FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
BALE SANDWICH AND BAKERY Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
March 19, 2025
Complaint
License #2021688
6
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: FOUND INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE WITH VISIBLE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCES (PINK AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE) SEVERE BUILD-UP LIKELY TO CONTAMINATE THE ICE WHICH TO BE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO EMPTY ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN (WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE) AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE COLD AND HOT HOLDING DISPLAY UNIT IN FRONT DISPLAY AREA.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR AREA.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HOT FAUCET HANDLE IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA (HOT WATER CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING).
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (PLASTIC BUCKETS AND VEGETABLE CRATES) IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES (PLASTIC BUCKETS AND VEGETABLE CRATES) IN REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection