CHICAGO, IL - An inspection conducted at El Gallo Mexican Food on 07/23/2025 identified food safety violations.
The establishment operates from 2547 W 111Th Street Chicago Illinois in Mount Greenwood, a busy area of Chicago known for its dining scene.
Health department documentation states: "1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties - comments: observed no city of chicago food service manager on site at the time of inspection. Observed no city of chicago foodservice manager present while foods; such as, ..." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.
The inspection identified violations related to pest control, an important area of food safety.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. The FDA Food Code Standards provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. The FDA Sanitation Standards provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The inspection found infractions involving temperature control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines clearly states that The FDA requires continuous temperature monitoring for all potentially hazardous foods in commercial kitchens.
In addition to regulatory requirements, these issues may affect the business's standing and public trust. Community health organizations track health department findings to provide education to local residents.
Local regulatory authorities have ordered that El Gallo Mexican Food swiftly remediate the documented deficiencies before reopening to customers. Additional review is planned to confirm remediation.
Regular health inspections serve as critical safeguards for public health in Chicago's dining landscape. Transparency in reporting inspection findings ensures that community members can make informed decisions about their dining options.
| Inspection ID | 2621146 |
| DBA Name | EL GALLO MEXICAN FOOD |
| AKA Name | EL GALLO MEXICAN FOOD |
| License # | 2863604 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 2547 W 111TH ST |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60655 |
| Inspection Date | 07/23/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT |
| AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments | OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER PRESENT WHILE FOODS; SUCH AS |
| AND OTHER TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE FACILITY IS OPENED AND OPERATING AND WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED. | 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES | INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments | OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TESTING DEVICES FOR MANUAL WARE WASHING THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE ON SITE AT RETURN INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVING UNDER THE FLAT TOP COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND SMALL DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAKING (POSSIBLE PIPES) ABOVE THE LIGHTING IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED THE FLOOR BEHIND THE DEEP FREEZER UNIT AND THE FLOOR AND WALL AREA UNDER AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND POSSBLE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. | 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: OBSERVED CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2609936 DATED 01/02/2025 VIOLATION # 47 4-501.2 CUTTING BOARDS IN NEED OF REPLACING. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WHEN WORN OR WITH DEEP CUTS. WITH A CORRECT BY DATE OF 4/2/2025 STILL NOT CORRECTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED. |
| Latitude | 41.69163955333362 |
| Longitude | -87.68537627430032 |
| Location | (41.69163955333362 |
This inspection was conducted on July 23, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: pest-control, sanitation, temperature-control.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
