Carniceria la Mejor Produce

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Jun 25, 2025 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   5 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 4-101.19 instructed not to use plastic soda crates or milk crates as a means of elevation throughout the facility for easy access on cleaning.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 4-101.17 instructed to seal or paint raw wood (fruits and vegetable) display shelves in front display area.

     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: 4-301.12 instructed to provide 3 working drain stoppers for the 3 compartment sink in the meat prep area.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 instructed to detail clean and maintain prep and storage shelves in rear produce prep area and in meat prep area.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 6-501.114 instructed to clean, maintain and remove unnecessary items, unused equipment in rear storage area by the exit door.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 some food handler with expired food handler certificate. Instructed to provide current certificate for each employee.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

2. Jun 18, 2025 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   1 critical7 general2 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Person in charge does not have an original city of chicago sanitation certificate. Priority foundation violation.

     Official wording (code 1)

     Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no licensed pest control logbook available on premises. Instructed to provide a pest control log book with a complete contents (name of the pest control company and business license number, contract/service agreement, service report, chemicals used etc.) priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (c) citation issued

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to seal or paint raw wood (fruits and vegetable) display shelves in front display area.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Instructed not to use plastic soda crates or milk crates as a means of elevation throughout the facility for easy access on cleaning.

     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: Instructed to provide 3 working drain stoppers for the 3 compartment sink in the meat prep area.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain prep and storage shelves in rear produce prep area and in meat prep area.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Toilet room receptacles must be covered. Instructed to provide lid or cover for trash bin inside the washroom.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean, maintain and remove unnecessary items, unused equipment in rear storage area by the exit door.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: No person on site with an original city of chicago food sanitation certificate posted. Instructed person in charge, a certified food service sanitation certified person must be present while handling tcs foods (pork, beef, chicken, fish etc) with an original city of chicago certificate and must be posted at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 citation issued

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Food handlers with expired some food handler training certificate. Instructed to provide current certificate for each employee.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

3. Dec 2, 2024 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical1 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalFood source

     Food came from an unapproved source.

     Inspector’s note: Observed cake slices sold "to go" prepared offsite in a private home. Management discarded approximately 1lbs of cake valued at approximately $30. Instructed management to cease purchasing from private parties and only purchase from approved sources. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 11)

     Food obtained from approved source

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed items prepared on site and sold "to go" such as guacamole and pico de gallo missing ingredient information. Instructed to provide ingredient information on all items prepared on site and sold to go.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • PaperworkManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed no certified manager on site from 9:40-10:15am while store was open and operating. Instructed to maintain an employee holding a valid city of chicago foodservice manager certificate on site at all times. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. Citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

4. Jul 21, 2023 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 critical6 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

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

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide handwashing signage at all handsinks (front/rear prep, washroom).

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no label for pre packaged guacamole and salsa displayed for sale. Instructed manager, all prepackaged foods on premises for sale must have proper identification. (name of product, ingredients, net quantity of contents, name and place of business of manufacturer, packer or distributor).

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Food and non food items must be stored 6" off the floor inside dairy walk in cooler and rear dry storage area to prevent contamination and for easy access on cleaning. No milkcrates.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Noted excessive ice accumulation on sides and around door of walk-in freezer. Instructed to defrost and repair.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to repair slow draining handsink (right side) in front meat prep area.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floor inside walk-in freezer especially under shelves with dried food accumulation.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and remove unnecessary articles and clutter stored in rear storage area to prevent pest harborage.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Observed some food handlers with no proof of food handler training certificate. Instructed to provide certificate for each employee.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

5. Aug 25, 2022 Conditional

   Short Form Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Cardboards used as flooring in meat prep-area. Instructed to remove and replace with flooring that is smooth, easily cleanable, and non-absorbent.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Cutting boards in the meat prep-area are severely scratched which prevents proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment. Resurface or replace cutting boards.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • PaperworkManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Certified food manager is not present on site while tcs foods are being prepared in meat preparation area (slicing deli meats). A person that holds a city of chicago sanitation certificate must be present at all times during hours of operation. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

6. Jun 28, 2022 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed plastic grocery bags being used to store food items in meat display cooler located in rear meat prep area. Instructed to use food grade bags or containers to store food items.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed walk in cooler being used as dry storage and storage room located in rear with clutter and items on floor. Instructed to organize storage areas and keep items elevated off of floors.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

7. Jan 14, 2021 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical2 general Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: No employee health policy on premises. Instructed manager must provide an employee health policy on premises. 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: No vomit and diarrhea cleaning procedure on premises. Instructed manager must provide a vomit and diarrhea cleaning procedure with all necessary items as outlined in policy on premises. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 5)

     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: 3-compartment sink and dishwash wash area handwash bowl pipes draining slowly. Instructed manager said sinks pipes must drain quickly.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: No covered trash receptacle in washroom. Must provide.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

8. Apr 16, 2019 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   2 critical2 general Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: No employee health policy on premises. Instructed manager must provide an employee health policy on premises. 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: No vomit and diarrhea cleaning procedure on premises. Instructed manager must provide a vomit and diarrhea cleaning procedure with all necessary items as outlined in policy on premises. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 5)

