GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Grocery Store · Chicago, IL

Supermercado El Taxquenito

6309 W Grand Ave

Last inspected Nov 26, 2024 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.

Read Reviews on Google

Out of Business

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Supermercado El Taxquenito has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Nov 26, 2024

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 26, 2024 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Aug 6, 2024

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 6, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Jul 25, 2024

Fail

15 recorded violations

notedCode 9Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY-TO-EAT FOOD TACOS WITH BARE HANDS AND ADD TO CUT TOMATOES IN KITCHEN AT FOOD LINE. ALSO NOTED FOOD HANDLER TOUCH READY TO EAT FOOD CUT ONIONS WITH BARE HANDS AT KITCHEN. FOOD EMPLOYEES’ MAY NOT CONTACT EXPOSED, READY-TO-EAT FOOD WITH THEIR BARE HANDS. MUST USE SUITABLE UTENSILS SUCH AS DELI TISSUE, SPATULAS, TONGS, SINGLE-USE GLOVES, OR DISPENSING EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN WASHROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK MOLD, BROWN SUBSTANCE AND RUST ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. OBSERVED BLACK MOLD ON UPPER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, BROWN SUBSTANCE ON SHIELD AND RUST ON BOTH SIDES OF INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BLACK MOLD, BROWN SUBSTANCE AND RUST FROM INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 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 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 70.2F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. NO FOOD WAS IN WALK-IN COOLER. PRIORITY 7-38-005 NO 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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TWO FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHILE PREPARING FOOD.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

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 ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CLUTTER ABD UNNECESSARY ITEMS THROUGHOUT REAR OF FACILITY. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS A SHELVING IN FRONT DISPLEY PRODUCE COOLER AND REAR OF FACILITY. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE APPROVED SHELVING THAT IS 6INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDE FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED (SUCH AS BEEF). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPPED/SERVED. INSTRUCTED MUST POST A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES.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 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. 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 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FROZEN MEAT THAWING IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR IN THE MICROWAVE AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS COOKING PROCESS.

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 SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA, AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL

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 NO SANITIZER TESTING DEVICES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. 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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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, Jul 25, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Dec 26, 2023

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-501.14: OBSERVED DUSTY CEILING VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUSTY CONDENSOR FAN COVERS IN WALKIN COOLER WITH WHITE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS AND INTERIOR OF HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO MEAT DEPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12: OBSERVED SEASONED SALT AND SALT IN ROUND CLEAR CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD WHEN NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-204.12: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT IT SHALL BE EASILY LOCATED AND SERVICED.

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

6-501.11: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN AREAS SUCH AS IN RETAIL, REAR PREP(NEXT TO MEAT DEPARTMENT), AND PREP AREA BEHIND TAQUERIA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 26, 2023 · Original Source

Complaint

Dec 19, 2023

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT IT SHALL BE EASILY LOCATED AND SERVICED.

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 STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN AREAS SUCH AS IN RETAIL, MEAT DEPARTMENT, REAR PREP(NEXT TO MEAT DEPARTMENT), AND PREP AREA BEHIND TAQUERIA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BLACK MOLD, BROWN SUBSTANCE AND RUST ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. OBSERVED BLACK MOLD ON UPPER INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, BROWN SUBSTANCE ON SHIELD AND RUST ON BOTH SIDES OF INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BLACK MOLD, BROWN SUBSTANCE AND RUST FROM INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SEASONED SALT AND SALT IN ROUND CLEAR CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD WHEN NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER.

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 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS NEXT TO RACK OF LARGE BOTTLED WATER CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE MOUSE ACTIVITY, REMOVE MOUSE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DUSTY WALL VENT COVER IN MEAT DEPARTMENT AND CEILING VENT COVER IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUSTY CONDENSOR FAN COVERS IN WALKIN COOLER WITH WHITE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP ON FILTERS AND INTERIOR OF HOOD IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO MEAT DEPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

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, Dec 19, 2023 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby