ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was El Nopal Bakery last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 7, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 4 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
4 inspections on record, from Aug 7, 2024 to Oct 7, 2026.
Has El Nopal Bakery ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 4 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Aug 7, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
4 inspections
Complaint Re-Inspection
Oct 7, 2026
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector’s Notes
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.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
4-501.11 OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
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.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 7, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Sep 25, 2026
Fail
11 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector’s Notes
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
In Plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
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.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
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.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector’s Notes
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
In Plain English
Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.
OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector’s Notes
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
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
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.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
OBSERVED MISSING WALL TILES, BASEBOARDS AND STAINED CEILING TILES AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AND SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL EMPLOYEES HANDLING FOOD AND/OR EQUIPMENT MUST PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 25, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint Re-Inspection
Aug 16, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
7 recorded violations
notedCode 33Food temperature
Official Wording
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s Notes
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.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
NOTED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT CONTAINING EGGS AND MILK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
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.
In Plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
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
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
NOTED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL USED TO MEND PIPING, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION
In Plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
OBSERVED WATER-DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS WELL AS BAKERY PREP THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS IN BAKERY PREP AND INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 16, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Aug 7, 2024
Fail
11 recorded violations
notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
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 FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
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.
In Plain English
Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.
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.
In Plain English
Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.
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 LIVE BLACK FLIES THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF BAKERY DISPLAY CASES, PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT, AND ON TOP OF EXTERIOR SURFACES OF MIXING EQUIPMENT.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL SAID AREAS, CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE AND ELIMINATE ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
In Plain English
The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS WITH HAIR RESTRAINTS WHILE OPERATING.
In Plain English
This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.
OBSERVED WATER-DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AS WELL AS BAKERY PREP THROUGHOUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED MULTIPLE BURNED-OUT BULBS IN BAKERY PREP AND INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING IN SAID AREA.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s Notes
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.
In Plain English
A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.
NOTED TORN GASKETS ON 3-DOOR COOLING UNIT CONTAINING EGGS AND MILK IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
NOTED LEAK ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET NECK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE TOWEL USED TO MEND PIPING, REPAIR, AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
In Plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.