El Taconazo Jr.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed food stored in containers in all the coolers, walk in cooler and dry storage without proper labeling of name. Instructed to person in charge to provide a label reflecting the food item's name when food has been remove from its original packaging.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food containers stored on the floor in all walk-in coolers and freezer, prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed clutter throughout rear storage area. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment and to elevate all items from floors to prevent pest harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed loose debris, dirt and dust buildup on the floors and corners throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean and increase cleaning frequency of floors. Must maintain at all times.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on fan in walk-in cooler, light shields in cooking area and ceiling and wall vents in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain all fans, light shields and ceiling/wall vents.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed self-serve sweets in display case not properly labeled. Items in the case are not separated or individually labeled. One item contains tree nuts and is in direct contact with other candy stored in the same case - items with tree nuts should be separated to prevent cross-contamination. Instructed person in charge to properly label all packaged food items with identity, net weight, ingredients, and major allergens listed, business name and address where made and packaged. Person in charge discharged approximately 5 lbs, valued at $20. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed green and white wiping cloths on cutting board in kitchen and on top of rear prep table. Instructed to provide proper sanitizing buckets with sanitizing solution for holding wiping cloths between uses

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted cutting board in rear prep area with deep cuts and stains. Instructed to deep clean and restore to a smooth and easy to clean surface by sanding, resealing, or replacing and maintaining.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed torn gaskets on 2 door reach in in front prep area and both coolers in rear prep. Replace and maintain gaskets on refrigeration units.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Observed frozen meat thawing in a boxes in the rear food prep area. Management instructed to thaw tcs foods under cold running water, in the refrigerator or in the microwave as part of a continuous cooking process.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Observed seasoning out of the original containers without labels containing the product name. Instructed to label all foods and spices with common name that are out of the original containers.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler and freezer. Instructed manager to elevate all food six inches off floor.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled wiping cloths stored on prep tables. Instructed manager to store in sanitizing solution between uses.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted assorted food items inside coolers and refrigeration units with food stored inside plastic grocery bags. Instructed to properly store all food items inside approved food grade containers

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed torn/damaged rubber gasket on door of the 2 door cooler in the front prep area. Instructed to repair or replace gasket.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Noted ice build up inside the walk in freezer. Instructed to repair and maintain the condensation units

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed a heavy accumulation of dirt, dust, grease, food splatter and food debris on the walls and floors especially along the hot food service line under and around the cooking equipment and non cooking equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain all areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must removed cardboard from the floor in the food preparation area

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed soiled mop heads not properly stored. Instructed manager to hang mop heads to prevent insect breeding.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed ventilation hood at main line in need of minor cleaning

