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El Palenque
5426 W Vernor St

Food Service Establishment

StatusLicensed
License typeFixed Establishment
State license number035634
OwnerEmiliano Duran
Complexity levelHigh
Review frequencyEvery 150 days

18 Inspections
Since 8-1-2016

02-24-2025
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
1 violation cited :
Code 3-304.14
Wiping cloth(s) used for multiple purposes
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Cloths that are in use for wiping FOOD spills on TABLEWARE shall be maintained dry and used for no other purpose. (B) Cloths in-use for wiping counters and equipment shall be held between uses in a chemical sanitizer solution, and laundered daily. (C) Cloths in-use for wiping surfaces in contact with raw animal FOODS shall be kept separate from cloths used for other purposes. (D) Dry wiping cloths and the chemical sanitizing solutions shall be free of FOOD debris or visible soil. (E) Containers of chemical sanitizing solutions shall be stored off the floor and used in a manner that prevents contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, SINGLE-SERVICE, or SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. (E) SINGLE-USE disposable sanitizer wipes shall be used in accordance lable instructions.
Core
Corrected on 10-15-2025

07-24-2024
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
1 violation cited :
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

02-06-2024
Routine Inspection

OutcomeNot compliant
2 violations cited :
Code 2-102.11
Person-in-charge not ensuring compliance
FULL FOOD CODE:
The PERSON IN CHARGE shall demonstrate this knowledge by compliance with this Code, by being a certified FOOD protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an ACCREDITED PROGRAM, or by responding correctly to the inspector's questions as they relate to the specific FOOD operation. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Not corrected
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge missing
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

07-06-2023
Routine Inspection

OutcomeNot compliant
6 violations cited :
Code 3-302.11
Raw animal food(s) stored over next to
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready-to-eat food. (2) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal FOODS from each other such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, and POULTRY during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: (a) Using separate EQUIPMENT for each type, (P) or (b) Arranging each type of FOOD in EQUIPMENT so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, (P) and (c) Preparing each type of FOOD at different times or in separate areas; (P)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code 3-501.14
Cooked food(s) cooled
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Cooked POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be cooled: (1) Within 2 hours, from 135ºF to 70ºF; and (P) (2) Within 4 hours, from 70ºF to 41ºF or less (P) (B) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41F or less. (P) (C) POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) received in compliance with LAWS allowing a temperature above 41ºF during shipment from the supplier shall be cooled within 4 hours to 41ºF or less. (P)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code 3-501.15
Food item(s) cooled improperly
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Cooling shall be accomplished in accordance with the time and temperature criteria specified under § 3-501.14 by using one or more of the following methods based on the type of FOOD being cooled: (1) Placing the FOOD in shallow pans; (Pf) (2) Separating the FOOD into smaller or thinner portions; (Pf) (3) Using rapid cooling EQUIPMENT; (Pf) (4) Stirring the FOOD in a container placed in an ice water bath; (Pf) (5) Using containers that facilitate heat transfer; (Pf) (6) Adding ice as an ingredient; (Pf) or (7) Other effective methods. (Pf) (B) When placed in cooling or cold holding EQUIPMENT, FOOD containers in which FOOD is being cooled shall be: (1) Arranged in the EQUIPMENT to provide maximum heat transfer through the container walls; and (2) Loosely covered, or uncovered if protected from overhead contamination as specified under Subparagraph 3-305.11(A)(2), during the cooling period to facilitate heat transfer from the surface of the FOOD.
Priority Foundation
Not corrected
Code 3-501.17
In house prepared ready-to-eat potentially hazardous food(s) without date of consumption marking
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) A date marking system that does not exceed 7 days, including date of preparation, or opening is to be used. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code 2-102.11
Person-in-charge does not demonstrate required knowledge
FULL FOOD CODE:
The PERSON IN CHARGE shall demonstrate this knowledge by compliance with this Code, by being a certified FOOD protection manager who has shown proficiency of required information through passing a test that is part of an ACCREDITED PROGRAM, or by responding correctly to the inspector's questions as they relate to the specific FOOD operation. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Not corrected
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

04-06-2022
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 7-201.11
Poisonous/toxic material(s) not separated from food
FULL FOOD CODE:
POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL shall be stored so they can not contaminate FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES by: (A) Separating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL by spacing or partitioning; (P) and (B) Locating the POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIAL in an area that is not above FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. This paragraph does not apply to EQUIPMENT and UTENSIL cleaners and sanitizers that are stored in WAREWASHING areas for availability and convenience if the materials are stored to prevent contamination of FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE and SINGLE-USE ARTICLES. (P)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

