El Nopal Bakery: health inspection history

Oct 7, 2026 Complaint Re-Inspection

• 38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: 6-202.15 OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND NO SCREEN ON OPEN REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR FRONT DOOR AND PROVIDE SCREEN FOR REAR DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: 4-501.11 OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: 6-501.11 OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILES, BASEBOARDS AND STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
• 57.ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAININGInspector comment: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Sep 25, 2026 Complaint

• 10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HANDWASHING SINKS IN WASHROOM, PREP, AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
• 10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGN AT HANDWASHING SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
• 36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS.
• 37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH NAME, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS, INGREDIENTS, ETC. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED ITEMS DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
• 38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR AND NO SCREEN ON OPEN REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR FRONT DOOR AND PROVIDE SCREEN FOR REAR DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
• 38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: OBSERVED OVER 50 RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALK-IN COOLER AND UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN SERVING, PREP, STORAGE AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
• 39.CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAYInspector comment: OBSERVED NUMEROUS OPEN PASTRIES DISPLAYED FOR SALE ON FRONT COUNTER, UNCOVERED AND NOT PROTECTED FROM DUST, DIRT, FLIES AND CONSUMERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY PROTECT ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION. FOOD ON DISPLAY SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION BY THE USE OF PACKAGING, DISPLAY CASES OR OTHER EFFECTIVE MEANS. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
• 45.SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
• 48.WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPSInspector comment: OBSERVED FAUCET NOT REACHING ALL THREE COMPARTMENTS OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONGER FAUCET TO REACH ALL COMPARTMENTS TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED
• 49.NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILES, BASEBOARDS AND STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS ON WALLS AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED SOILED WATER IN MOP PAIL AND MOP HEAD STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD ALL SOILED WATER AND STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
• 57.ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAININGInspector comment: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.

Aug 16, 2024 Complaint Re-Inspection

• 22.PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURESInspector comment: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 DOZEN EGGS, 40 LBS BUTTER, AND A GALLON OF MILK STORED INSIDE 3 3-DOOR COOLING UNITS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED TEMPERATURE BETWEEN 57-62F. INSTRUCTED TO STORE COLD TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. THE PERSON IN CHARGE IS VOLUNATARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. COST $280. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
• 33.PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROLInspector comment: OBSERVED 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT IN BAKERY PREP AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE STORING TCS FOODS (EGGS, BUTTER, MILK). TEMPERATURE READING @ 61F, INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND REPAIR UNIT TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
• 36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETERS OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MISSING THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN THE BAKERY PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: NOTED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT CONTAINING EGGS AND MILK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION.
• 51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: NOTED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL USED TO MEND PIPING, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED WATER-DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS WELL AS BAKERY PREP THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
• 56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS IN BAKERY PREP AND INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.

Aug 7, 2024 Complaint

• 2.CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATEInspector comment: OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING, AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY…
• 3.MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGInspector comment: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE/ SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR REVIEW DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
• 36.THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATEInspector comment: OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETERS OUTSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND MISSING THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLING UNITS LOCATED IN THE BAKERY PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
• 37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: NO (ALLERGEN)LABELS ON PREPACKAGED DESSERT ITEMS LOCATED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
• 38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 SMALL MOUSE DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES... INSIDE WATER HEATING ROOM ON FLOOR AROUND EQUIPMENT, BEHIND 2 DOOR COOLING UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO MIXERS, SCATTERED REAR PREP AREA SHELVING ON TOP OF CUTTING BOARDS, IN REAR PREP AREA STORAGE ON FLOOR ON ROLLING CARTS AND FRONT PREP AREA COUNTERTOP. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 13 SMALL AND LARGE…
• 40.PERSONAL CLEANLINESSInspector comment: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE OPERATING.
• 47.FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USEDInspector comment: NOTED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT CONTAINING EGGS AND MILK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION.
• 51.PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICESInspector comment: NOTED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL USED TO MEND PIPING, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED WATER-DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS WELL AS BAKERY PREP THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
• 56.ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USEDInspector comment: OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS IN BAKERY PREP AND INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.
• 57.ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAININGInspector comment: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

Dec 7, 2022 Complaint Re-Inspection

No violations listed in this record.

Nov 30, 2022 Complaint

• 1.PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESInspector comment: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOODSERVICE MANAGER TRAINING AT TIME OF INSPECTION.
• 2.CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATEInspector comment: OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY…
• 10.ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLEInspector comment: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HAND SINKS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR PREP AREA AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND DRYING PROVISION MUST BE PROVIDED AT ALL TIMES AT ALL HANDSINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
• 37.FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINERInspector comment: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF INGREDIENTS (SUGAR, FLOUR). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN.
• 38.INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENTInspector comment: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 80 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN FOLLOWING AREAS: BEHIND COLD HOLD UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA SHELVING, REAR PREP AREA DOORWAY, SHEET TRAYS ON ROLLING CARTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL MOUSE DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS, AND INFORM PEST CONTROL OF ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
• 53.TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANEDInspector comment: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM FOR STAFF. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE IN RESTROOM AND MAINTAIN.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DEBRIS BEHIND COLD HOLD UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND SANITIZE AREA.
• 55.PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEANInspector comment: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF GRIME AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE BUILD UP AND DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR.
• 60.PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTEDInspector comment: OBSERVED THE PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2453627 DATED: 10/21/2020 NOT CORRECTED; #47 FOUND TORN REFRIGERATION GASKETS ON 3-DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL TORN GASKETS AND MAINTAIN. #49 MUST CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM LARGE FLOOR MIXER, STORAGE RACKS, LOWER RACKS ON PREP TABLES, INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF 1-DOOR UPRIGHT REFRIGERATOR, AND DRIED FOOD STAINS ON AIR…