FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
Dirksen Elementary School Fails Health Inspection - Chicago School
September 18, 2026
Canvass
License #22871
5
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Minor
Inspection Summary
This school was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on September 18, 2026. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 5 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER IN KITCHEN STAFF BATHROOMS. MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE RECORDED AT 68 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100 F IS PROVIDED. TO ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED CHEESE STICKS HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 122 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HOT TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 135 AND ABOVE. MANAGER RAPIDLY REHEATED TO 165. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED THE CORPSES OF INSECTS THROUGHOUT PRE-K HALLWAY PARTICULARLY IN AREA LEADING TO PLAYGROUND. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE FACILITY REMOVES ALL DEAD INSECTS.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 3 RODENT DROPPINGS IN PRE-K CLASSROOM 120. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 3 RODENT DROPPINGS IN PRE-K CLASSROOM 120. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SERVICE ALL AREAS AFFECTED BY PESTS. PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A).
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
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