⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

FRANCISCO ESPINOZA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

FRANCISCO ESPINOZA (AKA: LA ALTENA) 8827 S ESCANABA AVE, CHICAGO 60617 Grocery Store
September 22, 2023 Canvass License #5490
24
Total Violations
8
Critical
6
Major
10
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

24
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010(CITATION ISSUED)
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: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A PREP TABLE IN FRONT OF SAID SINK,A JACKET AND WHITE STYROFOAM TRAYS INSIDE OF SAID SINK BASIN. ARTICLES & TABLE WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c)(CITATION ISSUED)(cos)
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 #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PRODUCE PREP AREA.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP & TOWLES AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
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 #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT MAIN PREP AREA HAND SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #33
MAJOR
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED TABLE TOP HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 109.8F NO FOODS ARE BEING HELD IN UNIT AT THIS TIME. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT.ONCE REPAIRED EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD REPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS WITH PROPER INFORMATION GIVEN ON SALE.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 3 LIVE CATS (BLACK & GRAY IN COLOR) WALKING AROUND IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE AREA,A BOX OF CAT FOOD STORED ON CRATE IN BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE CATS AND FOOD FROM PREMISES.(PRIORITY 7-40-060)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 30 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN GARAGE FOOD STORAGE AREA UNDER,AROUND ALONG SIDES OF PALLETS AND GARBAGE DUMPSTER.ALSO,APPX. 12-15 LIVE LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES.ALSO 25 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND PRODUCE ON SALES FLOOR.APPX. 10 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER DISPLAY SHELF (HOMILY).MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/22/23.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR ,OUTSIDE FOOD STORAGE GARAGE DOORS MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
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 #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED STYROFOAM CONTAINERS,PLASTIC BAGS AND WRAP TO STORE FOOD INSIDE STORED OUTSIDE IN ELEMENTS MUST BRING INSIDE OF BUSINESS TO STORE TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD BOXES STORED ON FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER MUST ELEVATE OFF OF FLOOR "6" INCHES.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS STORED THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND PITTED CUTTING BOARD USED FOR PRODUCE IN BASEMENT.
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 REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON WALK IN FREEZER AND REACH IN FREEZER.
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 ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
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 #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED OVER SIZED POTS AND KETTLES TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW TO PROPERLY SANITIZE MULTI-USE UTENSILS.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM MEAT SLICER,SAW MACHINE, PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES, DELI DISPLAY UNIT.
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 #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LID MISSING ON DUMPSTER MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TO BE TIGHT FITTING.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B)(CITATION ISSUED)
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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL BASES IN REAR PREP AREA.
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: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
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 #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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