CHICAGO, IL - BIRRIERIA OCOTLAN received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/12/2023.
Located at 8726 S COMMERCIAL AVE in the South Chicago area, the establishment serves the local community. The South Chicago neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 06-202.16 Observed back door open in rear prep area with door open and magnetic screen not tight fitting. Instructed to enclose in order to prevent pest entry.. 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 second violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11 MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT.. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.
The third violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.14 OBSERVED CUSTOMERS USING TOILET ROOM AND LINED UP AGAINST WALL THAT IS ADJACENT TO REAR PREP AREA A BARRIER IS NEEDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM CUSTOMERS AND KEEP THEM FROM WALKING INTO PREP AREA.. 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. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.
The fourth violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: 4-901.12 Observed air drying wiping cloths stored throughout all prep areas. Instructed to store in sanitizing water 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The fifth violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11 Observed plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food. 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.
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 04/12/2023 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: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING SALSA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS IN FIRST FLOOR COOLERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY LEADING TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CUP USED FOR DISPENSING SALSA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR STORING FOOD ITEMS IN FIRST FLOOR COOLERS AND BASEMENT FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIAING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF BASMENT CHEST FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE IN BASEMENT WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ALONG STAIRWAY TO BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROOPERLY LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS NOT COVERED IN COOLERS AND STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CRATES USED AS SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAKE ALL WALLS AND CEILINGS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGERS. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11 Observed plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food storage in all chest freezers, must eliminate and provide food grade storage bags.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 Must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in prep area.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-301.12 Observed large pots on site unable to be fully submerged inside of 3 compartment sink for proper washing and sanitizing. Instructed to remove or provide a larger sink.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11 Must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers, debris build up from prep tables in basement and clean.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 6-501.19 Must provide a self closing device on toilet room door in basement leading to prep area.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 Must repair or replace holes in walls throughout premises including basement.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 06-202.16 Observed back door open in rear prep area with door open and magnetic screen not tight fitting. Instructed to enclose in order to prevent pest entry.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11 MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN BASEMENT.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-305.14 OBSERVED CUSTOMERS USING TOILET ROOM AND LINED UP AGAINST WALL THAT IS ADJACENT TO REAR PREP AREA A BARRIER IS NEEDED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM CUSTOMERS AND KEEP THEM FROM WALKING INTO PREP AREA.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: 4-901.12 Observed air drying wiping cloths stored throughout all prep areas. Instructed to store in sanitizing water and maintain; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11 Observed plastic grocery and black garbage bags used for food storage in all chest freezers, must eliminate and provide food grade storage bags.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11 Observed crates located in dry storage area, must eliminate and provide adequate shelving units.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 Must remove rust from lower shelves of prep tables in basement prep area and raw wood surface tops in poor repair of prep tables in basement.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-301.12 Observed large pots on site unable to be fully submerged inside of 3 compartment sink for proper washing and sanitizing. Instructed to remove or provide a larger sink; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11 Must defrost ice build up from all chest freezers, debris build up from prep tables in basement and clean.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: must provide a self closing device on toilet room door in basement leading to prep area.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: Observed large black garbage bags of trash and recycles stored in backyard leading to trash area. Instructed to remove and maintain area free of clutter.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-201.16 Inspector Comments: must scrape and paint chipping paint on walls throughout basement prep/dish washing area.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: must clean food debris and splatter from walls in basement prep/dish washing area.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: must repair or replace damaged walls and holes in walls throughout premises including basement.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: Observed no food handler training certificates for all employees. Instructed to provide and maintain; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: Observed no allergen training certificate on site for City of Chicago certified food managers. Instructed to provide and maintain.; PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: Previous priority foundation violation from report #2573756 4/5/23not corrected #38-still observed approximately 50 or more rat droppings in basement scattered under 3 compartment sink and inside hole in the wall, scattered in with the dirt in dirt mound area, on shelves in tool room. As well a strong smell of rodent urine. Instructed to clean and sanitize and maintain. Must eliminate pest activity. Must have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 4/12/23.( Priority 7-42-090). Citation Issue.
Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
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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