Taqueria La Haciendita in Gage Park Fails Health Inspection

TAQUERIA LA HACIENDITA, INC. restaurant inspection

CHICAGO, IL - An inspection conducted at Taqueria La Haciendita, Inc.. on 07/23/2025 identified food safety violations.

Situated at 5922-5924 S Pulaski Road in Gage Park, the restaurant serves a diverse clientele in one of Chicago's bustling districts.

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The inspection report documents: "Observed no handwashing signage in the men public washroom. 38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present - comments: observed a 1/4" gap at the bottom of the rear exit door." Health officials note that these violations need attention to maintain proper compliance.

The inspection identified violations related to sanitation, an important area of food safety.

Food safety experts emphasize that consistent sanitation practices prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. Per Food Safety Modernization Act, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.

The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.

Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate pest control procedures. As outlined in FDA Pest Control Guidelines, Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.

The inspection found infractions involving hand washing, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.

Public health officials identify poor hand hygiene as a primary factor in foodborne illness transmission According to CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines, The CDC emphasizes that inadequate hand washing contributes to approximately 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.

The inspection identified violations related to temperature control, an important area of food safety.

Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive temperature control practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. The USDA Safe Temperature Standards offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.

Such infractions require attention for the business to maintain compliance with community safety standards. Public health officials note that addressing these violations helps maintain trust in dining establishments.

City health officials have required that Taqueria La Haciendita, Inc.. promptly correct these infractions before continuing food service. Re-examination will be conducted to ensure corrections.

This incident highlights the critical importance of rigorous food safety protocols in commercial food service. Local residents are encouraged to review public inspection records when making dining decisions.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

Inspection ID 2621098
DBA Name TAQUERIA LA HACIENDITA
AKA Name TAQUERIA LA HACIENDITA
License # 2298254
Facility Type Restaurant
Risk Risk 1 (High)
Address 5922-5924 S PULASKI RD
City CHICAGO
State IL
Zip 60629
Inspection Date 07/23/2025
Inspection Type Canvass
Results Pass w/ Conditions
Violations 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE MEN PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. | 38. INSECTS
& ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS. | 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION
STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED UNCOVERED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE LIDS/COVERINGS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE
CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS/CONTAINERS. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILDUP ON THE FLOOR
WALLS AND CEILING OF THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments OBSERVED DRAINPIPE LEAKING UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. | 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED SEWER/WASTE-WATER BACKING UP AT THE FLOOR DRAIN WHERE THE FURNACE AND MOP SINK ARE LOCATED NEAR THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. MANAGER CONTACTED A PLUMBER. PLUMBER ARRIVED ON SITE AND RODDED OUT THE DRAIN TO CORRECT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DUST BUILDUP ON OVERHEAD VENTS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULBS AT THE GRILL/FRY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
Latitude 41.785289819046255
Longitude -87.72308992153914
Location (41.785289819046255

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on July 23, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing, temperature-control.

Why are these violations concerning?

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.

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📋 Data Sources & Health Guidelines

Inspection Data Source

All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .

Federal Health Guidelines

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.