FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
STELLA'S DINER Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
July 17, 2024
Canvass
License #2809079
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
5
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on July 17, 2024. 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 7 violations during this inspection, including 2 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 20 RAT DROPPINGS ON BASEMENT FLOOR AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND 10 RAT DROPPINGS INSIDE CARDBOARD BOX ON SHELF AT BASEMENT BY SOUTH WALL. MUST REMOVE ALL RAT DROPPINGS BY DATE OF REINSPECTION AND MAINTAIN. ADVISED TO CALL PEST CONTROL OPERATOR FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST BUILD UP ON WALK IN COOLER FAN COVERS AND ICE BUILD UP ON REAR OF WALK IN FREEZER CONDENSER. MUST CLEAN WALK IN COOLER/WALK IN FREEZER FAN COVER AND CONDENSER.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: REAR PREP AREA HANDWASH SINK (BY ICE MACHINE) DRAIN PIPE LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN HAND SINK.
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 STANDING WATER ON BASEMENT FLOOR AROUND WALK IN COOLERS. MUST KEEP BASEMENT FLOOR DRY.
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: BASEMENT FLOOR CLUTTERED AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF BASEMENT FLOOR OR REMOVE ITEMS.
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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE DISHMACHINE ROOM. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULBS.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED OUT CEILING LIGHT BULBS ABOVE DISHMACHINE ROOM. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULBS.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
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