Food Safety Report: El Taconazo Express, 3129 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, Il, USA.

Chicago, 60647 Illinois, United States

Report date: May 23, 2025
22. Proper cold holding temperatures
- comments: noted internal temperatures of the following time/temperature control for safety food items in cold holding unit in prep to be improper: breaded chicken breast 48. 7f, picadillo 47. 9f, asada steak cut 48. 8f, carnitas 48. 5f, rice 47. 4f, pork chop 49. 4f, eggs at 48. 7f, and prepared chicken taco meat 50. 2f. Manager immediately and voluntarily discarded approximately 25 lbs of affected products, valued at $295. 00, utilizing a denaturing process to prevent consumption. Priority violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

33. Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
- comments: noted improper cold-hold temperature of 50. 8f in prep area. Informed all refrigerator units shall maintain a proper temperature of 41f and below. Refrigerator unit must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of public health (cdph). Priority violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the prep and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving that is 6" off the floor and provides floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed torn door gasket inside of the walk in cooler, and reach in coolers. Instructed to replace

49. Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
- comments: must not use cardboard, tinfoil, or plastic wrap for liner on any shelving or equipment. All must be smooth and cleanable. Instructed to remove, must be smooth and cleanable.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed grease buildup, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, dish washing, storage 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.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed chipped paint on the walls in the toilet rooms. Instructed to resurface and repaint chipped areas to ensure walls are sealed, smooth and easily cleanable.

Source: chicago.gov