Taqueria Atotonilco #2

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Unable to locate thermometers inside equipment.instructed to provide thermometers for coolers thoughout rear and front prep area. Must maintain

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observdd stored equipment in rear storage space with dried food debris accumulated on exterior surfaces. Instructed to clean prior to storing.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed heavy grease and food debris on floors throughout front prep area, rear prep, walk in coolers and all storage spaces underneath equipment. Instructed to clean and maintain in order to prevent pest harborage.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b) observed 2-door upright beverage cooler used to store sauces missing internal ambient air thermometer. Instructed to provide at least one internal ambient air thermometer in a conspicuous and easily viewable location in all equipment used to cold-hold tcs food items and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: 3-307.11 observed clean linens in original packaging stored in the same container in contact with dry food (chiles) in the rear storage area. Instructed to separate clean linen packaging and dry food to prevent contamination and maintain.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-903.11 (a; b;d) observed clean equipment stored directly on the floor beneath shelves in the rear warewashing area. Observed single-service articles (styrofoam cups) in original packaging stored directly on the floor of the rear storage hallway. Instructed to relocate equipment and single-service articles and maintain all clean equipment and single-service articles at least 6 inches above the floor.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-205.15 observed drain plugs at the 3-compartment sink in poor repair, but functional. Instructed to repair or replace drain plugs at the 3-compartment sink for filling basins during warewashing and maintain all plumbing fixtures in good repair.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.115 observed rear outdoor waste storage area (behind fences outside of exterior door) to be cluttered with litter and other debris. Instructed to remove excess clutter and debris from rear outdoor waste storage area and maintain waste enclosures free from clutter.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed wall behing cooking equipment at the main cook line to be soiled with grease and dust debris. Instructed to clean walls and floors behind and beneath equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of soil and maintain.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed 2-door upright beverage cooler used to store sauces missing internal ambient air thermometer. Instructed to provide at least one internal ambient air thermometer in a conspicuous and easily-viewable location in all equipment used to cold-hold tcs food items and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed clean linens in original packaging stored in same container in contact with dry food (chiles) in the rear storage area. Instructed to separate clean linen packaging and dry food to prevent contamination and maintain.

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed clean equipment stored directly on the floor beneath shelves in the rear warewashing area. Observed single-service articles (styrofoam cups) in original packaging stored directly on the floor of the rear storage hallway. Instructed to relocate equipment and single-service articles and maintain all clean equipment and single-service articles at least 6 inches above the floor.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed drain plugs at the 3-compartment sink in poor repair, but functional. Instructed to repair or replace drain plugs at the 3-compartment sink for filling basins during warewashing and maintain all plumbing fixtures in good repair.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed rear outdoor waste storage area (behind fences outside of exterior door) to be cluttered with litter and other debris. Instructed to remove excess clutter and debris from rear outdoor waste storage area and maintain waste enclosures free from clutter.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed wall behing cooking equipment at the main cook line to be soiled with grease and dust debris. Instructed to clean walls and floors behind and beneath equipment at adequate frequency to prevent build up of soil and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violations not corrected from canvass inspection on 2/28/2024 (inspection no. 2590248): #57 2-102.13: observed expired food handler certificates. Instructed to maintain records at all times. #58 2-102.13: observed the city of chicago food certified manager with no proof of allergen training certificate. Instructed all city of chicago certified food managers to obtain this certificate. Observed no food handler certificates on-site at time of inspection. Observed only one valid allergen awareness certificate on-site with multiple city of chicago certified managers present. Instructed to correct and maintain all previous core violations. Priority foundation violation. 7-42-090 citation issued.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers prepping food without hair restraints. Instructed person in charge that all food handlers must wear a hair restraint.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the grill/prep area and rear dry storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed unused equipment stored on floor in the rear dry storage and dish area. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment to prevent pest harborage.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed an accumulation of dirt/debris buildup on the women toilet room exhaust ventilation. Must detail clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the front entry outer door. Must provide a tight-fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed front fruit juice prep area cooler with broken gaskets and tape being used to hold gaskets in place. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the front entry outer door. Must provide a tight-fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed front fruit juice prep area cooler with broken gaskets and tape being used to hold gaskets in place. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust buildup on fan in walk-in coolers, fans in rear prep area, ceiling vents throughout the entire restaurant. Instructed manager to clean and maintain all fans and ceiling vents.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violations not corrected from inspection report #2549921 issued on february 16, 2022. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued. #37-bulk containers in cooler with no labels. #49-mold build up in interior of ice machine.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers in dry storage and walk in cooler to not be labeled with common name of item such as; bulk container of sugar. Instructed person in charge to label all bulk containers with common product name.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed mold build up in interior of ice machine. Instructed person in charge to clean/sanitize and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of meat debris in three door refrigerator, observed build up of grime in walk in cooler.instructed person in charge to clean/sanitize interior and shelving racks of 3-dr refrigerator of meat juices and encrusted food debris on racks and maintain at all times.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive build up on floors and in corners throughout facility. Instructed person in charge to detail clean all following floors and maintain; dining area, front and rear prep, walk in coolers.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed several coolers throughout facility with no thermometer for measuring internal ambient air. Instructed person in charge to obtain thermometer's and place in coolers as needed.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk containers in dry storage and walk in cooler to not be labeled with common name of item such as; bulk container of sugar. Instructed person in charge to label all bulk containers with common product name.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed small gap in rear exterior door in rear of facility. Instructed to make door tight fitting and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed build up of meat debris in three door refrigerator, observed build up of grime in walk in cooler.instructed person in charge to clean/sanitize interior and shelving racks of 3-dr refrigerator of meat juices and encrusted food debris on racks and maintain at all times.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed mold build up in interior of ice machine. Instructed person in charge to clean/sanitize and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive build up on floors and in corners throughout facility. Instructed person in charge to detail clean all following floors and maintain; dining area, front and rear prep, walk in coolers.

