FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
SUPERMERCADO CUAUHTEMOC INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
September 20, 2018
Complaint
License #8550
23
Total Violations
10
Critical
2
Major
11
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
23
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-102.11 PIC DIDN'T DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD OPERATION.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(N) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROCEDURE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-205.11 OBSERVED HAND SINK IN TAQUERIA PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A PLASTIC BUCKET AND A GALLON BOTTLE OF VINEGAR INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN AND THE GARBAGE CAN STORED IN FRONT OF THE SAME.ARTICLES REMOVED FROM INSIDE OF SINK AND FROM IN FRONT OF.COS AT THIS TIME.MUST KEEP HAND SINK FREE AND ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C))
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 #20
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE - Comments: 3-501.14 OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD STORED INSIDE OF PREP COOLER COOLING IN A PLASTIC BOWL 3LBS.COOKED PORK 104.5F.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.MUST COOL FOODS DOWN FROM 135.0F TO 70.0F IN 2HOURS.APPX.3LBS.$9.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)
Why This Matters
Slow cooling allows spore-forming bacteria like C. perfringens to germinate and multiply to dangerous levels.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be rapidly cooled to safe temperatures.
Specific Requirements
Cool from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then to 41°F within 4 additional hours; Use shallow pans, ice baths, cooling wands, or blast chillers; Monitor with thermometer.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.14
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A)(1) OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 4LBS. COOKED PORK AT 124.6F IN A PLASTIC BOWL AND 4LBS. OF COOKED GREEN BEANS AT 51.8F ON LOWER SHELF OF SERVICE COUNTER.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.COS AT THIS TIME.MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX.8LBS.$17.16(PRIORITY-NO CITATION ISSUED ) SEE VIOLATION #20.
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 #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17 OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLAIMER OR REMINDER OF THE RISK OF RAW OR UNDERCOOKED FOODS ON MENU.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS AT THIS TIME.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-305.13 MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-605.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER DELI DISPLAY UNIT,ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN PRODUCE AND BEER REACH IN COOLER,ON FLOOR UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS IN REAR TOOL STORAGE AREA,ON FLOOR AT MOTOR OF LARGE BAKING OVEN IN BAKERY AREA,TAQUERIA AREA ON FLOOR ON BOTH SIDES OF PREP COOLER.ALSO,APPX.20 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES AND 10-LARGE FLIES FLYING AROUND AND ON CEILING IN DELI/MEAT DEPT,BAKERY AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/20/18.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020A)
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11 MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMAPRTMENT SINK IN TAQUERIA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN SLIDING GLASS DOORS ON DELI DISPLAY UNIT AND INTERIOR GLASS ON SAME.
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 #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: 4-903.11(A) MUST STORE MULTIUSE UTENSILS IN SILVERWARE HOLDER WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: 4-903.11 (A) MUST STORE SINGLE SERVICE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION IN PLASTIC CONTAINER.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 MUST REMOVE RUST FROM MEAT WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS AND EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP IN KETTLE PREP AREA.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-202.16 MUST REMOVE PAPER TOWELS LINED ON LOWER SHELF IN TAQUERIA AND CARDBOARD FROM DELI PREP TABLES.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11 MUST PROVIDE MISSING SINK STOPPERS IN DELI/KETTLE PREP AREA 3- COMP SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON TAQUERIA PREP COOLER.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: 4-302.14 OBSERVED DISHES BEING WASHED AT 4- COMPARTMENT SINK WITH ONLY 1- COMPARTMENT SET UP WITH SOAPY WATER AND RINSING DISHES UNDER RUNNING WATER AND PLACING DISHES ON OVERHEAD DRAIN BOARD AND REAR DISH STORAGE SHELVES WITHOUT SANITIZING DISHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION.INSTRUCTED AND DEMONSTRATED TO MANAGER AND EMPLOYEES ON HOW TO SET UP SINK PROPERLY.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN DELI/KETTLE PREP AREA.
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: 6-201.11 MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DEBRIS UNDER PALLETS AND DUST FROM CEILING IN BEER WALK IN COOLER.
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: 6-201.13 MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES ON SALES FLOOR,DINING AREA,PREP AREAS AND TOILETROOM,GROUT FLOOR IN REAR KETTLE 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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: 6-202.11 MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KETTLE PREP AREA.
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: 6-202.11 MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT IN KETTLE PREP AREA.
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