FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
SUPER MERCADO EL GUERRO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
July 25, 2025
Canvass
License #7546
7
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED 4 WHOLE ROTISSIERIE CHICKENS AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURED RANGING BETWEEN 100-120F. SAID PRODUCT IS STORED INSIDE HOT HOLD UNIT IN REAR PREP/DELI AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.PIC DISCARDED AT THIS TIME.
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 9 LBS OF CHORIZO AND PORK SAUSAGES INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT @52F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @41F AND BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PIC DISCARDED PRODUCT AT THIS TIME.PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
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 #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED COOLING UNIT LOCATED IN REAR PREP/DELI AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES WHILE STORING TCS FOODS INSIDE (CHORIZO, SAUSAGES). NOTED TEMPERTURE OF UNIT @52.0F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR UNIT TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED. UNIT TAGGED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING PLACES. NEXT TO CHICKEN ROTISSERIE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA SCATTERED ON FLOOR , ALONGSIDE DISPLAY COOLER CONTAININD DELI MEAT AND CHEESE AND IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE ALONGSIDE AND BEHIND ICE MACHINE AND ALONG WHITE LEDGE. RECOMMENDED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICE, REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. 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 DEAD MOUSE IN DRY STORAGE NEXT TO ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH LONG BEARD WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSRRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH LONG BEARD WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSRRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
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