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed two food employees pouring salsa into cups without wearing a hairnet. Must wear an effective hair restraint.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH PREVENTING LID CLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL TRASH INSIDE OF RECEPTACLE WITH LID SHUT TIGHT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(b). CITATION ISSUED.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed ventilation hood at main line in need of minor cleaning.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometers inside the "sauce" walk-in cooler, and the "mimis" glass door cooler in the dish area. Instructed to provide conspicuous and easily readable thermometers inside all refrigerator units to properly monitor the ambient air temperature of equipment.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed cooked rice in the steam well being hot-held inside a plastic grocery bag. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags or containers.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Found the three compartment sink not maintained; sink is slow draining. When water from one compartment is drained; water backs up into adjacent compartments. Instructed management to get drainage system serviced. Priority foundation 7-38-025. Citation issued.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean the interior of the 1-door prep cooler on the cooks line, and inside both microwaves.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Noted a leak at the mop sink faucet. Instructed management to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Noted large holes in the walls inside the employee washroom. Also noted the wall base peeling off the wall. Instructed management to repair holes and reattach wall base inside washroom and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found heavy grease and grime build up inside the crevices of the floor mats throughout the cooks line and preparation areas. Instructed management to detail clean all rubber floor mats and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must provide a working mechanical ventilation fan inside the womens restroom.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations from 7/20/2021 report #2522930 not corrected: violation #55 (6-201.15) must removed cardboard from the floor in the food preparation areas and inside walk-in cooler. Violation #55 (6-501.12) observed dirt and grease build up on floor under around and behind cooking equipment. Must clean and maitain. Violation #57 (2-102.13) food handlers requirements not met no logs records on site as required. Must provide and maintain. Violation #58 (2-102.13) no allergen training certificate provided o the premises. Instructed that each certified food manager must have an allergen training certificate. Must correct previous core violations. Priority foundation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Must properly label food storage containers when food is not in the original container.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Employees must wear hair restraits at all times foodis being prepared and served.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping clothhs stored on top of prep tables in rear food preparation areas. Must properly store wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution when not in use.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed ice scoops stored on top of ice machine. Must properly store ice scoops in a clean container to prevent contamination. Observed bowls stored as a scoop inside of a bucket of cooked rice in rear 2-door prep cooler. Must use utensils with a handle to scoop out food so that the food is not contaminated by hand contact.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed a leaky faucet base at the rear 3-compartment sink. Must repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must removed cardboard from the floor in the food preparation areas and inside walk-in cooler.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and grease build up on floor under around and behind cooking equipment. Must clean and maitain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and organize utility mop sink room and rear dry storage area and removed unnecessary items to prevent rodent harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dirt and grease on walls in food preparation areas must clean and maintain. Must seal openings into walls in rear of main food preparation area. Observed peeling paint on wall inside men's washroom. Must repaint ad maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Employees must not store personal belongings in food prep or food storage areas. Must provide a designated employee storage area for personal belongings.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed exessive dust build up on ceiling ventilation vents in all washrooms. Must clean and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15 repair the leak under the middle compartment of the 3 compartment sink.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 clean the floor in the front prep area especially under prep tables and behind equipment.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: 6-202.15 outer openings not rodent proofed. Observed a 1/2" gap along the bottom of the exit door from the rear storage area. Management instructed to rodent proof all outer openings.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed approximately 30 live small flies on the wall, boxes of stock and storage locker shelves in the rear storage area. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11 replace the torn door gaskets inside of the prep cooler doors.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.19 the employee washroom door is not self-closing. Must install a self-closing door device on the washroom door.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 no waste receptacle was provided in the employee washroom. Must provide a covered waste receptacle in the employee washroom.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-201.15 remove the cardboard from the floor in the food prep area, men's washroom, walk-in freezer.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-101.11 the floor tiles were removed from the dining room. Management instructed to replace the floor covering where missing.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 clean the floor in the front prep area especially under prep tables and behind equipment.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11 replace the torn door gaskets inside of the prep cooler doors.

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Observed raw chicken and beef being thawed in separate buckets of standing water stored in the mop sink. Management instructed to properly thaw tcs foods.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 15 live small flies on the walls, equipment and storage boxes in the rear dry storage area. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed the ice scoop stored on top of the ice machine. Management instructed to store the ice scoop in a clean container. Observed bowls stored as a scoop inside of a bucket of cooked beans in the prep cooler. Management instructed to use utensils with a handle to scoop out food so that the food is not contaminated by hand contact.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed plastic grocery bags being used to store frozen meats in the walk-in freezer. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Replace the torn door gaskets inside of the prep cooler doors.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the interior of the prep coolers.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the deep fryer, microwave, prep tables and storage shelves above the prep cooler across from the grill area.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle inside of the women's washroom. Must provide.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: The employee washroom door is not self-closing. Must install a self-closing door device on the washroom door.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed the outside garbage area not maintained clean. There was an excessive amount of grease on the top and sides of the grease container and on the ground and on the walls of the garbage enclosure. Also observed garbage stored on the ground between the garbage and grease container. Management instructed to clean the grease container and maintain the garbage area clean at all times. Priority foundation 7-38-020(b). Citation issued.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the walls in the men's washroom. Clean the grease on the floor below the cooking equipment.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Replace the water damaged ceiling tiles in the dry storage area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard stored on the floor in the food prep areas and walk-in freezer. Management instructed to remove.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed an excessive amount of grease and soot on the ventilation hood and filters. Management instructed to clean and maintain the ventilation hood and filters.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 clean the interior of the prep coolers.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed plastic grocery bags being used to store frozen fish and meat and cooked rice. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Clean the interior of the prep coolers.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: Must provide covered waste receptacles in the women's washroom and employee washroom.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations #49 and #58 not corrected from report #2229383 on 10/4/18: 49 - 4-602.13: observed an excessive grease accumulation dripping from the shelf that is next to the hood in the front prep area. Must remove grease, detail clean, and maintain. 58 - pa 100-0367: observed the certified food manager without an allergen training certificate. Must show proof of training for all certified food managers. Priority foundation 7-42-090. Citation issued.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12: must provide labels for all foods not in original containers.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11: observed handwash sink in the front prep area with a very small splash guard that does not protect the food on the prep table adjacent. Must provide a splash guard that adequately protects food from contamination.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-501.12: observed cutting boards in the front prep area with deep grooves and stains. Must replace.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11(a): must provide sink stoppers for the three comp sink.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-602.13: observed an excessive grease accumulation dripping from the shelf that is next to the hood in the front prep area. Must remove grease, detail clean, and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15(c): observed a slight leak from the faucet of the 3 comp sink. Observed the faucet in the women's toilet room washbowl in poor repair. Must repair and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-203.13: must provide a working mop sink with a backflow prevention device on site.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.19: must provide self closing doors for the toilet rooms.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.110: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE ENCRUSTED ONTO THE OUTSIDE GREASE BOX AND WAS DRIPPING OFF THE BOX INTO A PUDDLE OF GREASE ON THE GROUND. FACILITY CORRECTED VIOLATION ON SITE BY DETAIL CLEANING THE GREASE BOX AND AREA AROUND THE GREASE BOX. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#:7-38-020(b). CITATION ISSUED.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-203.13: observed floor coving peeling off or missing throughout facility. Must repair or replace.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.11: observed some missing and broken floor tiles throughout facility. Must replace and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.14: observed an accumulation of dirt/debris buildup on the toilet room exhaust ventilation and the kitchen hood ventilation. Must detail clean and maintain.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed worn cutting board with dark groove in front food prep area by the exposed hand sink. Instructed to replace/repair and maintain. Observed dust build up on fan guard inside walk-in freezer and cooler in storage room. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris build up on shelves inside 2-door cooler door located at front food prep area. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain. Observed grease build up on shelf above reach-in cooler in front cook line. Instructed to clean and maintain.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shield inside walk-in cooler in storage room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed broken splash guard at the exposed hand sink next to cutting board at front food prep area. Instructed to repair/replace and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Observed missing thermometers from coolers located at front dining area, 2-door refrigerator in front food prep area and broken thermometer in walk-in cooler in storage room. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping towels/cloths on top of cutting boards and food prep tables in front food prep area. Instructed to store wiping towel/cloths in proper sanitizer solution.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must eliminate grocery store bags used for food storage and provide food grade bags.must repair or replace torn door gaskets on 2- door prep and 2- door reach in coolers in front prep area,worn cutting boards.must remove foil from shelving units in front prep area.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debri from grill tables,prep coolers,reach in coolers,shelving units,prep tables,exterior of food storage containers,fan guard covers in 2- door reach in cooler.must clean mold build up at caulking at front prep area hand sink.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debri from floor under,around,along wall bases throughout prep,dry food storage,pop/salsa cooler and dish washing areas.must repair or replace broken and damaged floortiles and concrete in prep areas,dry food storage area and where needed.must clean floor mats