Miscellaneous public health order.

Inspector’s note: Observed no written protocol to check employees vaccination status or weekly testing at this time. Instructed person in charge to develop and maintain record on site.

Miscellaneous public health order.

Inspector’s note: Observed no written protocol for checking vaccination status for patrons. Instructed person in charge to develop and maintain record on site.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed an appx. "1/2-3/4" gap along bottom of front double doors and rear door.must make doors tight fitting.

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

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace door gasket in poor repair on front prep cooler in main area.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean interior panel of ice machine.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace low hot water pressure at hand sink in men's toilet room .

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must grout floor in rear storage area and walk in cooler.must repair or replace missing and damaged window ledge tiles in both front prep areas.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace warped light shield in front main prep area.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Found the following previous core violations not corrected from inspection report# 2373479 on june 10, 2020: must provide covered receptacle for women's washroom observed no city certified manager with their allergen training. Instructed manager to comply with the allergen training requirements for all city certified managers or citations will follow priority foundation violation. 7-42-090. Citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide covered receptacle for women's washroom.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Must properly store unused wiping cloths in adequate sanitizing solution when not in use.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean/sanitize interior and shelving racks of 3-dr refrigerator of meat juices and encrusted food debris on racks. Maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Must provide covered receptacle for women's washroom.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning to remove spills and/or debris at the front prep areas and inside the walk in coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Instructed manager to properly label prepared food items inside the reach in cooler(salsa) with the date made or use by date.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean the interior walls inside the walk in cooler and the inside of the reach in meat cooler to remove debris and/or splatters.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Noted a leaky pipe underneath the rear 3 comp sink and leaks at the faucet. Also noted a leak at the base of the faucet at the exposed hand sink at the smoothie station. Must repair and maintain all plumbing.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning to remove spills and/or debris at the front prep areas and inside the walk in coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed potentially hazardous foods without proper labels in walk in cooler. Must label all potentially hazardous foods with name and date when stored for more than 24 hours. Must maintain same.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 4 drawer cooler in disrepair in front prep area. Drawers do not properly close/damaged gaskets, duct tape used as a means of repair, etc. Instructed must repair unit to allow drawers to properly close. Duct tape must be removed. Must maintain same.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed small amounts of black, slimy, mold-like substance inside lower interior of ice machine. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive dust build up on ceiling tiles in front of hood over cook line, and on ceiling vent cover in women's restroom. Must detail clean and sanitize ceilings. Must maintain same.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of ice machine, lettuce and pepper bulk containers in walk-in cooler, beverage machines and drip trays, prep tables, cooking equipment, coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas, behind chest freezer in rear prep areas, in water heater room, etc.

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

Inspector’s note: Tighten loose faucets on exposed sinks in taqueria and rear prep area. Repair leaking faucet on exposed sink in taqueria. Repair leaking faucet on rear 3-compartment sink. Extend walk-in cooler waste line to floor drain.

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

Inspector’s note: Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding.

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

Inspector’s note: All food handlers must wear proper hair restraints.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution at the required ppm.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed live roach crawling on floor in water heater room, over 20 flying insects in front prep areas, water heater room, rear dish washing and storage areas. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Serious violation 7-38-020

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of ice machine, lettuce and pepper bulk containers in walk-in cooler, beverage machines and drip trays, prep tables, cooking equipment, coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors along walls and in all corners in prep and storage areas, behind chest freezer in rear prep areas, in water heater room, etc.

