Taqueria Tayahua

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

Inspector’s note: Must properly label bulk storage containers in the basement with the products/items name.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the interior shelving,wall,ceiling and floors of the basement wic. Also clean the interior of the prep cooler in the front prep station.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observerd broken floor tiles in the dininig and prep areas. Must repair and maintain smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Noted no labels for bulk storage containers in the basement and in walk in freezer. Instructed person in charge all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with contents name.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards in front prep area with open seams and dark stains. Must refinish or replace damaged or stained cutting boards.

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

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

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Noted clutter of equipment and other unused items on floors in storage rooms in basement (broken refrigerator, cardboard boxes, plastic containers) must elevate all items to allow cleaning and remove all unnecessary items.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing ceiling tiles in dry food storage and damaged wooden wall panels. Also noted broken floor tile in dining area near glass door refrigerator. Must repair or replace damaged and missing ceiling and floor tiles and damaged wall.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed burned out light bulb in dry storage area. Instructed to replace and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: 8-404.13(b:4)found continued non- compliance from inspection report # 2577181 conducted on 06/12/2023. The following previous priority foundation violation remains out of compliance: 2-102.13: observed new employees working without proper food handler certification. Instructed to obtain and provide proof of certification on site. 2-102.13: observed no food allergen training on site for the city of chicago food service manager. Informed that all chicago food service managers must obtain and provide on-site along with original chicago food service manager license. Instructed manager to comply. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-090. Citation issued.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Found no metal stem thermometer for taking food temperatures food on site. Instructed manager to provide. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-005. Citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Found approx 5 dead roaches located under front prep 3 comp sink. In1/4 inch crack. Instructed manager to eliminate pest activity and recommended contacting pest control. Priority foundation violation. 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found 1/4 inch gap in wall under 3 comp sink in front prep. Onstructed manager to repair and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Found continued non- compliance from inspection report # 2528464 conducted on 08/24/2021. The following previous core violations were not corrected. 2-102.13: observed new employees working without proper food handler certification. Instructed to obtain and provide proof of certification on site. 2-102.13: observed no food allergen training on site for the city of chicago food service manager. Informed that all chicago food service managers must obtain and provide on-site along with original chicago food service manager license. Instructed manager to comply. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-090. Citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the ice machine in front food service area with some of the protective linning still in place. Instructed to remove to make ease of cleaning equipment.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed foil linnning shelf in front food prep area near grill and flat top, also observed carboard under deep fryer. Instructed to remove as such items could be place for insect harboring.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a build up of oil on rear shelving unit near stove. Instructed to clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed raw exposed wood at the entry way to the rear food service area. Instructed to cover, paint or stain would to make easy to clean.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed all cooking equipment in front food service area and rear food service area with a build up of oil, dirt and food debris under equipment, on the floors near the wall and on sides of equipment. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the front two door prep cooler with a build up of food debris inside. Observed the two door refrigerator in rear food service area gasket seal broken and a build up of food debris. Instructed to repair, clean and sanitize and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate back flow device on ice machine in front food service area. Instructed to locate device. If not there instructed to provide.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed rear hand washing sink coming loose from the wall (working hot and cold water) instructed to repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the walls and floors in front and rear food service area with a build up of dirt, grease and food debris. Instructed to clean, and maintain all areas as a means of preventing possible harboring of insects and pest.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed hood vents in front and rear food service area with a build up of grease on units. Instructed to clean and maintain as a means of preventing any possible contamination of food cooked.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed wiping clothes on prep tables front and rear, instructed to provide proper container of sanitized solution.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed box freezer in basement with excessive ice. Instructed to defrost and clean.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no cover for the ladies restroom receptacle, instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the ceiling light shield not clean rear prep area, also need to clean ceiling fan blades. Instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers with common food names when food has been remove from original packaging. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide ingredient and consume by labels on flan stored in the 2-door beverage cooler adjacent to the seating area, instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 40 rodent droppings in different areas throughout the premises; rear storage room, under stairs and along wall-base throughout basement. Instructed to remove droppings. Clean and sanitize the affected area, and contact pest control for service. 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: Must clean lower shelves on prep tables in front & rear prep areas. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair rust on storage racks in 2-door reach in cooler in rear prep. Surface must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed to maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Must install back-flow prevention device device on ice machine. Instructed to maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean floors throughout premises; front & rear prep, also throughout the basement. Instructed to maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention device at ice machine waterline. Must provide.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Found foodhandler at premises with no foodhandler training certificate. Must provide.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: Found evidence of rats at premises. Observed 10 rat droppings at rear storage areas. Rear exit door bottom not rodent proofed(1x1/2 inch gap). Also, found holes in walls that lead to outside at rear storage areas. Serious violation. 7-38-020. Holes must be sealed at walls at rear storage areas, exit door bottom must be rodent proofed, rats/evidence of rats must be eliminated, and pest control must be notified.

