FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
DON PEDRO CARNITAS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 11, 2025
Canvass
License #2601736
8
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
5
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED MICE DROPPINGS, SMALL AND BIG FLIES ON SITE. APPROXIMATELY 30 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ON THE WALLBASES THROUGHOUT THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, FLOORS NEAR THE REAR WALK-IN COOLER, IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM, IN THE OFFICE. APPROXIMATELY 10 SMALL FLIES WERE OBSERVED NEAR THE EMPTY CANS OF TOMATOES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. APPROXIMATELY 4 BIG FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ANF THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFEECTED AREAS. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED AN OPENING IN THE LEFT, LOWER FLOOR IN THE VENTILATION STORAGE CLOSET IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL PEST ENTRY/HARBOR POINTS AND MAINTAIN.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON-SITE TO TEST CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZER IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER PROPERLY. CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS WERE PROVIDED AT THE END OF THE WALK THROUGH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 8 EMPTY CANS OF TOMATOES STORED ON A SHELF IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECCESSARY ITEMS AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLERS, IN THE VENTILATION SYSTEM STORAGE CLOSET AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR NEW EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
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