Luciano's Grocery-18th St

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

Inspector’s note: FOUND 40 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE CORNER OF THE MIDDLE STORAGE AREA AND 20 IN THE STORAGE AREA BY THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020 (a) CITATION ISSUED

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths not properly stored when not in use. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm) when not in use. Maintain same.

Gloves weren’t used properly.

Inspector’s note: Food handler wearing gloves and touching the the garbage can. Instructed to change gloves when contaminating them. Maintain same.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Leak at the base and elbow of the faucet on the 3-compartment sink. Instructed to fix and maintain leak.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors in the corners and under/around the coolers/freezers with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to clen and maintain floors throughout.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Vent cover missing from upper wall in front of the walk in cooler by the liquor stock. Damaged ceiling and holes in that same area. Instructed to fix and maintain all to be smooth and easily cleanable.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Wiping cloths not properly stored when not in use. Instructed to store in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm) when not in use. Maintain same.

Gloves weren’t used properly.

Inspector’s note: Food handler not using gloves, instructed properly to wash hands and use gloves when handling tcs foods. Maintain same.

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

Inspector’s note: Cutting boards in the meat department with deep, dark grooves. Instructed to either sand or replace and maintain a smooth and easily cleanable surface.

Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.

Inspector’s note: No hot water at any of the sinks on the premises. Temperature ranges from 58.8-60.6 f. Instructed to have and maintain hot water on the premises per city code. Priority 7-38-030 citation issued

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Water stained ceiling tiles in the front/rear of the facility. Instructed to replace and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors in the corners and under/around coolers, storage racks, and sinks with dirt and debris. Instructed to clean and maintain floors.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation from report #2608543 dated 12/05/2024 not corrected and/or maintained. Instructed to correct and maintain: -#57. 2-102.13 observed no food handler's training certification from employee. Instructed that all employees must comply with food handler's training by the food handling regulation enforcement act. Priority foundation 7-42-090 citation issued

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b) noted no thermometers inside refrigeration unit conspicuously posted to monitor the ambient temperature of equipment (meet display coolers). Instructed to equip all refrigeration units with accurate and working thermometers.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b) noted no thermometers inside refrigeration unit conspicuously posted to monitor the ambient temperature of equipment (meet display coolers). Instructed to equip all refrigeration units with accurate and working thermometers

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

Inspector’s note: 4-302.14 noted no sanitizer test strip kit on-site at the time of inspection to test concentration of sanitizer in 3-compartment sink. Instructed to have a test strip kit on site at all times to monitor the strength of the sanitizer pf properly. Priority foundation. 7-38-005 citation issued.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violation from report # 2585968, date: 11/29/2023, not corrected as follows: violation # 44: 4-903.11 (a;b;d) observed multi-use equipment stored on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to properly, wash, rinse and sanitize all multi-use equipment and elevate off floor. Violation #47:4-501.11 observed no stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to provide. Violation #55: 6-501.114 observed unused articles and equipment in basement and storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all unnecessary items to prevent pest harborage. Violation #55: 6-501.12 observed dust, dirt and debris on floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, sales, storage and basement areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain. Instructed manager to correct violation. Priority foundation violation # 7-42-090 citation issued.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk container not labeled in prep area. Instructed manager to label all bulk container with common name of food.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed bulk container of salt not covered under prep table. Instructed manager to cover all bulk containers to protect from contamination. Observed boxes of tortillas stored on floor near washrooms. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor

Clean utensils, equipment, or linens weren’t stored and handled properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed multi-use equipment stored on floor in prep area. Instructed manager to properly, wash, rinse and sanitize all multi-use equipment and elevate off floor.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates used as shelving units in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to provide adequate shelving for storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to provide.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of slicers, prep tables, display coolers in prep area. Observed dust buildup inside coolers and on shelving units in sales area. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking faucet on 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed unused articles and equipment in basement and storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all unnecessary items to prevent pest harborage.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed dust, dirt and debris on floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in prep, sales, storage and basement areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed missing light shields in meat display cooler. Instructed manager to provide.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-302.12 observed no metal stem thermometer on site to properly take temperatures of cold and hot foods. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-302.12 observed no metal stem thermometer on site to properly take temperatures of cold and hot foods. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

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

Inspector’s note: 6-501.112 observed an excessive amount of dead roaches on the floor in the basement area and on the floors in the rear food prep area and various of the facility. Instructed to clean and sanitize.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed facility re-using cardboard as shelf liners at most lower shelves, inside the bottom shelves of the reach in cooler, and inside of the walk in coolers. Instructed to remove all cardboard, and do not reuse cardboard as shelf liners, all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.

