Cta Chicago Taco Authority

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk dry food containers in the rear dry storage area not labeled with the common name of the food stored. Instructed to label all bulk dry food containers with the common name of the food and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths used to wipe spills stored in still water without chemical sanitizer solution. Instructed to maintain wiping cloths used to wipe spills in a chemical sanitizer solution of adequate when not in use.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed compressors of all cold-holding units in the front prep area heavily soiled with dust and other debris. Instructed to clean exposed compressors and other nonfood-contact surfaces of cold-holding equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of dust and other debris and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed floor tiles in the rear kitchen area (near the rear door leading to the dry storage room) in poor repair, severely damaged or missing. Instructed to repair or replace rear kitchen area floor tiles and maintain all physical facilities in good repair.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed lighting in the men's and women's washrooms to be insufficient in intensity. Instructed to repair or replace light fixtures in washrooms to provide lighting of adequate intensity for these areas and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the rear exit door not completely rodent proofed as required. Instructed the person in charge to completely rodent proof door by sealing 1/4 gap at the bottom of the door and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: The men's washroom door lacks a self-closing door device. Management instructed to install and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: The floor tiles in the rear storage room are broken or missing. Management instructed to replace.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: One of the lights in the rear dish washing area is not working. Management instructed to replace non-working lights.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed a missing and cracked light shield in the rear dish washing area. Management instructed to replace missing and cracked light shields.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-501.11--observed a torn door gasket inside of the 4 door prep cooler at front prep area. Instructed to replace the torn door gaskets and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a torn door gasket inside of the 4 door prep cooler at front prep area. Instructed to replace the torn door gaskets and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violations not corrected from inspection report# 2521762 dated:06/22/2021 #10--instructed to provide handwashing signage at all handsink (prep, dishwashing area, washrooms). #36--instructed to provide thermometer visible inside all coolers. #37--instructed to provide proper label for food storage containers identified with common name (rice, beans salt etc). #49--instructed to clean and maintain interior surfaces of ice machine with minimal calcium build-up. #55--instructed to clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in rear hallway storage area. Must reorganize. #56--instructed to replace missing lightshield above ice machine in rear dishwashing area. Instructed to correct noted violations and maintain by 6/17/2022. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090,citation issued.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide thermometer visible inside all coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provvide proper label for food storage containers identified with common name (rice, beans salt etc).

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain interior surfaces of ice machine with minimal calcium build-up.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in rear hallway storage area. Must reorganize.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace missing lightshield above ice machine in rear dishwashing area.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Deep fryer lower compartment with grease accumulated. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Peeling paint on the floor throughout the kitchen cook area and prep area. Instructed to scrape peeling, re paint/re sealed and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floors with dried food debris along the walls and in all corners, behind cooking equipment and under and around coolers and freezers in front prep and in rear dish washing area

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain basement and in rear outside hallway area. Must remove unnecessary articles and clutter. Usable items (food and non food) must be stored 6" off the floor for easy access on cleaning. No milk crates, must use proper raised shelves.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler (s) with no proof of food handler training. Instructed to provide. Information given.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Found interior surfaces of ice machine with visible mold like substances (pink and black slimy substance) severe build-up likely to contaminate the ice which to be used for human consumption. Instructed to empty ice machine. Must clean (wash, rinse and sanitize) and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-005(a)

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to repair ice machine door with missing hinge in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floors with dried food debris along the walls and in all corners, behind cooking equipment and under and around coolers and freezers in front prep and in rear dish washing area

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide thermometer visible and accurate inside all coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain basement and in rear outside hallway area. Must remove unnecessary articles and clutter. Usable items (food and non food) must be stored 6" off the floor for easy access on cleaning. No milk crates, must use proper raised shelves.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler (s) with no proof of food handler training. Instructed to provide. Information given.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean and sanitize ice maker with minimal lime deposit and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Clutter outside the exit door. Old equipment, paper goods, shelves dishes,etc. Instructed to clean the area, organize and discard unnecessary items,articles not being used to prevent rodent/insects harborage.