⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS Risk 1 (High)

LA MERCED INC Passes Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

LA MERCED INC 4335 W 26TH ST, CHICAGO 60623 Grocery Store
October 31, 2025 Canvass License #6834
7
Total Violations
3
Critical
4
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED THE DELI MEAT SLICERS IN NEED OF CLEANING AND SANITIZING.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL WALK IN AND REACH IN COOLERS.
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A PROPER WEATHER STRIP TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN AND DEFROST REAR REACH IN FREEZER TO REMOVE ICE BUILD UP.
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: OBSERVED A LEAKY PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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: OBSERVED A FEW CEILING TILES IN POOR REPAIR (WATER DAMAGED) IN THE DINING AND IN SHOPPING DISPLAY AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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 A FEW CEILING TILES IN POOR REPAIR (WATER DAMAGED) IN THE DINING AND IN SHOPPING DISPLAY AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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