraints (hair nets, hats, etc.) for all employees while in food prep area. Must maintain same.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • Must provide proof of food handler training for all food handling employees.
  9. License

    6 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • INVERT ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT(PANS, POTS, CONTAINERS) AND UTENSILS(SPOONS, FORKS, KNIVES).
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE ICE BUILDUP INSIDE PREP COOLER. PAINT SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • GROUT ALL LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS IN WASHROOMS AND FAN GUARDS IN REACH-IN COOLERS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON EXPOSED SINK.

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