⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

SOUTH SHORE FOOD MART INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store

SOUTH SHORE FOOD MART INC. (AKA: SOUTH SHORE FOOD MART) 7900 S SOUTH SHORE DR, CHICAGO 60617 Grocery Store
August 11, 2023 Canvass License #2340833
26
Total Violations
10
Critical
4
Major
12
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

26
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP /DISH WASHING AREA.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT & COLD RUNNING WATER,SOAP AND TOWELS.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK & PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ON TO ICE IN MACHINE. MUST REMOVE ICE,CLEAN AND SANITIZE MACHINE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS IN SOME COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
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: OBSERVED AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 300 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN VARIOUS AREAS SUCH AS FRONT PREP AREA-ON WOOD LEDGES UNDER SERVICE COUNTER ,ON SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS.REAR POP STORAGE AREA-ALONG RAILINGS OF SHELVING UNIT,ON TOP OF ARTICLES STORED ON SHELVING UNITS, ON FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF ALL SHELVING UNITS AND LARGE EQUIPMENT IN SAME AREA.REAR STORAGE AREA-ON A PYLON ORANGE CONE ON SHELVING UNITS,AGAIN ON RAILINGS OF SHELVING UNITS ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN MASSIVE CLUTTER IN SAME AREA.REAR KITCHEN AREA-ON FLOOR BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT,SHELVING UNITS NEAR SIDE DOOR,ON FLOOR BETWEEN WALL AND ICE MACHINE.SALES FLOOR-ON SHELVING UNITS NEXT TO MOTOR OIL,CAT FOOD,CHARCOAL,LIGHT BULBS,ON FLOOR BEHIND POP STORAGE AND ICE FREEZER,ON FLOOR UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS ON SALES FLOOR.TOILET ROOM-IN HAND SINK VANITY. WALK IN COOLER-ON FLOOR AND ON SHELVING UNITS.ALSO APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR AND WOOD TRIM UNDER FRONT 2- DOOR PREP COOLER.APPX. 5-10 LIVE LARGE FLIES AND SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/11/23.(PRIORITY 7-38-020 (A)(CITATION ISSUED)
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 #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT & REAR DOORS MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
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 #39
MAJOR
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN 3- COMPARTMENT SINK & MOP SINK,FRONT HAND SINK & PREP TABLE.
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
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 #45
MINOR
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REMOVE CHIPPING PAINT FROM WOOD SHELVING UNITS IN WALK IN COOLER AND RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON WALL REACH IN COOLERS.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM GRILL TABLES, FRYER CABINET,OVEN,STOVE,PREP TABLES, ROLLING CARTS,POP SLEEVES AND SHELVING UNITS IN ALL COOLERS.ALL DISPLAY SHELVES AT SERVICE COUNTER AND SALES FLOOR.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM SOME REACH IN FREEZERS,DOOR JAMS OF ALL COOLERS.MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS AND GLASS,WINDOW SILLS,ICE FREEZER,EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP,ALL SINKS.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE & FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
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 #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE SEEN FOR SERVICING ON ICE MACHINE MUST INSTALL 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 CARDBOARD BOXES BEING USED FOR TRASH MUST PROVIDE GARBAGE CANS 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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES & SERVICE COUNTER,DAMAGED AND MISSING WALLS AND WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES, WALL OVER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
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: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS ON SALES FLOOR AND REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA AND WHERE NEEDED.
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: MUST CLEAN GREASE , FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER DUST AND BUILD UP FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING WALK IN COOLER.
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: MUST CLEAN GREASE,FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES ,SHELVING UNITS ON SALES FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES & WALK IN COOLER.
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: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES ,ON TOP OF COOLERS AND MOPSINK BASIN AND WHERE NEEDED.
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 #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO AIR CONDITIONING ON PREMISES WORKING AT THIS TIME MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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