PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
POTASH GOURMET 44 Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
November 13, 2025
Canvass
License #1822782
7
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NOTED NO CERTIIFED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION AND WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED. INSTRUCTED SUCH A PERSON BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. 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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: NOTED NO SOAP AT THE HAND WASHING SINK OF THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWALS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #13
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED - Comments: NOTED HEAVY BUILD UP ON CONDENSATION UNIT AND SHELVES DRIPPING ONTO FOOD ITEMS STORED ON SHELVES INSIDE THE FREEZER. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF THE FOOD ITEMS.INSTRUCTED DEFROST AND REPAIR THE CONDENSATION UNIT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Pests carry numerous pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Hantavirus, contaminating food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of pest infestation.
Specific Requirements
No live pests; No pest droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting; Effective pest control program; Regular monitoring; Professional treatment when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR INSIDE THE PRODUCE WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER AT THE REAR ROOM USED FOR STORAGE ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
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 CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
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 CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
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