FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
MELI CAFE ON DEARBORN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
January 24, 2025
Canvass
License #2294320
5
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
1
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #15
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE FOOD STORAGE PRACTICIES. OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN STORED OVER POTATOES. FOOD SHALL BE PROTECTED FROM CROSS CONTAMINATION BY ARRANGING ALL FOODS TO BE STORED , HELD AND DISPLAYED IN ORDER OF MINIMUM COOKING TEMOERATURES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. ITEMS STORED CORRECTLY AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION.
Why This Matters
Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.
Food Code Requirement
Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.
Specific Requirements
Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-305.11, 3-302.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT KITCHEN UNDER COOLERS, HANDWASHING SINKS, AND AGAINST WALLS. MUST REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: FOUND APPROX. 3 LIVE ROACHES NEXT TO COOLER LOCATED IN KITCHEN ON THE SERVICE LINE. THE COOLER IS DIRECTLY NEXT TO THE WALL AND THE HANDWASHING SINK IS LOCATED RIGHT BEHIND IT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELIMINATE ROACH ACTIVITY CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN SAID AREAS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: FOUND THAT ALL THREE BUILT-IN STOPPERS LOCATED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ARE INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO HOLD WATER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: FOUND THAT ALL THREE BUILT-IN STOPPERS LOCATED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ARE INOPERABLE AND UNABLE TO HOLD WATER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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
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