FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LUCIANO'S GROCERY-18TH ST Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
May 6, 2025
Complaint
License #1380524
11
Total Violations
5
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE PREPARING/SERVING TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, PORK). INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES, FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, SERVED, AND OFFERED FOR SALE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: FOOD HANDLE ON SITE CUTTING/HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD (SLICED ONIONS) AND DIDN'T WASH HIS HANDS BEFORE STARTING THE TASK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS WHEN MULTI-TASKING, USING GLOVES, TOUCHING THE BODY, ETC. PIC DISCARDED OF ONIONS. PRIORITY 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER HANDLING READY-TO-EAT FOODS WITH HIS BARE HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS AND USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING READY-TO-EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #46
MAJOR
Violation Details
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: FOOD HANDLER NOT USING GLOVES, INSTRUCTED PROPERLY TO WASH HANDS AND USE GLOVES WHEN HANDLING TCS FOODS. MAINTAIN SAME.
Why This Matters
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.15
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: CUTTING BOARDS IN THE MEAT DEPARTMENT WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #50
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: NO HOT WATER AT ANY OF THE SINKS ON THE PREMISES. TEMPERATURE RANGES FROM 58.8-60.6 F. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER ON THE PREMISES PER CITY CODE. PRIORITY 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate hot and cold running water required.
Specific Requirements
Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-103.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT/REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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: FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND COOLERS, STORAGE RACKS, AND SINKS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
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: FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND COOLERS, STORAGE RACKS, AND SINKS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
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
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