⚠️ 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
October 10, 2024 Complaint License #5490
11
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
6
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED HOT TCS FOOD DISPLAYED FOR SERVICE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 5 PACKS OF TAMALES (98.8F-113.8F) ON FRONT COUNTER AND CARNITAS (114.6F-118F) UNDER HEAT LAMP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. ALL HOT TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 135F OR ABOVE DURING PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED PACKAGED FOOD ITEMS NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH INGREDIENTS AND DISPLAYED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED ITEMS WITH INGREDIENTS, BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS, ETC
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 OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR AND INSIDE CARDBOARD TRAYS NEAR CHIP DISPLAY RACK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 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 LIVE CAT INSIDE CARDBOARD TRAY NEXT TO CANNED PEPPERS IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO REMOVE LIVE CAT FROM PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR TO PROTECT FROM 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 #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED BOWL USED AS DISPENSING UTENSIL IN BULK SALSA CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT BARE HAND CONTACT.
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 #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED MULTI-USE CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE, PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
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: OBSERVED DEEP GROOVED AND STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES AROUND HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE NEAR WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE
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: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT STORED OUTSIDE NEAR WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE
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