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

Inspector’s note: 4-603.15 observed large equipment (pots) on site and too large to fit inside of the 3 compartment sink. Instructed to provide a written procedure on how the facility washes rinses and sanitizes large equipment.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed the interior of the reach in cooler (bottom units) with excessive accumulated dirt and food debris all around the units and in the cracks and crevices of the bottom units, observed excessive rust on the shelves inside the food walk in cooler. Instructed to clean or replace all.

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

Inspector’s note: 5-501.17 observed no covered receptacle inside of the women's toilet room. Instructed to provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed excessive dirt and food debris on the floors throughout the food prep area, customer grocery area on shelves, under and behind all refrigeration units, inside of all walk in coolers and on the floors in the basement and the 2nd floor storage areas. Instructed to clean and sanitize.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: No wiping cloths with sanitizer on site at time of inspection. Instructed to provide and maintain

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the knives, meat grinder and meat slicer with dried food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed a leak in the faucet of the hand washing sink in the rear prep/dish washing area. Instructed to repair and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the mens and womens toilet room without covered receptacles. Instructed to provide and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and grease build up on the shelves, cooking equipment, walls, and floors. Instructed to clean and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: FOUND NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(c)

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: No wiping cloths with sanitizer on site at time of inspection. Instructed to provide and maintain

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the knives, meat grinder and meat slicer with dried food debris. Instructed to clean and maintain

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed a leak in the faucet of the hand washing sink in the rear prep/dish washing area. Instructed to repair and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: Observed the mens and womens toilet room without covered receptacles. Instructed to provide and maintain

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed food debris and grease build up on the shelves, cooking equipment, walls, and floors. Instructed to clean and maintain

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

Inspector’s note: Observed rusty walk-in cooler storage racks, and in meat counter cooler, instructed to remove the rust.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floor in the meat cutting area in poor repair, instructed to repair.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed water damaged ceiling tiles in front sales floor, instructed to replace.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed non compliance on violation #57 no food handler training, from report # 2243384 date 12/1/2018. Correct by date mar. 11, 2019, instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-42-090, citation issued.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Must provide thermometers in walk-in coolers and refrigeration units where missing.

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

Inspector’s note: Must properly label prepackaged food items on displayed in meat display cooler with food name, ingredients, net contents.

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

Inspector’s note: Must refinish or replace cutting boards with open seams and dark stains in meat prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Sink compartments shall be large enough to accommodate immersion of the largest equipment and utensils.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must remove clutter and unnecessary articles throughout basement, 2nd floor storage area and all storage closets, prep tables and work stations on 1st floor.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean floors throughout premises along wall base at corners and around heavy equipment.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Food not protected from contamination during preparation. Observed 3 fly strips hung above the food prep tables behind the meat counter and 1 outdoor electric bug zapper stored above the chest freezer next to the meat counter. Management instructed that these devices cannot be stored in the food preparation areas. Serious violation 7-38-005a.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: Previous inspection report summary from 10/27/17 was not posted on the premises where it was visible to customers. Management was given a copy of today's inspection report summary and was instructed to post it in view of all customers. Serious violation 7-42-010b.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: All packaged foods must be labeled with name of product and ingredients.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed multiple broken glass doors for the deli case held together by tape. Must replace the broken glass doors. Observed chicharrones stored in black garbage bags and frozen foods stored in plastic grocery bags in the freezer. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags. Observed raw wood on top of the chicharrones case on the deli cooler. Management instructed to paint or seal the top. Repaint rusted grease trap under the 3 compartment sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Found following equipment not clean: sinks, preparation tables, and exhaust hood filters. Must clean and sanitize all equipment mentioned. Clean all food storage containers, storage shelves, dirty pots and pans, wires to dry the chicharrones.