09-15-2021
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 6-501.12
Physical facilities/structures ceiling with accumulation of debris
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) PHYSICAL FACILITIES shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean. (B) Except spill cleanup, cleaning shall be done during periods when the least amount of FOOD is exposed such as after closing.
Core
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

02-09-2021
Routine Inspection

OutcomeNot compliant
2 violations cited :
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected
Code 4-204.112
Thermometer(s) refrigeration not provided
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) In a mechanically refrigerated or hot FOOD storage unit, the sensor of a TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE shall be located to measure the air temperature in the warmest part of a mechanically refrigerated unit and in the coolest part of a hot FOOD storage unit. (B) Cold or hot holding EQUIPMENT used for POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD shall be designed to include and shall be equipped with at least one integral or permanently affixed TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE that is located to allow easy viewing of the device's temperature display (EXCEPT, heat lamps, cold plates, steam tables, or other equipment where it is not practical). (C) TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES shall be designed to be easily readable. (D) FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES and water TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES on WAREWASHING machines shall have a numerical scale, printed record, or digital readout in increments no greater than 1C or 2F in the intended range of use. (Pf)
Core
Not corrected

07-14-2020
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
2 violations cited :
Code 4-501.11
Equipment in poor repair
FULL FOOD CODE:
EQUIPMENT shall be maintained in a state of repair and condition that meets the requirements of the code.
Core
Not corrected
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

03-06-2020
Closed - left messag

OutcomeCompliant
0 violations cited

02-20-2020
Closed - left messag

OutcomeCompliant
0 violations cited

02-14-2020
Closed - left messag

OutcomeCompliant
0 violations cited

01-30-2020
Closed - left messag

OutcomeCompliant
0 violations cited

07-22-2019
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
4 violations cited :
Code 4-501.114
Other chemical sanitizing solution concentration(s) not approved for use
FULL FOOD CODE:
A chemical SANITIZER used in a SANITIZING solution for a manual or mechanical operation shall meet these limits or as otherwise approved: (P) Chlorine ppm pH<10 pH<8 25 120 F 120 F 50 100 F 75 F 100 55 F 55 F Iodine a concentration of between 12.5 and 25 ppm and minimum temp of 75 F and pH of 5 or less or meets manufacturer's specifications. (P) Quats minimum temperature of 75 F, hardness of 500 ppm or less and meet manufacturers use directions. (P)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code MFL289.6149
Expand for full food code definition
FULL FOOD CODE:
Definitions; satisfaction of section 3-603.11 of food code; statement; disclosures and reminders; text; exemptions.* Sec. 6149. (1) As used in this section: (P) (a) &quot; Publicly available&quot; means accessible to consumers, without their having to request it, before their placing food orders or making their selections. (b) &quot; Selection information&quot; means whatever consumers read to make their order selections, such as menu, table tent, placard, chalkboard, or other written means. (2) To satisfy section 3-603.11 of the food code, the food establishment may provide the following statement on selection information so that it is publicly available: &quot; Ask your server about menu items that are cooked to order or served raw. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness&quot;.(P) (4) The language for the menu items shall match the language used for the disclosure and the reminder.  The disclosure and reminder may also be in additional languages.(P) (5) The text for disclosures and reminders shall meet the following requirements: (P) (a) The text size for statements on handheld menus or table tents shall be visually equivalent to at least 11-point font size or may be visually equivalent to the font size of menu item descriptions. (b) Text color provides a clear contrast to background. (6) Table tents, placards, or chalkboards that are used exclusively to list food items that are offered as daily, weekly, or temporary specials are exempt from the requirements of this section when those food items also appear in the primary selection information that contains the disclosures and reminders meeting the requirements of this section.(S)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code 4-601.11
Food-contact surface(s) with accumulation of debris
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be clean to sight and touch. (Pf) (B) The FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of cooking EQUIPMENT and pans shall be kept free of encrusted grease deposits and other soil accumulations. (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris.
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code MFL289.2129
Person-in-charge
FULL FOOD CODE:
Sec. 2129. (1) All food establishments shall employ a minimum of 1 managerial employee as a food safety manager, who must be an individual who is currently certified under a personnel certification program accredited by the American National Standards Institute, utilizing the Conference for Food Protection standards: (2) Beginning January 14, 2017 and every 5 years thereafter, a certified food safety manager who supervises the operations of a food service establishment shall have completed a food safety training program containing an allergen awareness component that has been approved by the department. A food service establishment shall retain records on the site of the food service establishment documenting compliance of its certified food safety managers with this subsection.
Core
Not corrected

01-08-2019
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
1 violation cited :
Code 3-302.11
Raw animal food(s) stored over next to
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready-to-eat food. (2) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal FOODS from each other such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, and POULTRY during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: (a) Using separate EQUIPMENT for each type, (P) or (b) Arranging each type of FOOD in EQUIPMENT so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, (P) and (c) Preparing each type of FOOD at different times or in separate areas; (P)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025

