ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Me-Ga Carnitas last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 16, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 2 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
6 inspections on record, from Feb 26, 2024 to Oct 16, 2026.
Has Me-Ga Carnitas ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 6 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Feb 26, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
6 inspections
Complaint
Oct 16, 2026
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 39Contamination
Official Wording
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED PREPPED SERVICE ITEMS STORED IN COLD HOLD UNIT IN DINING ROOM ACCESSIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED OR COLD HOLD UNIT SECURED TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION.
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 FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF COLD HOLD PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN 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 GASKETS ON WALK IN COOLER AND DELI PREP COOLER ON HOT LINE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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 VENT INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH DUST BUILD UP OVER CONTAINERS OF FOOD ON SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
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, Apr 30, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 23, 2026
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BUILD UP OF PINK AND WHITE MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING ONTO ICE (USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN, DISPOSING OF ALL ICE IN BIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. 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 GASKETS ON WALK IN COOLER AND DELI PREP COOLER ON HOT LINE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE 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 VENT INSIDE WALK IN COOLER WITH DUST BUILD UP OVER CONTAINERS OF FOOD ON SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
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.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s Notes
FOOD STORAGE ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN
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.
IMPROPER STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, USING PLASTIC WRAP. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 25, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Nov 15, 2024
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s Notes
INTERIOR COMPONENTS OF ICE MACHINE WITH LIME/CALCIUM ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
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.
RE-USING BLACK GRATED CRATES (ORIGNALLY TO RECEIVE CILANTRO) TO STORE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT FOODS. INSTD TO REMOVE AND USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINERS SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 15, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Feb 26, 2024
Pass
6 recorded violations
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED SMALL CUPS STORED IN DRY STORAGE BINS AND BEING USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS. INSTD TO USE PROPER DISPENSING UTENSILS (WITH HANDLES) AND STORE PROPERLY; HANDLES ABOVE FOOD.
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.
MAINTENANCE TOOLS IMPROPERLY STORED WITH FOOD STORAGE IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO STORE MAINTENANCE TOOLS IN DESIGNATED AREA 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.
WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE FOOD ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN 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.
MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTD TO WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT AND MAINTAIN
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.