Taqueria Atotonilco

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

Inspector’s note: Plastic and styrofoam cups submerged in food storage containers and being used as dispensing utensils. Instd to use proper dispensing utensils with handle and store properly (handle above food).

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Improper stoppers for 3-compartment sink at front prep juicing station. Using plastic wrap. Instd to provide proper stoppers and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Cardboard lining underneath floor mats in main prep area. Instd to remove cardboard lining and maintain surface that is easily cleanable

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

Inspector’s note: Large cutting board in front prep area with heavily worn and uneven surface. Instd to replace cutting board and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: Damaged gaskets on bottom of walk in cooler doors in basement. Instd to repair gaksets and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: Large amount of cloths and cardboard being used to elevate cutting boards on prep tables in front prep area. Instd to remove cloths and cardboard and maintain all surfaces, smooth, even and easily cleanable

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: Observed 3-compartment sink stoppers missing/not working at first floor rear prep area. Instructed manager must provide working stoppers at 3-compartment sink.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Noted the interior of the reach in coolers in need of cleaning. Instructed to detail clean.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed three compartment sink with hole at the top center compartment. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed non-functioning ice machine in rear prep area and non-functioning juice machine at front coffee station. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment to prevent pest harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed grease buildup, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, dish washing, storage and basement areas. Instructed manager to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas. 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.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: NOTED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2554837 CONDUCTED ON APRIL 26, 2022. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: 6-301.14: Handwashing Signage OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES. 37 3-302.12: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD. 47 4-202.16: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. 47 4-501.11: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment- Equipment OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKETS ON WALK-IN COOLER DOORS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. 49 4-602.13: Nonfood-CONTACT SURFACES of…

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers not labeled in prep area. Instructed manager to label all bulk containers with common name of food.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

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

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed single service articles and utensils not inverted. Instructed manager to store invert all single service articles and utensils to protect from contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates used as shelving units in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to provide adequate shelving for storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged gaskets on walk-in cooler doors in basement. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed debris and spills on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, shelving units, and sinks. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking drainpipe under hand washing sink in rear prep/dishwashing area. Instructed manager to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed spills on walls in basement prep area and debris on floor along walls and corners in prep, storage and basement utility area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shields in basement prep area. Instructed manager to replace.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: No thermometers in reach in coolers. Instructed to install and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: All bulk food items must be labeled with name of product. Instructed to label and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Washroom in need of lid on garbage can. Instructed to obtain and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected from last inspection march 6, 2019 report #2268977 the city of chicago certified food manager certificate holders have not met the allergen training requirement. Instructed to have all with the certificate to meet the requirements and provide proof. Priority foundation 7-42-090 citation issued

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths in all prep areas not properly stored when not in use. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm) when not in use.

In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Bowls stored in ice machine and being used to dispense ice. Instd to use proper ice dispensing utensils and store properly.

Gloves weren’t used properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed the food handler in the front food preparation area not using gloves to prevent touching ready to eat foods. Instructed pic to instruct food handler to properly use gloves.

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

Inspector’s note: Found the front cutting boards with deep, dark grooves and stains. Instructed to replace or sand to make smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain a smooth and easily cleanable surfaces.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found the hand washing sink in the food/dish washing preparation area leaking from the pipe. Instructed to fix and maintain leak at that sink.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Found the floors in the corners, under/around the ice machine, coolers, cooking equipment, storage racks and sinks with dirt, food and debris. Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors through out.

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

Inspector’s note: Large 30-45 gallon containers being used to store ready to eat lettuce, carrots, and salsa. Instd to use proper food grade containers and able to properly wash, rinse and sanitize.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector’s note: Bowls stored in ice machine and being used to dispense ice. Instd to use proper ice dispensing utensils and store properly.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store properly in santizing solution.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler requirements not met. All food handlers must meet minimum requirements.

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

Inspector’s note: Large 30-45 gallon containers being used to store ready to eat lettuce, carrots, and salsa. Instd to use proper food grade containers and able to properly wash, rinse and sanitize.

Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

Inspector’s note: Bowls stored in ice machine and being used to dispense ice. Instd to use proper ice dispensing utensils and store properly.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths improperly stored. Instd to store properly in santizing solution.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler requirements not met. All food handlers must meet minimum requirements.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed food stored in grocery bags,instructed to provide food grade storage containers, ie. Zip loc, or baggies. Observed rusty front cooler storage racks, also in basement cooler,and storage cooler. Observed broken bulk storage lid in basement prep area, instructed to replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 3 door cooler interior not clean, instructed to clean.also clean and sanitize basement prep tables.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in mens room not clean(urine smell) instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed ceiling vents in dining room, and both restrooms dusty, instructed to clean. Also clean ceiling light shield in mens room, and above the ice machines.