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

Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at following areas: front and rear kitchen areas, basement, and 2nd floor storage. Replace the broken floor tiles behind the deli counter and grocery display areas. Remove the grease from the floor of the basement.

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

Inspector’s note: Found walls and ceiling not clean at main kitchen.(food splatter). Must clean and sanitize. Damaged ceiling drywall in the basement. Must repair. Replace missing ceiling tiles above the bagged ice freezer.

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

Inspector’s note: Found lights not shielded at main kitchen and above deli cooler. Must shield all light fixtures. Lights inside of hot holding case for chicharrones must be shielded or shatterproof.

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

Inspector’s note: Found no drainboard or drying rack for 3 compartment sink. Must provide. Found no vacuum breaker at mop sink faucet. Must provide. Observed a disconnected drain pipe in the basement. Must repair.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive clutter in the 2nd floor storage area. Items stored on the floor must be 6" off of the floor and away from walls to eliminate pest harborage.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Found food handlers at premises with no foodhandler certificates. Must provide.

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 fruit fly activity at premises. Obseved more than 50 fruit flies on walls behind meat cutting areas. Serious violation. 7-38-020. Must eliminate flies, clean and sanitize meat cutting areas, and notify pest control operator.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: Found no city of chicago sanitation manager on premises whihe handling potentially hazardous food. (handling beef stew, cooking rice, fresh meat etc.)serious violation. 7-38-012a. Must provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Found following equipment not clean: sinks, preparation tables, and exhaust hood filters. Must clean and sanitize all equipment mentioned.

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

Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at following areas: front and rear kitchen areas, basement, and 2nd floor storage.

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

Inspector’s note: Found walls and ceiling not clean at main kitchen.(food splatter). Must clean and sanitize.

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

Inspector’s note: Found lights not shielded at main kitchen. Must shileld light fixtures at main kitchen.

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

Inspector’s note: Found no drainboard or drying rack for 3 compartment sink. Must provide. Found no vaccum breaker at mop sink faucet. Must provide.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Found food handlers at premises with no foodhandler certificates. Must provide.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed ceilings with peeling paint and missing tiles, and ceilings in the rear food prep area not smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed to replace all missing tile and remove all peeling paint and maintain.

Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation

Inspector’s note: Observed 3 live chickens in the basement of facility. Instructed to remove all live chickens from premises and do not house live animals. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).

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 about 150 small flies on walls ceiling and pipes thru out facility. Observed 10 rat droppings located in the basement instructed to clean and sanitize affected areas. Recommended contacting pest control for service. Observed no pest control log book on site. Instructed to provide and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-020.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: Observed no city of chicago food service sanitation manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (beef, chicken) are being handled and served. Instructed to have a city of chicago food service manager on site at all times facility is open and operating. Serious violation 7-38-012.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Observed sandwiches for sale without labels containing product name, date, business address and ingredients. Instructed to provide labels for all potentially hazardous foods that are out of the original packaging and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard being used as a floor liner. Instructed to not reuse cardboard, all surfaces should be smooth and easily cleanable. Observed cooking pots too large to submerge in 3 compartment sink. Instructed to remove equipment or provide a larger 3 compartment sink.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting boards stained with deep dark grooves located in the meat deli area. Instructed to replace all cutting boards and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed floors thru out facility with accumulated dirt and dust debris. Instructed to clean under and around heavy equipment and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed ceilings with peeling paint and missing tiles, and ceilings in the rear food prep area not smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed to replace all missing tile and remove all peeling paint and maintain.

Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

Inspector’s note: Observed no thermometers in the reach in cooler located in the meat prep area. Instructed to provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed excessive accumulated clutter (old equipment) being stored on the ground located in the basement. Instructed to remove all unnecessary clutter and elevate everything at least 6 inches from the ground and maintain.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Observed no food handler certificates on site for food handlers, instructed to provide and maintain.