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TAQUIZAS DON RAFA, COMPANY

2023 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TAQUIZAS DON RAFA, COMPANY has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 22, 2015. The most recent inspection, on July 8, 2021, found no infractions.

2 of 10 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 Protecting food from contamination.

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.

  • 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 7 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on December 18, 2020. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 2 times on December 14, 2018. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 December 18, 2020. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 December 11, 2020. 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 once on August 31, 2017. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-306.11 OBSERVED THE FACILITY SELLING TCS FOODS (TAMALES) ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO ONLY SELL ALL FOODS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE FACILITY AND CEASE AND DESIST THE SALE OF FOODS OUTSIDE. MANAGER CEASED OUTSIDE FOODS SALES DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT A ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  3. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 OBSERVED A HAND WASHING SIGN IS NEEDED INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE RODENT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 20 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA OF THE FACILITY, AND ABOUT 10 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT A ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  4. Recent Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • PREMISES HAS PROCEDURES BUT IS MISSING SOME EQUIPMENT, AND DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, NON COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT#2243566 DATED 12/14/2018, CORRECT BY DATE MAR. 14, 2019 PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • PREMISES HAS PROCEDURES BUT IS MISSING SOME EQUIPMENT, AND DISINFECTANT FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • REPEAT, SEE VIOLATION #60.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGENT TRAINING ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, NON COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT#2243566 DATED 12/14/2018, CORRECT BY DATE MAR.14,2019. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORMS OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • MUST PROVIDE DATE MARKINGS TO RTE AND TCS FOODS PREPARED ONSITE AND HELD OVER 24 HRS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUME BY DATES ON FOOD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST PROVIDE LABELS ON FOOD CONTAINERS WHEN REMOVE FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, AND CLEAN WALL BEHIND GRILL IN SAID AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM KITCHEN HOOD & FILTERS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPAIR NON-WORKING VENTILATION UNIT IN TOILET ROOM IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  7. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 6. HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
      • OBSERVED A FEMALE FOOD HANDLER RINSE HER HANDS AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND THEN BEGAN HANDLING TORTILLAS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEE(S) PROPERLY WASH THEIR HANDS AT THE DESIGNATED HAND SINK(S) AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010 (A)
    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • FOUND THE HAND SINK IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE (THERE WAS A BOWL INSIDE OF THE SINK) AND WITHOUT SOAP FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL HAND SINKS ACCESSIBLE AND STOCKED AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND THE FLOORS UNDER/AROUND THE COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND IN THE CORNERS IN THE 1ST FL. FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND THE VENTS IN THE CUSTOMER'S TOILET ROOM WITH DIRT/DUST BUILD UP AND THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH GREASE AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • THE LIGHTS ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS NEEDS A SHIELD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • THERE ARE POTS/UTENSILS TOO LARGE FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK THAT ARE USED IN THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER INSTALL A 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE THE UTENSILS OR REMOVE THE LARGE UTENSILS. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND CONSPICUOUSLY PLACE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND TO HAVE METAL STEM THERMOMETERS FOR INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING ON SITE. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 44. ONLY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IN THE FOOD-PREP AREA
      • OBSERVED A SMALL GIRL LEAVE THE TOILET ROOM AND THEN GO INTO THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. ALSO, THERE WAS A STROLLER WITH A SMALL CHILD INSIDE IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP KIDS OUT OF THE FOOD PREPARATION AREAS AT ALL TIMES. MAINTAIN SAME.
  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK ON THE PIPE LOCATED UNDER THE FAR RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    0 infractions

  10. License

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR VENTILATION FAN IN CUSTOMER WASHROOM.

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