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

Inspector’s note: Tighten loose faucets on exposed sinks in taqueria and rear prep area. Repair leaking faucet on rear 3-compartment sink. Extend walk-in cooler waste line to floor drain.

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

Inspector’s note: Store mop head upright to prevent insect breeding.

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

Inspector’s note: All food handlers must wear proper hair restraints.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution at the required ppm.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed black, mold like substance on interior surfaces of ice machine. Instructed manager to clean and sanitize ice machine. Serious violation 7-38-005a

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 40 mice droppings inside large bulk container lids a live roach crawling on container lid stored on shelving unit along west wall in rear storage area. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Serious violation 7-38-020

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No food sanitation manager on duty or valid certificate posted. A certified manager must be on site at all times potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served and valid certificate must be posted. Serious violation 7-38-012a

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers in prep and storage areas.

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

Inspector’s note: Invert all single service articles and utensils to protect from contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Defrost interior of prep cooler in juice prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Grout loose floor tiles in rear prep and storage areas.

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

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

Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged light shield in taqueria prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking drainpipes under exposed sinks in front prep areas.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Provide thermometer in reach-in cooler near washrooms.

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

Inspector’s note: Elevate all stock off floor in walk-in coolers.

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

Inspector’s note: All food handlers must wear hair restraints.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean/sanitize interior of all meat refrigeration coolers of meat juices. Clean shelves in walk-in cooler of food debris.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors at front hot line and rear meat prep area of food debris.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean vents at ceiling in front of heavy dust build-up, and vents at ceiling in washrooms also with heavy dust build-up.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean the interior sides of the ice machine. Also clean the exterior doors of the coolers to remove food debris.

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

Inspector’s note: Floors need grouting in the rear storage area to prevent breeding grounds for flies. Also floors need cleaning in the front prep area around equipment to remove spills and debris.

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

Inspector’s note: Noted light shields in the front dining room not clean. Must clean and maintain.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Instructed manager to comply with the idph food handler requirments.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty storage shelf under front grill area, instructed to remove rust. Observed foil on the front juice bar cooler interior, instructed to remove.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed floor under the front grill area 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 front dining room ceiling tiles and ceiling vents dusty/not clean, instructed to clean/remove dust. Observed front dining area ceiling light shields not clean, instructed to clean.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed two lights ont in the front dining area, instructed to replace.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to remove rust from 3 door cooler storage shelves.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean the interior of the rear 3 door cooler, and rear meat cooler storage shelves.

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

Inspector’s note: Need to clean rear meat cooler walls, also clean ceiling in produce cooler.

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

Inspector’s note: Counter tops in need of repair where tiles are broken/missing. Must repair, replace all tiles. All contact surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: Cutting boards in need of replacing where worn and stained. Must correct and maintain at all times. Cooking equipment in need of cleaning at front prep area to remove all grease 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: Floors in need of cleaning to remove all grease and food debris at front prep area. 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: Walls at front juice area in need of cleaning to remove all splatter. Ceilings with large amounts of dust build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Lights in rear area in need of cleaning to remove all grease build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Air vents in walk in cooler and above cooking equipment in need of cleaning to remove all dust build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

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

Inspector’s note: Interior/exterior of ice machine not maintained, lime build-up. Clean same and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Interior bottoms of coolers not clean, debris, spills. Clean same and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Floor tiles cracked/missing at juice prep area. Instd to repair same.

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

Inspector’s note: Mens toilet room door not clean. Clean and paint same.

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

Inspector’s note: Leak at faucet at front exposed handsink and also at pipe under rear exposed handsink. Instd to repair same.

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

Inspector’s note: Food handler at juice prep area not wearing hair restraint. Must do so.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.UPON INSPECTION NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED,( STEAK,PORK,RICE,BEANS,ETC). SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED

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

Inspector’s note: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers.MUST LABEL/DATE ALL FOODS PREPPED/COOKED IN COOLERS FIFO

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. MUST INSTALL PAPER TOWEL HOLDER DEVICE AT EXPOSE SINK IN PREP AREA-JUICE,COOKING.

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

Inspector’s note: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL/DATE ALL MEAT,FOODS PREPPED,COOKED IN COOLERS-FIFO.

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. MUST INSTALL PAPER TOWEL HOLDER DEVICE AT EXPOSE SINKS IN PREP AREAS-JUICE,COOKING.

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.FOUND UNCLEAN DRY STORAGE LIDS ON STORAGE RACKS NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN.