Conditional

Panaderia la Central Inc

4523 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60609

Bakery ZIP 60609 Risk 2 (Medium)

Pass with Conditions · as of Aug 26, 2026

Panaderia la Central Inc was last inspected on August 26, 2026 with a result of “Pass w/ Conditions”. Inspectors found 3 violations, 1 of them critical.

Latest inspection

August 26, 2026 · Canvass

Conditional

Result: Pass w/ Conditions

1 critical2 general
  • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

    Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

    Inspector’s note: Additional hand wash sink is required in baking/ frying station. Instructed to install

    Official wording (code 10)

    Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

    Inspector’s note: Using tin cans and old jugs as a food scoops, instructed to obtain proper utensils.

    Official wording (code 47)

    Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

    Inspector’s note: No sanitizer test strips for Chlorine sanitizer, instructed to obtain Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.

    Official wording (code 48)

    Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

Inspection history

15 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-201.17 noted dirty and dusty ceiling vent cover in the employee bathroom. Instructed to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    1 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No one in charge was present who knew the food-safety rules.

      Inspector’s note: Observed person in charge without proof of food safety management training during time of inspection. Must provide. No citation issued

      Official wording (code 1)

      Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Noted broken outside temperature display and no thermometer inside refrigeration unit conspicuously posted to monitor the ambient air temperature of equipment. Instructed to equip all refrigeration units with accurate and working thermometers.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no covered receptacles in the employee's bathroom. Must provide toilet room receptacle with cover for sanitary napkins.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Noted dirty and dusty ceiling vent cover in the employee bathroom. Instructed to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no light bulb protective cover in the employee bathroom. Instructed to provide and maintain.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

    • GeneralRepeat violation

      A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

      Inspector’s note: Previously core violation not corrected from 02/03/2021, report # 2484464, as follows: #37: 3-302.12 must label food storage containers when food is not in original package. #49: 4-601.11 c must clean excessive build up on interior and exterior of all prep tables, table & floor mixers,shelving units, reach in coolers & freezers,chest freezers,dough machine,rolling carts,food storage containers,encrusted baking ware,pressor,bakery display units,pipes along walls of equipment. #55 6-201.11 must clean food & flour debris build up from walls and ceilings throughout premises. #55 6-501.114 must elevate,remove and organize articles off of floor and in between equipment where needed. #55 6-501.13 must clean excessive flour and food dberis build up from floor throughout including walk in and proofing box. Instructed manager to correct violations. Priority foundation violation # 7-42-090.…

      Official wording (code 60)

      Previous core violation corrected

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no certified city of chicago food service sanitation manager on site at the time of inspection. The designated person in charge, who is physically on site, must obtain and maintain a valid city of chicago food service sanitation license. The certified city of chicago food service sanitation manager. The certified city of chicago food service sanitation manager, luis barrera, arrived on site approx 50 minutes through inspection. Priority foundation violation #7-38-012. Citation issued.

      Official wording (code 2)

      City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

  3. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    9 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 2-304.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WEARING SOILED APRONS.MUST PROVIDE CLEAN APRONS.

      Official wording (code 40)

      Personal cleanliness

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON FRONT 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE BUILD UP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL PREP TABLES, TABLE & FLOOR MIXERS,SHELVING UNITS, REACH IN COOLERS & FREEZERS,CHEST FREEZERS,DOUGH MACHINE,ROLLING CARTS,FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,ENCRUSTED BAKING WARE,PRESSOR,BAKERY DISPLAY UNITS,PIPES ALONG WALLS OF EQUIPMENT

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD & FLOUR DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES WHERE NEEDED.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FLOUR AND FOOD DBERIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT INCLUDING WALK IN AND PROOFING BOX.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTS WHERE NEEDED.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  4. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    2 critical14 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no signed employees health policies.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-010)(no citation issued)

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no clean-up policy procedure and items for vomiting and diarrhea.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-005)(no citation issued)

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

      Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of appx. 75 or more mice droppings on rear ledge of fryer cabinet,on floor behind and next to wash machine and file cabinets,behind rear oven,on floor in corner in rear storage area.must remove droppings.clean and sanitize areas. Recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 2/3/21.(priority foundation 7-38-020(a)(citation issued)

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Observed an appx."1/2-3/4" gap in rear door frame.must make tight fitting.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralHygiene & sanitation

      Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Observed employees wearing soiled aprons.must provide clean aprons.