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

Inspector’s note: Found wall /ceiling behind cooler at bar areas torn due to fire. Must repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Found no backflow prevention device at ice machine waterline. Must provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Found excessive clutter at rear storage area.(wood, old equipment,etc.) must remove all clutter from rear storage/clean and organize.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Found foodhandler at premises with no foodhandler training certificate. Must provide.

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

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

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean the interior of the 1 door prep cooler, interior of freezers, dry storage cabinets in the rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed broken floor tiles in the food prep areas and in the dining area. Management instructed to replace all broken floor tiles.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide a visible thermometer inside of all coolers.

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

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

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

Inspector’s note: Detail clean the interior of the 1 door prep cooler, interior of freezers, dry storage cabinets in the rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed broken floor tiles in the food prep areas and in the dining area. Management instructed to replace all broken floor tiles.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair the leak at the drain line of the exposed handwashing sink in the front prep area.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide a visible thermometer inside of all coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty cooler racks in the kitchens 2 door cooler, instructed to remove rust/or replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of cabinet in kitchen and oven stoves 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 the kitchen ceiling fan dusty, instructed to clean. Also clean kitchen light shields.

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers on shelves in rear prep and bar areas, under bar 3-comparment sink, etc.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove tape and replace damaged gaskets on prep cooler doors in front prep area. Remove ice buildup inside refrigerator in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of ice machine, prep cooler, condiment containers, tables under grill in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under shelves, between prep coolers and steam tables, along walls and in all corners in front and rear prep areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean walls and baseboards in front prep area. Repair ceiling leak and seal all openings in ceiling in basement dry storage/paper good storage area. Replace missing and damaged wall tiles and baseboards in washroom and hallway areas. Seal all openings along wall bases in prep areas to prevent pest harborage.

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

Inspector’s note: Provide adequate stoppers and repair leaking faucet on front bar 3-compartment sink. Repair leak under exposed sinks in front and rear prep areas. Secure loose exposed sink in rear prep area. Repair leaking water line behind ice machine. Install back flow device on ice machine.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Provide thermometers in all coolers and metal stem thermometers for internal temperatures.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove unused equipment and articles in basement storage areas to prevent pest harborage. Remove bulk sugar containers off floor under front 3-comparmtent sink.

Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

Inspector’s note: No chemical sanitizer test kit available during inspection. Instructed manager to provide sanitizer test kit to properly test sanitizer concentration. Serious violation 7-38-030

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations not corrected from report #1546499 on 5-28-15: 45-no food handler certificates available . Instructed to provide. 32-remove grocery bags and properly store food in food storage bags or containers in coolers and freezers. 34-replace damaged floor tiles in front prep area. 35-seal openings along baseboards under 3-compartment sink in rear prep area. 38-repair leaking drainpipe under 3-compartment sink. 41-elevate all stock off floor in storage areas. 43-store wash cloths in sanitizing solution. Serious violation 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers on shelves in rear prep and bar areas, under bar 3-comparment sink, etc.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove tape and replace damaged gaskets on prep cooler doors in front prep area. Remove ice buildup inside refrigerator in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of ice machine, prep cooler, condiment containers, tables under grill in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under shelves, between prep coolers and steam tables, along walls and in all corners in front and rear prep areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean walls and baseboards in front prep area. Repair ceiling leak and seal all openings in ceiling in basement dry storage/paper good storage area. Replace missing and damaged wall tiles and baseboards in washroom and hallway areas. Seal all openings along wall bases in prep areas to prevent pest harborage.

