⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 2 (Medium)

Elston Gas Mart Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

Elston Gas Mart 4721 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO 60630 Grocery Store
May 9, 2025 License License #3016085
14
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
8
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

14
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: FOUND HOT WATER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AT HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP AREA AT TEMP OF 65.6F AND 66.2F AT WASHBOWL INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM. HOT WATER MUST BE AT LEAST 38C (100F)THROUGHOUT A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-030(C).
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 #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: INTERIOR OF ICE CHUTE AT SELF SERVE ICE MACHINE NOT CLEANED ,BEGINING OF MINERAL BUILD-UP(INTERIOR TOP AND BIN). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: PROVIDE THERMOMETER INSIDE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FRONT DOOR HAS A GAP:1/4" BETWEEN AND BOTTOM DOORS OF FRONT ENTRANCE.REPAIR ISSUE TO MINIMIZE PEST ENTRY
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: IN USE UTENSILS TO PICK UP HOT DOGS ,PIZZA,AND ETC MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AT FRONT SERVING AREA TO MINIMIZE SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION
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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOORS OF THE CABINET UNDER THE SELF SERVE UNITS AND THROUGHTOUT.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
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 NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS.REMOVE REPLACE WITH ASMOOTH CLEANABLE SURFACE
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE PIZZA PREP. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE. EXCESS GRIMES AND DUST ON COUNTER TOPS UNDER THE THE ICE MACHINE HOT HOLDING UNIT.COFFEE MACHINE.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: BROKEN COUNTER TOP UNDER THE COFFEE UNITS AND UNDER HOT HOLDING UNITS.REPLACE.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE
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 #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: LID IS NEEDED AT RECEPTACLE INSIDE THE UNISEX WASHROOM
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OUTDOOR GROUND AT GARBAGE AREA MUST BE CLEANED,REMOVE WHITE LIQUID SPILLAGE FROM CEMENT GROUND AND MAINTAIN AREA
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: HOLES ON WALLS MUST REPAIRED WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.EXCESS GRIMES AND DUST MUST BE CLEANED THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES: BEHIND AND UNDER SHELVES,STORAGES ETC.
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: HOLES ON WALLS MUST REPAIRED WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.EXCESS GRIMES AND DUST MUST BE CLEANED THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES: BEHIND AND UNDER SHELVES,STORAGES ETC.
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.

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