⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

LA MERCED INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

LA MERCED INC 4335 W 26TH ST, CHICAGO 60623 Grocery Store
October 11, 2018 Canvass License #6834
19
Total Violations
8
Critical
1
Major
10
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

19
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-102.11 PIC DOESN'T DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD OPERATION AT THIS TIME.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
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.
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N)OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO 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 #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16 (A)(2)OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 3LBS. COOKED RICE 51.8F IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG INSIDE OF PREP COOLER AND 12LBS. COOKED BEANS 65.5F IN A LARGE POT INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.COS AT THIS TIME.APPX.15LBS.$13.28.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
Violation #23
CRITICAL
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17 OBSERVED TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER AND MEAT DISPLAY UNIT NOT DATE MARKED THAT ARE HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
Violation #25
MINOR
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY FOR RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
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: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER MEAT / DELI DISPLAY UNIT,REAR STORAGE AREA UNDER FOOD STORAGE PALLETS,PAPER GOOD STORAGE AREA UNDER SHELVING UNITS,ELECTRICAL STORAGE AREA ALONG WALL BASES AND LOWER SHELVING UNIT,ON SALES FLOOR IN BETWEEN SODA DISPLAY AND ON BACK ON SHELF AT END CAPS OF SODA,UNDER ALL DISPLAY UNITS ON SALES FLOOR.ALSO A DEAD RODENT ON FLOOR UNDER DISPLAY SHELF OF CLEANING PRODUCTS.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND DEAD RODENT,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPEARTOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/11/18.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020A)
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: 6-202.15 OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP IN FRONT ENTRY DOOR ALONG RIGHT LOWER SIDE,EXIT DOOR ALONG BOTTOM AND REAR DELIVERY DOOR IN CENTER OF DOUBLE DOOR.MUST MAKE DOORS 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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.17 MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WOOD AND RAW WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN MEAT WALK IN COOLER,PAPER GOODS STORAGE AREA,BEER WALK IN COOLER,REAR PREP AREA COUNTER TOP.
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: 4-101.19 MUST REMOVE RUST FROM REAR PREP TABLE LOWER SHELF AND SHELVING UNITS AND FOIL FROM LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE.
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: 4-102.11 MUST ELIMINATE GRAOCERY STORE BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
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: 4-501.11 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER,BROKEN AND MISSING SINK STOPPERS AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINKS.
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13 MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP IN FRYER CABINET,OVEN AND GRILL ,WINDOW SILLS.
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 #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12 OBSERVED NO BACK FLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE AND INSTALL TO BE LOCATED AND SERVICED.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 MUST GROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE ON FLOORS IN MEAT ,PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER AND PREP AREAS.
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: 6-501.12 MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN ALL WALK IN COOLERS.
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: 6-201.17 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT SALES FLOOR AND TAQUERIA.
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: 6-201.17 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT SALES FLOOR AND TAQUERIA.
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