La Azteca Paleteria
3018 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60623
Restaurant ZIP 60623 Risk 1 (High)
Passed · as of Aug 21, 2026
La Azteca Paleteria was last inspected on August 21, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 8 violations.
Latest inspection
August 21, 2026 · Canvass
Result: Pass
8 general-
GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed food items stored on floor in walk-in cooler and freezer. Instructed manager to elevate all food items six inches off floor.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFacility upkeep
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 inside walk-in cooler and storage areas. Instructed manager to provide adequate shelving for easy cleaning and pest control.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed ice buildup and loose panel near compressor inside walk-in freezer. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no covered waste receptacle inside washroom. Instructed manager to provide covered receptacle inside washroom.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no waste receptacles at handwashing sinks. Instructed manager to provide waste receptacles in all areas waste is commonly discarded.
Official wording (code 54)
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive crates and unused equipment in storage areas. Instructed manager to remove all unnecessary articles to prevent pest harborage.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed openings in walls and ceilings in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to seal all openings and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed debris on floors along walls and corners in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspection history
23 inspections on record
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No Entry
Non-Inspection · No Entry
No violations
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed rear exterior door(red) with 1/2in gap at bottom. Instructed person in charge to repair door to be tight fitting.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed fly paper on premises. Instructed person in charge to remove and inform licensed pest control technician of need for service.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed clutter and items unnecessary to food operation stored in basement. Instructed person in charge to remove items and organize area.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed broken area of wall behind tables used for storage in basement. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
3 general Show violations
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of rodent activity on the premises. Observed approximately 40 rat droppings on the floor of the basement storage area along the walls. Approximately 20 mouse droppings were observed on the first-floor rear prep area along the walls. Management instructed to clean and remove all rodent droppings from all affected areas. Advised manager to have additional pest control service to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). Citation issued.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed 3-compartment sink stoppers missing in all three compartments. Instructed manager must provide working stoppers at 3-compartment sink.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed milk crates being used as shelving throughout the prep and storage areas. Must remove and provide shelving 6" off the floor and provide floor accessibility to ensure adequate facility cleaning.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leak at bottom pipe of handsink in middle prep area. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed boxes stored on floor in walk in cooler.observed clutter in front counter area on floor. Instructed person in charge to elevate all boxes and items at least six inches from the floor and maintain at all times.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
4 general Show violations
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 80 mouse droppings scattered throughout facility: in front counter area behind equipment and boxes, in middle prep area behind equipment and under shelving, in corners by pallets of sugar. Instructed person in charge to remove all mouse droppings, sanitize areas and inform pest control of activity. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed gap in window near air conditioning unit, observed 1/4in gap on side of green door leading to exterior. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain all gaps for the prevention of pest entry.
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Observed leak at bottom pipe of handsink in middle prep area. Instructed person in charge to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed boxes stored on floor in walk in cooler.observed clutter in front counter area on floor. Instructed person in charge to elevate all boxes and items at least six inches from the floor and maintain at all times.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed cardboard boxes stored on floor in basement. Instructed person in charge to elevate all items at least six inches from floor and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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No Entry
Non-Inspection · No Entry
No violations
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Missing covers for fan in walk in cooler (d). Instd to replace and maintain
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Excessive ice accumulation around condensor in walk in freezer (a). Instd to remove ice and maintain
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Missing shield for light in walk in freezer (d). Instd to provide and maintain
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
5 general Show violations
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.
Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers with common food names; sugar, etc., when food has been removed from original packaging. Instructed to maintain.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Found torn refrigeration gaskets on multiple refrigeration units throughout facility. Instructed facility to replace all torn gaskets and maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must remove ice accumulation from door frame and air curtains in walk in freezer "d" in rear, instructed to maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.
Inspector’s note: Must repair leaky pipe underneath batch freezer in prep area, instructed to maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must detail clean dust accumulation from ceiling vent in staff toilet room, instructed to maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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No Entry
Canvass · No Entry
No violations
-
Pass
Canvass · Pass
2 general Show violations
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive clutter and unused equipment in the rear of the basement. Instructed to remove and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed ruffled ceilings above the food prep area---------observed an accumulation of dust and dirt in the corners of the food prep area. Instructed that floors and ceilings should be smooth and easily cleanable.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
2 critical2 general Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY .MUST PROVIDE A POLICY AND MAINTAIN.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN-UP POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE.MUST PROVIDE SHELVING UNITS.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN BASEMENT AND LABEL STORAGE ROOM
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
2 critical4 general2 paperwork Show violations
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CriticalManagement & training
Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.