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

Inspector’s note: Rubber gaskets on walk in coolers in basement area in need of repairing or replacing. Gaskets are worn, torn or not on securley. Correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations not corrected from july 9, 2016 report #1516351 insp#317 #40 observed no cooler thermometers, instructed to provide. #45 no food handler certificates on site at time of inspection. Instructed manager to obtain certificates for all employees who handle food. Employees with valid city of chicago certificate are exempt from food handler certificate. Must correct and maintain serious violation 7-42-090

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

Inspector’s note: Rubber gaskets on walk in coolers in basement area in need of repairing or replacing. Gaskets are worn, torn or not on securley. Correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: The fresh squeezed orange juice machine in need of detail cleaning to remove all build up on machine and all the surrounding equipment. Clean interior of both walk in coolers, clean all contact surfaces, reach in cooler door handles, juice sprayer machines, and all reach in coolers. Must clean to remove all food spills and build up. Correct and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors through out in need of cleaning to remove build up under and around all equipment. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Ceiling in basement and front prep area in need of cleaning to remove all food splatter. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Lights in basement prep area and 1st floor rear prep area in need of proper sheilds. Must provide and maintain.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Ice scoop and all food scoops must be stored in clean sanitized containers. Not left in product must correct and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed masa stored in brown grocery bag, instructed to provide proper food grade storage containers, ie. Baggies, butcher paper, etc. Also observed broken bin lid (being held together by duct tape) in basement storage area, instructed to replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the basement prep tables not clean,instructed to clean and sanitize.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the wall behind the rear 3 compartment sink not clean, instructed to clean. Also need to clean all light shields.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Observed no cooler thermometers, instructed to provide.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates on premises at this time, instructed to provide. Given copy of idph's food handler info. At this time.

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

Inspector’s note: Medium and bulk food comtainers not labeled. Located in the kitchen and basement.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean front jet spray machine drip trays, clean and sanitize prep counters.clean 1 burner stove rear prep area.clean bulk containers. Clean interior of front grill, and juice coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: The floors in rear prep and basement storage in need of cleaning to remove all build of debris. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Ceiling in basement prep area in need of cleaning to remove all dust build up. Must clean and maintain at all times

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

Inspector’s note: Found old unused equipment, old unused rubber mat, wood ect. Clutter in the basement store room. Must remove the unnecessary articles and clean and orgnize so no insect or rodent harborage

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

Inspector’s note: Clean inside of the reach in coolers,clean the hood and filters above the stove in back prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors in rear prep and basement storage area. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Found clutter in the basement store room. Must clean and orgnize so no insect or rodent harborage.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed milk creats for front storage shelf need to provide proper storage shelf.basement bulk storage container lid being held together with duct tape need to provide new lid.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean front jet spray machine drip trays, clean and sanitize prep counters.clean 1 burner stove rear prep area.clean bulk containers. Clean interior of front grill, and juice coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floor behind ice machines, remove standing water in basement walk-in coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean ceiling vents (dusty, dining, and restrooms. Need to repair ceiling in dining area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean mens restroom light shield replace broken light shields front prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to repair leaking facuets at front juice bar 3 comp. Sink and rear 3 comp. Sink.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Need to provide thermometers for all coolers, and for taking food temperatures.

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

Inspector’s note: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. NEW CUTTING BOARD NEEDED IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. HANDLE ON WALK IN COOLER IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

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

Inspector’s note: 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. THE INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. ALL JUICE MACHINE NOZZLE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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. FLOORS IN REAR PREP AND BASEMENT STORAGE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD OF DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Use dustless cleaning methods. CEILING IN BASEMENT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. HAND SINK IN 3 COMP SINK AREA IN NEED OF REPAIR. COLD WATER FAUCET STRIPPED. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. ICE UTENSIL MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZED CONTAINER AT ALL TIMES. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CUTTING BOARD AT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPLACING. WORN WITH DEEP CUTS. WOOD SHELF AT FRONT PREP AREA IN NEED OF REPLACING. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

Inspector’s note: 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. INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, MUST REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHTS IN BASEMENT AREA IN NEED OF SHEILDING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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

Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.CLEAN INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS,CLEAN THE HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE STOVE IN BACK PREP AREA.

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

Inspector’s note: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.IN THE MENS WASHROOM SOME WALLS AND THE CEILING HAS GRAFFITTI ALL OVER THEM. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: 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.PROVIDE THERMOMETERS TO ALL REACH IN COOLERS AND WALK IN COOLER.