Skip to content
Loading map…

TIERRA MEXICANA

5423 W BELMONT AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

TIERRA MEXICANA has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 17, 2017. The most recent inspection, on January 14, 2021, found no infractions.

2 of 5 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 temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 2 times on August 15, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 on August 15, 2019. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 15, 2019. 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 August 15, 2019. For example: CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 9 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 15, 2019. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    15 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WITH A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE (TCS FOODS) ARE PREPARED/SERVED TO CUSTOMERS AND POST ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012,CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE BUT IN-COMPLETE CLEAN-UP ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - -
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • ADDITIONAL HAND WASHING SINK IS NEEDED AT SIDE COFFEE PREPARATION AREA MUST BE LOCATED TO ALLOW CONVENIENT USE BY FOOD EMPLOYEES IN MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C),NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • FOUND READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS (PASTAS,SALSAS,POTATOES ETC) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - - -
    • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
      • FOUND NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "RAW" OR UNDER COOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*) TO A REMINDER STATEMENT THAT STATES THAT EATING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOOD BORNE ILLNESS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE.FOUND INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF ONE FOOD PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT 58.1 F. NO (TCS FOODS) STORED INSIDE COOLER AT THIS TIME.THE COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION MUST NOT USE.ONCE COOLER IS REPAIRED YOU CAN FAX A LETTER TO 312-746-4240 OR E-MAIL: [email protected] TO REQUEST A TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. - COS.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • FOUND BROKEN SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND SMALL WATER LEAK AT DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH THE HAND SINK REAR FOOD PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AT REAR STORAGE CLOSET AND HOT WATER TANK CLOSET DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS AT FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND MISSING LIGHT SHIELD FOR LIGHT FIXTURE AT REAR PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL OR PROVIDE SHATTER-PROOF LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENCE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE.
  4. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE FREEZER. MUST USED FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SEAL OR PAINT THE RAW WOOD OF THE DOOR OF THE FRONT PREP AREA ENTRANCE DOOR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALLS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDERNEATH MIDDLE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.---------MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA.----------MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE IN REAR PREP AREA.---------ALL CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS, BROOMS ETC) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INFORMATION GIVEN.
  5. License

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FINISH INSTALLING THE SNEEZE GUARD IN THE FRONT SERVING/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. SEAL OR PAINT THE RAW WOOD OF THE DOOR OF THE FRONT PREP AREA ENTRANCE DOOR.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • BURNED OUT LIGHT BULB AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE LIGHT BULB AND PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE PLUMBER'S PUTTY ON THE RIM OF DRAIN INSIDE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPLACE WITH FOOD GRADE SILICON.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website