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

Inspector’s note: Provide adequate stoppers and repair leaking faucet on front bar 3-compartment sink. Repair leak under exposed sinks in front and rear prep areas. Secure loose exposed sink in rear prep area. Repair leaking water line behind ice machine. Install back flow device on ice machine.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Provide thermometers in all coolers and metal stem thermometers for internal temperatures.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove unused equipment and articles in basement storage areas to prevent pest harborage. Remove bulk sugar containers off floor under front 3-comparmtent sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove grocery bags and properly store food in food storage bags or containers in coolers and freezers.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged floor tiles in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Seal openings along baseboards under 3-compartment sink in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking drainpipe under 3-compartment sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding. Elevate all stock off floor in storage areas.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: No food handler certificates available. Instructed manager to provide.

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: 3-compartment sink not maintained drainpipe leaking in basement when sink in use. Instructed manager to repair/replace leaking drainpipe. Serious violation 7-38-030.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove grocery bags and properly store food in food storage bags or containers in coolers and freezers.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged floor tiles in front prep area. Clean floors in basement.

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

Inspector’s note: Seal openings along baseboards under 3-compartment sink in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged light shields in front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding. Elevate all stock off floor in storage areas.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: No food handler certificates available. Instructed manager to provide.

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

Inspector’s note: All bulk food containers in the dry storage room must be labeled to identify foods stored.

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

Inspector’s note: Interiors of coolers and freezers and shelvings behind front service counters requires a detail cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Light bulbs above the bulk food containers in the basement dry storage must be shielded or provide shatter-proof lighting.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide and maintain visible thermometers for all coolers,freezers.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Replace broken ice dispensing utensil for the ice machine.

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation(s) not corrected from inspection report#1151468 dated:07/22/2013. 34 replace broken floor tiles front prep area. Remove standing water from ladies room floor. 10/22/2013 35 need to repair wall in ladies room.repair ceiling in rear prep area. 10/22/2013 38 premises has a sprayer only at 3 comp. Sink instructed to add nozzle that can reach all 3 compartments.kitchen handsink leaking into a bucket instructed to repair. 10/22/2013 instructed manager to correct noted violations by 6/23/14. Serious violation 7-42-090.

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

Inspector’s note: All bulk food containers in the dry storage room must be labeled to identify foods stored.

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

Inspector’s note: Interiors of coolers and freezers and shelvings behind front service counters requires a detail cleaning.

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

Inspector’s note: Light bulbs above the bulk food containers in the basement dry storage must be shielded or provide shatter-proof lighting.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Must provide and maintain visible thermometers for all coolers,freezers.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Replace broken ice dispensing utensil for the ice machine.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean rear stove top.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace broken floor tiles front prep area. Remove standing water from ladies room floor.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to repair wall in ladies room.repair ceiling in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Premises has a sprayer only at 3 comp. Sink instructed to add nozzle that can reach all 3 compartments.kitchen handsink leaking into a bucket instructed to repair.

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

Inspector’s note: The knives and cleaver are stored in dirty, food encrusted areas; wash, rinse and sanitize the knives and holders and maintain daily.

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

Inspector’s note: The small white refrigerator is iced up and the sides of the cooking equipment are greasy, clean all food and non-food equipment in detail. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage.

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

Inspector’s note: The floors and baseboards are greasy and have food buildup, clean and maintain the floors from corner to corner on a daily basis. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.

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

Inspector’s note: The kitchen light shield is missing and the front grill shields do not fit together, replace or repiar the cooking area light shields. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Provide an accurate and easy to read thermometer in the front prep area lowboy cooler. All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.

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

Inspector’s note: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. CLEAN THE HOOD IN OVER THE GRILL IN THE FRONT PREP AREA HAS GREASE BUILDUP. DEFROST AND CLEAN THE REACH IN FREEZERS IN THE BASEMENT HAS ICE BUILDUP.

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

Inspector’s note: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE EAST ROOM IN THE BASEMENT AND CLEAN UNDER THE GRILL IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AND REPLACE THE MISSING TILES UNDER GRILL AND THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

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

Inspector’s note: Use dustless cleaning methods. CLEAN THE NORTH WALL 1ST FLOOR FRONT PREP AREA HAS GREASE AND DIRT ON IT.

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

Inspector’s note: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. CLEAN THE LIGHT SHIELDS OVER THE BULBS ABOVE THE GRILL IN THE FRONT AREA.

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

Inspector’s note: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FAUCET AT THE FRONT PREP AREA WATER GOES ALL OVER WHEN FAUCET IS ON.

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

Inspector’s note: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors CLUTTER IN THE EAST ROOM IN THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CLUTTER AND CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT OR RODENT HARBORAGE. ALSO REMOVE THE CARDBOARD BOXES BY THE BACK DOOR.