FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
EL ORIGINAL ACAMBARO BAKERY INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Bakery
EL ORIGINAL ACAMBARO BAKERY INC
(AKA: EL ORIGINAL ACAMBARO BAKERY)
2108 W 51ST ST, CHICAGO 60609
Bakery
December 4, 2025
Canvass
License #2124801
9
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Major
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This bakery was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on December 4, 2025. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 9 violations during this inspection, including 2 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
9
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM PROBE THERMOMETERS ON SITE FOR TESTING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED WORKING INGREDIENTS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 20 LARGE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE SPACE IN CORNERS NEAR BAIT BOXES, UNDERNEATH SHELVING UNITS CONTAINING LARGE BAGS OF FLOUR AND IN CORNERS SURROUNDING STORED ITEMS. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE.REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID AREAS AND MAINTAIN PREMISE FREE OF RODENT ACTIVITY. 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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED 4 ROLLING CARTS STORED IN FRONT OF PREMISE IN SELF SERVICE AREA CONTAINING READY TO EAT ASSORTED BAKED GOODS UNCOVERED ON DISPLAY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROTECTIVE BARRIER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION FROM THE PUBLIC AND MAINTAIN. AT THIS TIME PERSON IN CHARGE REMOVED FOOD FROM SAID AREA AND STORED IN REAR PREP CASING. MUST MIANTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED 8 DOOR WOOD DISPLAY CASING ON north SIDE OF FACILITY WITHOUT DOOR HANDLES TO ACCESS BAKED GOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT.
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 CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR TESTING SANITIZER STRENGTH AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ALL BAKING PANS, ROLLING CARTS, INTERIOR SURFACES OF DISPLAY CASES, BUTCKETS CONTAINING WORKING INGREDIENTS, AND STAND IN PLACE EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. INTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS IN ORDER TO PREVENT FOOD SOURCE FOR PEST.
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 FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS IN ORDER TO PREVENT FOOD SOURCE FOR PEST.
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
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