Inspector’s note: Observed no employee health policy .must provide a policy and maintain.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalManagement & training
No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.
Inspector’s note: Observed no vomiting and diarrheal clean-up policy.must provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of appx. 100 or more rodent droppings on floor along wall bases of front prep area under cabinets,inside of motor of unused cooler,wrapping station area,rear area under hand sink,machine room near 3- compartment sink and in between equipment, electrical room.must remove droppings clean and sanitize areas.recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 7/9/18.(priority foundation 7-38-020a)
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.
Inspector’s note: Observed crates used for food and paper storage.must provide shelving units.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must defrost front ice cream freezer.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Must replace burntout light in basement label storage room.
Official wording (code 56)
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
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PaperworkManagement & training
No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no certified food managers certificate posted to view and no certified food manager on duty while tcs foods are being prepared and handled at this time.must provide certificate and post.(priority foundation 7-38-012)
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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PaperworkManagement & training
Required allergen training was missing.
Inspector’s note: Observed no food allergen certificate on site.must provide and maintain.
Official wording (code 58)
Allergen training as required
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
6 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector’s note: All multiuse utensils (popsicle sticks) must be kept in a clean sanitized covered location until used. Correct and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All food contact surfaces must be cleaned and free from sticky substance. Clean all equipment and maintain clean.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector’s note: Floors throughout 1st floor prep area in need of cleaning to remove all food spills and build up. Correct and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Wall in front prep area with peeling paint. Correct and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Light shields in rear prep in need of cleaning to remove all debris inside shield. Correct and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Handsink needed in front prep area. Must install and maintain.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
1 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: 2 compartment utility sink at outside rear of premises. Instructed to remove and use utility sink inside premises for cleaning-up purposes
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
1 general Show violations
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected from inspection report#1562052 date 08-11-2015 (38)observed no dipper well for ice cream scoops at the front service area,instructed to provide dipper well with running water and a drain (32)observed accumulated ice build-up inside of walk-in freezers instructed to remove accumulated ice and maintain (36)observed some lights with missing end caps,observed some light shields not covering the entire light bulb,instructed to replace and maintain serious violation 7-42-090,
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Pass
Canvass · Pass
7 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated ice build up inside of walk in freezers. Instructed to remove accumulated ice and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: Observed aluminum foil insulation that is torn, dirty, uneven and not easily cleanable around a chiller pipe located in the prep area by the chillers. Observed a black slimy substance around a barrel and pipe used for the chillers located in the basement. Instructed to replace and make all surfaces even and easily cleanable.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector’s note: Observed a door frame in poor repair located in the rear of the facility. Instructed to repair and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Observed some lights with missing end caps. Observed some light shields not covering the entire light bulb. Instructed to replace and maintain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Observed no dipper well for ice cream scoops at the front service area. Instructed to provide a dipper well with running water and a drain.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Observed utensil storage in the rear porch (apartment common area) of the facility. Also, items such as accumulated crates, unused equipment, containers and tools at east side outdoor space. Instructed to remove all unnecessary items from area, elevate everything at least 6 inches off of the ground and keep all food utensils and containers inside of facility and maintain. 2 compartment utility sink at outside rear of premises. Instructed to remove and use utility sink inside premises for cleaning-up purposes.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food handler requirements met
Inspector’s note: Observed food handler requirement not met. Instructed to meet requirement and maintain.
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
3 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Walk-in freezer door gasket in poor repair, causing excessive ice accumulation of interior. Instd to repair same
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Lightshields and encaps missing on lights through out premises and in walk in cooler. Provide same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: No grease interceptors at 3-compartment sink. Provide same
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
4 general Show violations
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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: Mice droppings noted (over 30) scattered along wallbase and behind equipment in rear by walk-in cooler and freezer. Instd to remove all droppings, clean and sanitize all affected areas. Recommend to contact pest control for service. Citation issued 7-38-020 serious.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Walk-in freezer door gasket in poor repair, causing excessive ice accumulation of interior. Instd to repair same.
-
GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Lightshields and encaps missing on lights through out premises and in walk in cooler. Provide same.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: No grease interceptors at 3-compartment sink. Provide same.
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No Entry
Canvass · No Entry
No violations
-
Fail
Canvass · Fail
No violations
-
Pass
Canvass · Pass
4 general Show violations
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector’s note: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL STORAGE CONTAINERS.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector’s note: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE BOTTOM PANEL OF PREP TABLE.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT PRODUCTION AREA 3PART SINK.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Articles must be stored off floors, away from walls to prevent pest harborage.
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More in ZIP 60623
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 3 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.