Food Safety Report: taqueria tierra caliente, 3312-3314 W North Ave, Chicago, Il, USA.

3312 West North Avenue, Chicago, 60647 Illinois, United States

Report date: Sep 17, 2025
16. Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
- comments: observed the ice bin interior in need of cleaning. Instructed to remove ice, clean, and maintain at all times.

22. Proper cold holding temperatures
- comments: noted internal temperatures of the following time/temperature control for safety food items inside the cold holding unit in prep area and reach in cooler to be improper: chicken ranging from 55. 6f-61. 0f, eggs at 62. 6f, beef at 56. 8f, diced tomatoes at55. 3f, sopes 52. 3f, salsa at 55. 7f, hot dogs 61. 6f, sour cream at 57. 9f, cheese at 61. 9f, pork meat at 59. 9f, chili relleno at 54. 3f, and ham at 55. 9f manager immediately and voluntarily disposed of 35 lbs of products worth $1250. 00 through the denaturing process. Priority violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

33. Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
- comments: noted temperature of 2-door reach in prep cooler to be improper at 55. 6f. Instructed not to use until equipment is maintaining proper temperature of 41�f and below. Refrigerator unit must not be used until reinspected by the chicago department of public health (cdph). Priority violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

37. Food properly labeled; original container
- comments: observed food storage containers without labels containing the common name of foods. Instructed to provide.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: noted electric fly trap on prep table in front & rear prep area behind counter. According to food code: insect control devices shall be installed so that the devices are not located over a food preparation area. Must relocate existing fly trap devices in direct violation of this rule.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the rear exit door. Must provide a tight fitting seal at all outer openings to prevent the entry of pests.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed excessive amount of dead flies on cold holding unit and prep tables, instructed to remove all dead flies and clean and sanitize said areas

39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- comments: observed sealed bags of cat litter, dog food and dog snacks on top of food prep equipment in rear, instructed remove and maintain area.

39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- comments: observed food containers stored on the floor in rear of dining area instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed hard plastic used as liner in reach in coolers. Instructed to remove.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed frozen chicken stored in clear garbage bags in the chest freezer and reach in coolers. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed 3-compartment sink stoppers missing for all compartments. Instructed manager must provide working stoppers at 3-compartment sink.

49. Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
- comments: observed grease buildup on cooking equipment, walls, surrounding floors and shelving units in the kitchen/prep areas. Instructed to degrease, clean and sanitize.

51. Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- comments: observed no backflow preventer device on the utility sink in rear of facility instructed to install to ensure device can be located, serviced, and maintained.

51. Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- comments: observed utility sink faucet detached, pic re-attached faucet however water spraying to the side. Instructed to repair and maintain.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed facility storing maintenance tools with food storage instreucted to remove all maintenance tools and store them seperate than food products

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: must clean debris build up from floor & drains under,around,along wall bases in dry food & paper storage area.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed water-stained ceiling tiles at the dining rom / storage area. Instructed to repair, replace missing panels and/or replace the stained ceiling tiles.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed clutter(truck tires, toolboxes, drills) stored on floor adjacent to utility sink in rear area. Clutter throughout entire facility broken unused equipment being used to store broken equipment. Instructed manager to remove all unused articles and equipment to prevent pest harborage.

56. Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
- comments: observed an excessive amount of grease in exhaust system, with grease dripping into plastic bucket hanging off the left side of exhaust system, instructed to clean and maintain

58. Allergen training as required
- comments: observed the city of chicago food certified manager with no proof of allergen training certificate. Instructed all city of chicago certified food managers obtain this certificate.

60. Previous core violation corrected
- comments: noted continued non-compliance from report #2604693 conducted on 10/16/2024 #55 6-501. 114: **c** maintaining premises, unnecessary items and litter observed second prep area not in use. Observed unused cooking equipment improperly stored. Remove unecessary equipment, and store all remaining equipment at least 6 inches above floor and away from walls. #57 2-102. 13: **c** food handler training (pa 100-0367 food handling regulation enforcement act) observed 2 new employees in need of food handler training. Must provide and maintain training for new employees for a maximum of 30 days after being hired. Must correct core violations by the date on the report. Priority foundation violation #7-42-090. Citation issued.

Source: chicago.gov