FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
GO GROCER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
March 20, 2023
Complaint
License #2738678
12
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
6
Minor
Inspection Summary
This grocery store was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on March 20, 2023. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 12 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
12
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #6
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: NOTED FOOD HANDLER EATING AND DRINKING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. EMPLOYEES MUST EAT IN THE DINING AREA OR DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE LOUNGE.
Why This Matters
Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.
Food Code Requirement
Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-301.11, 2-301.12, 2-301.14
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: NOTED PRE-PACKAGED ASSORTED PASTRIES SUCH AS PECAN PIE, PUMPKIN PIE AND MUFFINS NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH ALLERGEN LABELS/WARNING. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN SIGNAGE ON ALL PREPARED PRE-PACKAGED FOODS FOR SALE. MANAGEMENT REMOVED THE PRODUCT FROM SHELVING. 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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: NOTED PRE-PACKAGED ASSORTED PASTRIES SUCH AS PECAN PIE, PUMPKIN PIE AND MUFFINS NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS AND LIST OF INGREDIENTS. MUST PROVIDE.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: FOOD HANDLER NOTED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO CHECK SANITIZATION LEVEL WHILE WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING GLASSWARE AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: BROKEN HOT/COLD HANDLE ON THE WASHROOM WASHBOWL. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING AT THE HOT SAUCE STORAGE IN THE GROCERY.
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: NOTED SOILED MOP HEADS IMPROPERLY STORED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK. MUST STORE INVERTED AT SINK.
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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE/LOCKER AWAY FROM FOODS AND FOOD CONTACT ITEMS.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE STORAGE/LOCKER AWAY FROM FOODS AND FOOD CONTACT ITEMS.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
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