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THE TACO SPOT

311 W 79TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE TACO SPOT has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 26, 2020. The most recent inspection, on July 12, 2022, found no infractions.

2 of 8 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 30, 2021. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 2, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on August 27, 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 once on August 27, 2020. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 March 6, 2020. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED AS DISPENSING UTENSIL IN BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY INVERT AND STORE OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER NEAR BEVERAGE COOLER, STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG OR STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE A PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD(BEEF 165.8F, RICE 169.3F)PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED AS DISPENSING UTENSIL IN BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY INVERT AND STORE OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZING TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER NEAR BEVERAGE COOLER, STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED IN UTILITY CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG OR STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER AT REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL BASES IN REAR STORAGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Complaint

    15 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED THE PIC ON SITE DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN RICE,BEANS,BEEF,ETC)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 12:00 P.M.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.PAPER TOWELS ARE NOW PROVIDED.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST PROVIDE FOOD LABELS ON PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX."1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER AT REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST STORE SCOOPS INSIDE OF FOOD CONTAINERS AT HOT HOLDING UNITS AND NOT ON TOP.TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON PREP TABLES,PREP COOLER,STOVE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMP SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.HOT WATER IS TOO HOT TO WASH HANDS (139.5F).INSTRUCTED TO LOWER WATER TEMPERATURE TO 120.0F AND OR WASH HANDS AT ADDITIONAL SINK ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL BASES IN REAR STORAGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM HOOD & FILTERS AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • Violation Codes: 6-501.19 Inspector Comments: MUST ADJUST SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR TO CLOSE COMPLETELY.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  7. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED NO HOT HOLDING AND FREEZER EQUIPMENT ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID FOR TOILET ROOM.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST ADJUST SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR TO CLOSE COMPLETELY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN MOP SINK CLOSET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS .
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  8. License

    0 infractions

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