FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
POLARIS CHARTER ACADEMY Fails Health Inspection - Chicago School
September 23, 2026
Canvass
License #1980707
10
Total Violations
5
Critical
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This school was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on September 23, 2026. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 10 violations during this inspection, including 5 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (PASTA, CHOPPED WATERMELON, MILK). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012.
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 #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS CHOPPED WATERMELON STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 46F-51F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TCS FOODS @41F AND BELOW AS REQUIRED. SAID FOOD DISCARDED BY PIC. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES FLYING THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT, FLYING AROUND STORAGE CAGE AND INSIDE HANDWASHING SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE FLY ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED STICKY TRAPS FILLED WITH DEAD INSECTS AND WEBS IN CORNERS AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE 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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTED PREP TABLE SHELVING AS WELL AS INSIDE EQUIPMENT USED TO STORE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN SERVING AREA WITH LEAKY PLUMBING FIXTURE CAUSING WATER TO POOL ON THE FLOOR UNDER SAID SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED WALLS UPON ENTRANCE TO SERVICE AREA AS WELL AS BEHIND PREP TABLES AND HOT HOLD UNITS WITH PEELING/CHIPPED PAINT. NOTED CRUMBLING BRICKS AS WELL IN SAID SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE WALLS AND SURFACES 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: OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING THROUGHOUT UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONGSIDE OF NOT IN USE DISH MACHINE AND STORAGE SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
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: INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT, SCHOOL FURNITURE AND MISCELLANUES ITEMS FROM PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE IN SAID SPACES. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
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: INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT, SCHOOL FURNITURE AND MISCELLANUES ITEMS FROM PREP AREA IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE IN SAID SPACES. MUST MAINTAIN PREMISE.
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