⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 1 (High)

MELI CAFE ON DEARBORN Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MELI CAFE ON DEARBORN 500 S DEARBORN ST, CHICAGO 60605 Restaurant
May 21, 2025 Complaint License #2294320
9
Total Violations
3
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

9
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER FROM 8:30AM TO 9:00AM WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN, EGGS WERE PREPARED AND SERVED. AT 9:00AM CERTIFIED MANAGER KARINA BARRAGAN ARRIVED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN EMPLOYEE HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMODITY NAME(SUGAR, OATMEAL, ETC). INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
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: FOUND DEAD ROACHES THROUGHOUT DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED A MINOR LEAK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT AND HANDWASHING SINK AT THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REAIR 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 #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
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 DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN UTILITY AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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