CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at EL TACO EXPRESS in an inspection dated 04/11/2023.
The facility operates from 8548 S STONY ISLAND AVE in Stony Island Park, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 8 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.
The first violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Management, Food Employee and Conditional Employee. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The second violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Knowledge, Responsibilities and Reporting - Comments: Observed No Signed Employees Health Policies.must Provide and Maintain.(priority Foundation 7-38-010). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The third violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Procedures for Responding to Vomiting and Diarrheal Events - Comments: Observed No Clean-up Policy Procedure and Items for Vomiting and Diarrhea Must Provide and Maintain.(priority Foundation 7-38-005). 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The fourth violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed No Soap at Hand Sink in Toilet Room Must Provide and Maintain.(priority Foundation 7-38-030(c). 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 fifth violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed No Hand Washing Signs at Hand Sinks in Prep & Toilet Room Must Provide and Maintain.. 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 sixth violation concerned storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Proper Date Marking and Disposition - Comments: Observed No Date Markings on Tcs Ready to Eat Foods Stored Inside of Reach in & Prep Cooler.must Label and Maintain.(priority Foundation 7-38-005). Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
The seventh violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Proper Cooling Methods Used. Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.
The eighth violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: Adequate Equipment for Temperature C. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.
Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/11/2023 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.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED FLY STRIP HANGING NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE FLY STRIP FROM PREP AREA.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.; APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED THREE PACKS OF GROUND BEEF IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER INSIDE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY THAW FOOD UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER, REFRIGERATION OR PART OF COOKING PROCESS.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL STOCK SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBIRS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, HOLDING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE REFCEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA NOT MAINTAINED, WASTE GREASE DUMPSTER NOT COVERED, GREASE SPILLS ON TOP OF DUMSPER AND GROUND AROUND DUMSPTERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN OUTSIDE WASTE GREASE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVERS MISSING IN PEP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.; MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010); PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005); ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-301.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010); PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP & TOILET ROOM MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF REACH IN & PREP COOLER.MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005); PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNITS NOT OPERABLE AT THIS TIME,ELECTRICITY KEEPS KICKING OUT POWER NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN 135.0F FOR HOT HOLDING UNITS.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-005); FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 125 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FLOOR AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,UNDER AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE,BEHIND LARGE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,IN TOILET ROOM BEHIND DOOR,ON FLOOR SCATTERED IN BETWEEN ARTICLES ON FLOOR IN FURNANCE ROOM,ON BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ABOVE DISH MACHINE,ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH FOOD & CHEMICAL STORAGE SHELVES.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/11/23.(PRIORITY 7-38-020(A); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF REAR DOOR AND IN LEFT CORNER OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON OVERHEAD DISH STORAGE SHELVES.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE BEHIND DISH MACHINE.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN UNISEX TOILET ROOM.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR THAT LEADS TO PREP AREA.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS,TRASH AND TALL WEEDS OUTSIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST REMOVE AND CLEAN AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM FOR HANGING MOPS TO DRY.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FURNACE ROOM.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REMOVE WATER FROM FLOOR BEHIND DISH MACHINE AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND KEEP DRY.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST STORE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN..
Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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