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must clean food debri from walls in prep and dish washing area,light shields where needed.must repair or replace loose wall base in dining area near window,stained ceiling tiles.must provide a barrier at front prep table and cooler.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Must replace missing lights in mopsink area

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace leaky pipe at 3- comp sink and leaky compressor unit in 3- door glass reach in cooler

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Idph food handlers requirements not met for new employees.must enroll and maintain.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed torn rubber gasket at the front 2 door egg cooler, instructed to replace.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed the storage shelf under the front flat grill not clean, instructed to clean/remove grease.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed light shield not clean in front mens restroom,instructed to clean.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected from report #1464739 date 2/4/2015. Correct by date 5/4/2015. Violation # 45 no food handler certificates on premises at this time, instructed to provide. Given copy of idph's food handler information at this time. Serious violation 7-42-090.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk masa (purchased from el popo 1854 w 21st st 60608. Phone 312-421-6143), in plastic grocery bag, instructed to provide proper food grade container, or food grade approved baggie/zip-loc. Also observed raw wood storage shelf in rear prep area, instructed to seal.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Observed the following not clean, #10 can opener, cheese slicer, and cutting boards, instructed to clean and sanitize. Also clean interior of front cooler.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Observed floor front prep not clean, instructed to clean.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Observed dusty ceiling vent rear, and water damaged ceiling tiles also in rear, instructed to clean vent and replace tiles.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Found pots and food containers not stored properly.(must store inverted)

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at storage areas.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Found missing light and light shield inside walk in cooler.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Foodhandlers at premises with no foodhandler training certificate.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Must label prepackaged desserts properly with info given.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace damaged floor tiles in dining area.must clean food debri build up from floor drains in prep area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace missing wall outlet covers under service counter,missing and loose wall bases in prep area and storage area near mopsink,torn screen on rear screen door,missing ceiling tile over reach in cooler in prep area.must seal openings around pipes and wires leading into walls and ceilings.must scrape and paint peeling paint on walls in dining ,men's and prep areas.must clean dead insects from light shields in prep area.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Must remove compressor unit equipment from dining area.