      Official wording (code 40)

      Personal cleanliness

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed tongs on trays used for baked goods must store properly to prevent contamination.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace worn door gasket on front 2- door reach in cooler.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed 3- compartment sink not maintained.observed water backing up and draining slow.must repair and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-025)(citation issued)

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no chemical test kit to check sanitizing solution ppm's at 3- compartment sink.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-005)(citation issued)

      Official wording (code 48)

      Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean excessive build up on interior and exterior of all prep tables, table & floor mixers,shelving units, reach in coolers & freezers,chest freezers,dough machine,rolling carts,food storage containers,encrusted baking ware,pressor,bakery display units,pipes along walls of equipment.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must elevate,remove and organize articles off of floor and in between equipment where needed.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean excessive flour and food dberis build up from floor throughout including walk in and proofing box.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean food & flour debris build up from walls and ceilings throughout premises.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace damaged and missing wall tiles where needed.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must replace burntout lights where needed.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  5. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    7 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of reach-in coolers, freezers, door gaskets on coolers and freezers, prep tables, rolling carts, storage shelves, display shleves.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Clean floors under all unused equipment in rear prep area, along walls and corners in prep and storage areas.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Clean all light shields in sales, prep and storage areas.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Replace inoperable light bulbs in prep area. Replace missing light shield in rear storage area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Tighten loose faucet on sink in washroom.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Remove all unused equipment in rear storage areas to prevent pest harborage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Provide food handler training for all employees.

  6. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  7. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed over 65 mice droppings at rear along exterior of unused oven. Must remove droppings, clean /sanitize affected areas. Contact pest control to minimize/eliminate pest problem. Serious violation 7-38-020.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Clean floors throughout rear area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Remove clutter at rear, organize and maintain at all times.

  8. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Observed the interior and exterior of coolers, proffers,and storage racks not clean, instructed to clean. Also clean and sanitize trays.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor not clean under and around prep and storage, instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed the ventilation in the restroom not working, instructed to repair/or replace. Also replace broken sink stoppers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Continue to remove clutter and items not being used.

  9. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed 75 mice droppings in the rear/side storage area, instructed to remove clean and sanitize effected areas.serious violation 7-38-020. Have pest control return for service.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Observed interior and exterior of coolers, proofers,storage racks, not clean instructed to clean. Also clean and sanitize tongs, and tray's.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed the floor not clean under and around prep and storage areas, instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed the ventilation in the restroom not working, instructed to repair/or replace. Also replace broken 3 compartment sink stoppers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Observed much clutter, instructed to organize and remove items not being used.

  10. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  11. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    8 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Found evidence of rodent activity in rear storage and baking areas. Approximately 50-55 droppings noted. Observer fruit fly activity in rear storage area, fryer area, 3 compartment sink area and in washroom. Observed open bait in corners in rear storage area. Instructed manager that all bait must be held in a container. Instructed manager to clean and contact pest control for service. Serious violation 7-38-020 citation issued evidence of rodent/insect activity.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

      Inspector’s note: All multi use equipment in need of cleaning and storing in a clean sanitized location. Must correct and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: The following in need of cleaning: all prep tables, all storage shelves, all reach in coolers, all reach in freezer, walk in freezer, the door handles of all equipment all contact surfaces, all baking and fryer equipment. Must detail clean to remove all food debris and build up. Must clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Floors in rear storage area with heavy build up of sugar and food debris. All floors in need of cleaning through out under and around all equipment. Must clean and mainaintain clean at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Walls in rear fryer area in need of detail cleaning to remove all build up of grease and other food spills. Must clean throughout and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters

      Inspector’s note: Toilet room in need of detail cleaning and sanitizing. Must correct and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Ventilation in bathroom in need of repair and cleaning to remove all dust build up. Must correct and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Any and all unnecessary clutter must removed and or organized. Must correct and maintain at all times.

  12. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    7 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Interior panels of all deeep freezers in poor repair, exposed insulation. Interior gasket of walk-in cooler including walk-in cooler door and interior door frame not maintained, exposed insulation and excessive build-up. Instd to repair same and have surfaces smooth, even easily cleanable. Fryer leaking in rear. Repair/replace same

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Interior of all coolers/freeezers including rubber gaskets, storage shelves and cabinets thru-out not clean. Clean same and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Stock on floor. Elevate 6 inchees. Floor thru-out under and behind heavy equipment needs detailed cleaning.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Lightshields thru-out not clean. Clean same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

      Inspector’s note: Light out in walk-in cooler. Repair same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Leak at 3-compartment sink faucet. Repair same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

      Inspector’s note: Food handlers not wearing hair restraints. Must do so.

  13. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    No violations

  14. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical1 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

      Inspector’s note: All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health. OBSERVED EMPLOYEES USING POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES,ONE EMPLOYEE WASHING AND MULTIPLE TIMES AT 3-COMP SINK. ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WHILE MAKING MUFFINS USING BARE HANDS NOT UTENSIL TO GET CREAM CHEESE FROM OUT OF BUCKET,PUT INSIDE MUFFIN CUPS,THEN TAKE HANDS TO SCRAPE CREAM CHEESE OFF HANDS TO PUT BACK CREAM CHEESE ON HANDS BACK INTO BUCKET, DIDN'T WASH HANDS PROCEEDED TO MAKE MUFFIN BATTER,THEN USED HANDS TO GET BATTER OUT OF MIXER BOWL TO PUT IN MUFFIN CUPS. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO WASH HANDS. CDI CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR DRY STORAGE SUGER BINS. ALSO MUST REPLACE SOAP DISPENSER AT PREP SINK IN POOR REPAIR AND INSTALL PAPER TOWEL DEVICE AT PREP HAND SINK.

More in ZIP 60609

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 2 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.