⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 1 (High)

CHICAGO PRODUCE Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

CHICAGO PRODUCE 3500 W LAWRENCE AVE, CHICAGO 60625 Grocery Store
September 22, 2025 Canvass License #1865
13
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
9
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

13
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS THAT PROPERLY DRAINS IN THE REAR SMALL MEAT CUTTING/PACKING PREP ROOM WHERE A THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS LOCATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE AN INTERNAL THERMOMETER FOR THE NEW HOT HOLDING UNIT IN THE DELI PREP AREA.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT THE DELI/FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC CUPS AS FOOD SCOOPS FOR PREPARED FOODS. MUST USE FOOD UTENSILS WITH HANDLES STORED INVERTED FROM THE FOODS.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: NOTED KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED BETWEEN THE WALL AND PREP TABLE AT THE PRODUCE PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE A PROPER KNIFE HOLDER.
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.----MUST NOT STORE PILED CARDBOARD BETWEEN THE WALL AND TRASH COMPACTOR.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE PROPER STOPPERS FOR BOTH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS IN MEAT PREP AREAS.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR THE OVERSIZED POTS ON THE PREMISES OR PROVIDE A LARGER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE LARGE POTS.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: NOTED RAW WOODEN SHELVING IN THE REAR MEAT PREP ROOM. MUST PAINT/SEAL TO BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT.----MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE SAME PREP ROOM.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED PIPING UNDER THE MEAT PREP THREE COMPARTMENT SINK (ADJACENT TO THE MEAT DISPLAY COOLER) REPAIRED WITH PLASTIC. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, PROPERLY REPAIR ANY LEAKAGE.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED DAMAGED/MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE MEAT PREP AREAS. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE SEPARATE STORAGE ACCOMMODATIONS AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AND FOOD CONTACT ITEMS.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: EMPLOYEES MUST NOT STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS. MUST PROVIDE SEPARATE STORAGE ACCOMMODATIONS AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AND FOOD CONTACT ITEMS.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections