FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
FOODSMART Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
May 22, 2025
Complaint
License #2906119
17
Total Violations
6
Critical
4
Major
7
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
17
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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 #13
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED - Comments: OBSERVED BAGS OF BREAD, FRESH AVACADO, AND PRODUCE IN WALK IN COOLER GNAWED, TORN.NOTED FOOD PRODUCT AFFECTED BY WATER LEAKING FROM ROOF HAS BEEN DISPOSED OF ALSO NOTED FOOD MOLDY AND EXPIRED 200# WITH VALUE OF $3,000.00. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL FOOD PACKAGES SHALL BE IN GOOD CONDITION AND PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF CONTENTS SO FOOD IS NOT EXPOSED TO ADULTERATION OR POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests carry numerous pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Hantavirus, contaminating food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of pest infestation.
Specific Requirements
No live pests; No pest droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting; Effective pest control program; Regular monitoring; Professional treatment when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT CHEMICAL SANITIZERS NEEDED TO SANITIZER EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. MUST PROVIDE CHEMICAL SANITIZERS AND BE AVAILABLE FOR USE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: VARIETY OF DELI MEAT 50.4F, CHICKEN 48.9F, HOTDOGS 47.8F, EGGS 55.4F, SOUR CREAM 51.8F, YOGURT 45.3F, TURKEY 48.0F, CHICKEN50.7F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 2000LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $10,000.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #28
CRITICAL
Violation Details
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED OPEN RODENT BAIT IN FOOD STORAGE AREA UNDER ALL SHELVING IN DRY STORAGE LOCATED IN IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-015 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.
Food Code Requirement
Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.
Specific Requirements
Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-401.11
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: NOTED TEMPERATURE OF DISPLAY COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER AT 55.9F AND 51.7F. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED PREPACKED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK-IN COOLERS, AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME, INGREDIENTS, AND ALLERGIES. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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 EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 RAT & MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND WALK IN COOLER AND UNDER THE STORAGE SHELVES. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR OF THE STORAGE AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY #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 RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER AND DISPLAY COOLER, SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO 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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD, TINFOIL, OR PLASTIC WRAP FOR LINER ON ANY SHELVING OR EQUIPMENT. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
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 #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE AND SEWAGE WATER DISPOSAL FROM 3 COMP SINK AND HANDSINK FROM GREASE TRAP IN PREP AREA OVERFLOWING. OBSERVED SOAP, WATER, AND FOOD DEBRIS OVERFLOWING FROM GREASE TRAP PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOWING. TRASH WAS PILED IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM CELIING INTO SEVERAL AREAS IN FACILITY, INSTRCUTED TO REPAIR 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 MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE STORE, DRY STORAGE ROOM, AND PREP AREA INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
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 HOLE IN WALLS IN DRY STORAGE AREA AND NEAR ICE MACHINE, INSTRCUTED TO SEAL
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 HOLE IN WALLS IN DRY STORAGE AREA AND NEAR ICE MACHINE, INSTRCUTED TO SEAL
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