G & M FOOD MART Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE - Comments: FOUND FROZEN FOODS IN FREEZER WERE NOT OF SOUND CONDITION WITH MOLD ON THEM. CHICKEN AND PIZZA HAD MOLD ON THEM IN FREEZER. SEVERAL OTHER ITEMS IN FREEZER WERE SOFT AS UNIT WAS AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE AS DESCRIBED BELOW. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 500 LBS OF FOOD INCLUDING BAGS OF ICE FROM FREEZER AND DISGARDING IT. VALUE $1000.00. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(B).

Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.

The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.

Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.

FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: FOUND THE FREEZER STORING FROZEN FOODS AT 32.7F. INSTRUCTED THAT FROZEN FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 0F OR BELOW. UNIT HELD TAGGED FOR INSPECTION UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CHICAGO DEPT OF HEALTH. FAX A LETTER (312) 746-4240 OR EMAIL A REQUEST TO CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG TO REQUEST THE TAG BE REMOVED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.

Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.

Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.

WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE - Comments: FOUND NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME. WATER TEMP WAS AT 72F. MUST PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AT ALL SINKS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.

Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.

Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.

Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLAGE.

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.

FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, SHELVES AND OTHER ITEMS IN STORE. CLEAN FLOOR IN WASHROOM. FOUND SOME CRACKED FLOOR TILE IN STORE; REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED. MUST ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS FROM FLOOR IN STORAGE AREA (REAR OF STORE).

Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.

Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.

Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILE OBSERVED IN REAR OF STORE AND SOME DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN WASHROOM; MUST REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.

WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILE OBSERVED IN REAR OF STORE AND SOME DAMAGED CEILING TILE IN WASHROOM; MUST REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.

Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.

Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.

Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.