TAQUERIA EL MALECON in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/10/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at TAQUERIA EL MALECON in an inspection dated 04/10/2023.

Situated at 2817 W IRVING PARK RD, the establishment is part of Irving Park's active food service sector. The Irving Park area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 7 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw/undercooked Food - Comments: Found Incomplete Consumer Advisory Disclosure and Reminder Statement on the Menu. Management Instructed to Disclose Which Foods Can Be Ordered "raw" or Under Cooked and Link Those Foods with an Asterisk (*) to a Reminder Statement That States That Eating Raw or Under Cooked Foods Can Increase Your Risk of Food Borne Illness. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-005. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The second violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: Thermometers Provided & Accurate - Comments: Instructed to Provide Thermometer Visible Inside All Coolers (prep Cooler, Reach-in Cooler, Walk-in Cooler). 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

The third violation involved food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Properly Labeled. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.

The fourth violation concerned management certification. Inspectors documented: Original Container - Comments: Instructed to Label All Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name (rice, Beans, Spices Etc). The FDA Food Code mandates that at least one employee with supervisory responsibility be a certified food protection manager to ensure active managerial control. For more information, see FDA certified food protection manager requirements. Improper food handling by untrained staff increases illness risk.

The fifth violation concerned pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: Instructed to Rodent Proofed Bottom of Front and Rear Exit Door.. 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 sixth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Garbage & Refuse Properly Disposed. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The seventh violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Facilities Maintained - Comments: Instructed to Clean and Maintain Rear Outside Garbage Area. Noted Dried Leaves Under an. 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.

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 04/10/2023 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.