07-26-2018
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
1 violation cited :
Code 3-302.11
Raw animal food(s) stored over next to
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) FOOD shall be protected from cross contamination by: (1) Except as specified in (1)(c) below, separating raw animal FOODS during storage, preparation, holding, and display from: (a) Raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD including other raw animal FOOD such as FISH for sushi or MOLLUSCAN SHELLFISH, or other raw READY-TO-EAT FOOD such as fruits and vegetables,(P) and (b) Cooked READY-TO-EAT FOOD; (P) (c) Frozen, commercially processed and packaged raw animal FOOD may be stored or displayed with or above frozen, commercially processed and packaged, ready-to-eat food. (2) Except when combined as ingredients, separating types of raw animal FOODS from each other such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, and POULTRY during storage, preparation, holding, and display by: (a) Using separate EQUIPMENT for each type, (P) or (b) Arranging each type of FOOD in EQUIPMENT so that cross contamination of one type with another is prevented, (P) and (c) Preparing each type of FOOD at different times or in separate areas; (P)
Priority
Corrected on 10-15-2025

01-25-2018
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
0 violations cited

08-17-2017
Routine Inspection

OutcomeNot compliant
1 violation cited :
Code 4-602.11
Expand for full food code definition
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) Equipment FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be cleaned: (1) Except as specified in ¶ (B) of this section, before each use with a different type of raw animal FOOD such as beef, FISH, lamb, pork, or POULTRY; (P) (2) Each time there is a change from working with raw FOODS to working with READY-TO-EAT FOODS; (P) (3) Between uses with raw fruits and vegetables and with POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD); (P) (4) Before using or storing a FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE; (P) and (5) At any time during the operation when contamination may have occurred. (P) (B) Subparagraph (A)(1) of this section does not apply if the FOOD-CONTACT SURFACE or UTENSIL is in contact with a succession of different raw animal FOODS each requiring a higher cooking temperature as specified under § 3-401.11 than the previous FOOD, such as preparing raw FISH followed by cutting raw poultry on the same cutting board. (C) Except as specified in ¶ (D) of this section, if used with POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD), EQUIPMENT FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES and UTENSILS shall be cleaned throughout the day at least every 4 hours. (P) (D) Except when dry cleaning methods are used as specified under § 4-603.11, surfaces of UTENSILS and EQUIPMENT contacting FOOD that is not POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be cleaned: (1) At any time when contamination may have occurred; (2) At least every 24 hours for iced tea dispensers and CONSUMER self-service UTENSILS such as tongs, scoops, or ladles; (3) Before restocking CONSUMER self-service EQUIPMENT and UTENSILS such as condiment dispensers and display containers; and (4) In EQUIPMENT such as ice bins and BEVERAGE dispensing nozzles and enclosed components of EQUIPMENT such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, BEVERAGE and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending EQUIPMENT: (a) At a frequency specified by the manufacturer, or (b) Absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold.
Core
Not corrected

01-27-2017
Routine Inspection

OutcomeCompliant
3 violations cited :
Code 7-102.11
Expand for full food code definition
FULL FOOD CODE:
Working containers used for storing POISONOUS OR TOXIC MATERIALS such as cleaners and SANITIZERS taken from bulk supplies shall be clearly and individually identified with the common name of the material. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code 3-501.17
Expand for full food code definition
FULL FOOD CODE:
(A) READY-TO-EAT, POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) prepared and held refrigerated for more than 24 hours in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT shall be clearly marked at the time of preparation to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) (B) A container of refrigerated, commercially prepared READY-TO-EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD (TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD) shall be clearly marked, at the time the original container is opened in a FOOD ESTABLISHMENT, to indicate the date or day by which the FOOD shall be consumed. (Pf) A date marking system that does not exceed 7 days, including date of preparation, or opening is to be used. (Pf)
Priority Foundation
Corrected on 10-15-2025
Code 6-301.14
Expand for full food code definition
FULL FOOD CODE:
A sign or poster that notifies FOOD EMPLOYEES to wash their hands shall be provided at all HANDWASHING SINKS used by FOOD EMPLOYEES and shall be clearly visible to FOOD EMPLOYEES.
Core
Corrected on 10-15-2025
About inspections
A restaurant is compliant when zero Priority or Priority Foundation violations are cited during an inspection, or when all are corrected; Core violations will be reviewed at the next routine inspection and are not required to be corrected to be in compliance.
Built using open data | Site last updated 10-15-2025 with inspection data thru 09-22-2025.