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THE TAMALE LADY

2021 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE TAMALE LADY has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 14, 2023. The most recent inspection, on April 11, 2025, found no infractions.

2 of 7 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, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2024. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 4 times on April 24, 2024. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 7, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 27, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 April 24, 2024. For example: PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE

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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
  3. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATIONS ABOVE 7-38-030(C).
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-203.11 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION INSIDE THE BASEMENT TOILET ROOM AND THE 1ST FLOOR REAR PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION SUCH AS PAPERTOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION ABOVE 7-38-030(C)
    • 20. PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE
      • 3-501.14 OBSERVED FACILITY INADEQUATE COOLING TCS FOODS; OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN BEING COOLED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, SCATTERED ON PREP TABLES IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. TEMPERATURES OF COOKED CHICKEN RANGED FROM 85F-95F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS USE PROPER COOLING METHODS, SUCH AS AN ICE BATH, TO COOL ALL TCS FOODS AT ALL TIMES ADEQUATELY. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 OBSERVED CONTAINERS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND BAGS OF TAMALES INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED NO UP-TO-DATE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A SERVICE REPORT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(C).
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 OBSERVED CLEAN-IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND POTS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS TO BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON THE WASHING, RINSING, AND SANITIZING OF CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR REMOVE CLEAN IN-PLACE EQUIPMENT AND LARGE POTS OR PROVIDE A LARGER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • 5-103.11(B) OBSERVED INADEQUATE HOT WATER AT ALL SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, HOT WATER RANGED FROM 71.6F-77.7F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND TOILET ROOM AS WELL AS AT BOTH 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES (110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINKS AND 100F AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS). THE PLUMBER ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION, AND BY THE END OF THE INSPECTION, ALL SINKS WERE MAINTAINING ADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUE 7-38-030(C).
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK MISSING THE P-TRAP AND EXCESSIVE WATER FALLING INTO A BUCKET WHEN THE HAND WASHING SINK IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COVERED RECEPTACLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED CONCRETE AND UNEVEN FLOORS IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA AND THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA FLOOR SURFACES SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBANT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING PROVIDED FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT INSPECTION TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
  5. License Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-306.11 FOUND NO BARRIER/ SNEEZE GUARD AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
  6. License

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • FOUND NO BARRIER FROM CUSTOMERS AT THE FOOD PREP TABLE LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER CONTAMINATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 70-38-005
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • FOUND MACHINE LOCATED IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA UNABLE TO BE CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE SAID MACHINE ADEQUATELY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND CEILING TOWELS IN FRONT OF FOOD PREP AREA BROKEN.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND THE VENTILATION HOOD FAN MISSING A PANEL. ALSO NOTED NO FILTERS WERE INSTALLED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. EXHAUST VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEMS IN FOOD PREPARATION AND WAREWASHING AREAS, INCLUDING COMPONENTS SUCH AS HOODS, FANS, GUARDS, AND DUCTING, SHALL BE DESIGNED TO PREVENT GREASE OR CONDENSATION FROM DRAINING OR DRIPPING ONTO FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND LIGHT BULBS IN REAR PREP AND FRONT SERVICE ARE WITHOUT SHIELDS. INSTRUCT MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND VENT LOCATED IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOUND NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • FOUND NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
  7. License

    0 infractions

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