CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors discovered violations during an inspection of Taqueria Iztatl on 08/13/2025.
The establishment operates from 2322 N Cicero Avenue Chicago Illinois in Hermosa, a busy area of Chicago known for its dining scene.
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Inspectors documented: "Noted improper internal temperatures of TCS food in rear 2 door cooler, lengua 44. Observed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods (chicken, beans, al pastor) not date marked to indicate the product's name and date in which ..." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate sanitation procedures. As outlined in Food Safety Modernization Act, Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.
Among the findings were infractions involving temperature control, a key component of food safety protocols.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper temperature control protocols. The HACCP Temperature Monitoring clearly states that Maintaining proper food temperatures is the most effective method for preventing bacterial growth and foodborne illness.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper pest control protocols. The HACCP Prevention Guidelines clearly states that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times.
These compliance issues require correction to maintain proper standards for the restaurant and public health. Food safety professionals indicate that addressing non-compliance helps ensure customer safety standards.
Regulatory authorities have scheduled an extensive follow-up review to confirm that every infraction has been adequately corrected. Management are required to show complete correction before these violations will be deemed closed.
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 | 2622182 |
| DBA Name | TAQUERIA IZTATL |
| AKA Name | TAQUERIA IZTATL |
| License # | 2951563 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 2322 N CICERO AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60639 |
| Inspection Date | 08/13/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD IN REAR 2 DOOR COOLER |
| RAW PORK AND BEEF RANGING FROM 49.5 F - 50.5 INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF 41 F AND BELOW. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 121 LBS VALUED AT $413 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION | 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments | OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT |
| TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. | 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments | NOTED NO EQUIPMENT THERMOMETER INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR TO MONITOR AMBIENT AIR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. RECOMMENDS ADDITIONAL PICK UP DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED. | 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: NOTED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2599964 CONDUCTED ON 08/09/24. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (47) OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED AND DIRTY RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET (47) OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN THE KITCHEN COVERED DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST CORRECT CORE VIOLATIONS BY THE DATE ON THE REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED. |
| Latitude | 41.92310285562109 |
| Longitude | -87.74641732066215 |
| Location | (41.92310285562109 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 13, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were found: sanitation, temperature-control, pest-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.