ZACATACOS in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/07/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at ZACATACOS in an inspection dated 04/07/2023.

Located at 5925 S PULASKI RD in the Archer Heights area, the establishment serves the local community. The Archer Heights neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed Handwash Soap Dispenser and Paper Towel Dispenser Above Three Compartment Sink. Instructed to Move to Hand Wash Sink.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.

The second violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: Observed Pest Activity with Approximately 20 Small Live Flies Noted During Inspection. Small Fly Activity Was Noted Near the Three Compartment Sink at Juice Bar. Instructed to Consult Pest Control As Additional Services Are Needed to Minimize or Eliminate Activity Prior to Re-inspection. Priority Foundation Violation #7-38-020(a). Citation Issued.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: Contamination Prevented During Food Preparation, Storage & Display - Comments: Observed Bulk Containers and Food Stored on Floor in Basement Storage Area and Walk in Cooler. Instructed Manager to Elevate All Stock Six Inches Off Floor.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

The fourth violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Foil and Plastic Used As Liner on Shelving Units in Prep and Storage Areas.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/07/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.