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Bakery · Chicago, IL

El Nopal Bakery

3648 W 26th St

Last inspected Sep 25, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Complaint

Sep 25, 2026

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN WASHROOM, PREP, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Thermometers provided & accurate

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

Food properly labeled; original container

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH NAME, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS, ETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED ITEMS DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

Insects, rodents, & animals not present

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND NO SCREEN ON OPEN REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR FRONT DOOR AND PROVIDE SCREEN FOR REAR DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NUMEROUS OPEN PASTRIES DISPLAYED FOR SALE ON FRONT COUNTER, UNCOVERED AND NOT PROTECTED FROM DUST, DIRT, FLIES AND CONSUMERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY PROTECT ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION. FOOD ON DISPLAY SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY THE USE OF PACKAGING, DISPLAY CASES OR OTHER EFFECTIVE MEANS. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FAUCET NOT REACHING ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONGER FAUCET TO REACH ALL COMPARTMENTS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILES, BASEBOARDS AND STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

All food employees have food handler training

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 25, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 16, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT IN BAKERY PREP AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE STORING TCS FOODS (EGGS, BUTTER, MILK). TEMPERATURE READING @ 61F, INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND REPAIR UNIT TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT CONTAINING EGGS AND MILK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 DOZEN EGGS, 40 LBS BUTTER, AND A GALLON OF MILK STORED INSIDE 3 3-DOOR COOLING UNITS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 57-62F. INSTRUCTED TO STORE COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. THE PERSON IN CHARGE IS VOLUNATARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. COST $280. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETERS OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MISSING THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN THE BAKERY PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL USED TO MEND PIPING, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WATER-DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS WELL AS BAKERY PREP THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS IN BAKERY PREP AND INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 16, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 7, 2024

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING, AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETERS OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MISSING THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN THE BAKERY PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

NO (ALLERGEN)LABELS ON PREPACKAGED DESSERT ITEMS LOCATED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 SMALL MOUSE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES... INSIDE WATER HEATING ROOM ON FLOOR AROUND EQUIPMENT, BEHIND 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO MIXERS, SCATTERED REAR PREP AREA SHELVING ON TOP OF CUTTING BOARDS, IN REAR PREP AREA STORAGE ON FLOOR ON ROLLING CARTS AND FRONT PREP AREA COUNTERTOP. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 13 SMALL AND LARGE LIVE BLACK FLIES THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BAKERY DISPLAY CASES, PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT, AND ON TOP OF EXTERIOR SURFACES OF MIXING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SAID AREAS, CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE AND ELIMINATE ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE OPERATING.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WATER-DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS WELL AS BAKERY PREP THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS IN BAKERY PREP AND INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE/ SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR REVIEW DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT CONTAINING EGGS AND MILK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL USED TO MEND PIPING, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 7, 2024 · Original Source

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