     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: No metal stem thermometer on premises. Instructed manager must provide and calibrate a metal stem thermometer for food handlers and keep on premises. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: No stoppers for 3-compartment sink. Must provide stoppers (x3) for 3-compartment sink.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

9. Apr 2, 2018 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

10. Mar 23, 2018 Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    4 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 actitivy on premises at time of inspection: observed 75 mice droppings in the walk-in cooler that is turned off and used as dry storage and observed 15 droppings outside of the walk-ins on the back wall under the dry food storage pallets. Observed 3 dead mice on a glue trap in the walk-in cooler mentioned above that is turned off and used as dry storage. Instructed staff that additional pest control service is required and every dropping on premises must be cleaned and the floors shall be washed and sanitized. 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: Instructed to detail clean every section of the floor in the rear storage area and both walk-in units and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide a light shield for the light fixture above the rear prep table outside of the walk-in cooler to protect light fixture at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: Must replace the broken thermometer inside of the meat display cooler and maintain.

11. Apr 10, 2017 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed food debris inside meat grinder. Must clean and maintain meat grinder.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Dishwash area exposed hand wash bowl pipe draining slowly. Must repair and maintain sink.

12. Jun 7, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean and sanitize the interior shelving bottoms at the chicken, beef and pork deli case units to remove excessive food crumbs.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide light shield covers for the light fixtures at the entire produce cold holding unit located on the south end of the store. Also must provide light shield covers at the light fixtures over the meat cutting table at the deli area.

13. May 4, 2016 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must properly label all foods not their original containers at all times. Found guacamole, geen salsa, pico de gallo and red salsa at the reach-in cold holding units notproperly dated and labeled. Must provide at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must replace/repair oxidized extremely rusty shelving rack inside the meat walk-in cooler in the rear portion of the store. Above found in poor repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and sanitize meat grinders and other meat cutting equipment at the meat/deli serivce area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair/seal hole small hole at the bottom of the wall on the right hand side across from the rear receiving door area to prevent pest entry.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food handler requirements met

      Inspector’s note: Must provide deli staff and other food prep staff with their idph food handler's certificate to be in complaince with the new rules and regulations as of 1-1-2017. (educational period at this time no enforcement)

14. May 19, 2015 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    5 general Show violations

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found raw foods (beef) stored above and next to ready-to-eat foods (cheeses) inside the walk-in-cooler and 1 large pot of menudo soup(unlabeled) stored on floor inside same cooler.instructed manager on proper food storage,protection and maintain. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to replace or repair rusty shelvings inside the walk-in-cooler and raw wooden storage areas at rear must be sealed using a non-toxic finish and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean fan covers inside the walk-in-cooler,knife rack at meat cutting area and front candy shelving counter section and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Floors beneath the grocery display areas throughout in need for a detail cleaning and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Employee toilet room must be self closing and maintain.

15. May 28, 2014 Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    2 general Show violations

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Cutting boards not clean, and produce liners not clean, instructed to clean or replace,

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: More light needed in rear prep/storage area,

16. Feb 20, 2014 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical3 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure

      Inspector’s note: Hot water running luke warm (85-94'f) at this time of inspection, after about 45 minutes hot water still reading the same, instructed to maintain running hot water consistently throughout the day at 110'f, instructed to invest in a bigger hot water tank, and a separate tank for upstairs apartment, area supervisor notified, hot water recovered after about over an hour, critical citation issued: 7-38-030

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide adequate labels on sliced produce offered for sale, with the source of where product comes from, full address must be on label,

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must replace broken hand to milk display unit reach-in cooler at,

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Cutting boards not clean, instructed to clean or replace,

17. May 22, 2012 Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical8 general Show violations

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Source of cross contamination controlled i.e. Cutting boards, food handlers, utensils, etc

      Inspector’s note: Observed source of cross contamination; employee slicing ham and chesse on a slicer having excessive dried food particles encrusted on the blade. Instructed slicer must be taken apart and clean/sanitize as needed. Critical citation issued, 7-38-005(a).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must replace broken doors on display unit at meat cutting area and seal raw/bare wood display tables.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The following not clean, must clean/sanitize; coolers, display units, microwave oven, bottom panels of prep tables, slicers, grinder, display tables/shelves and mop sink.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean floors, under, behind, equipment/pallets thru-out premises, including basement, and inside walk in coolers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean walls thru-out meat prep/cutting area, vent covers in washrooms and fan guards in walk in coolers.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to provide light shileds for holding units.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair leaking pipe under 1st exposed sink at meat prep area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Noted excessive clutter thru-out rear storage areas; instructed to remove unnecessary articles, clean and organize to prevent pest harborage. Articles must be stored off floors, away from walls.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Instructed, cleaning towels must be properly stored.

18. Sep 20, 2010 Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations

    • 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.OBSERVED RUSTY STORAGE TABLE IN REAR MEAT DEPT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN MEAT COOLER INTERIOR,AND MICROWAVE IN MEAT DEPT. ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE CUTTING BOARDS, SLICER AND BAND SAW.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. 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.OBSERVED THE HANDSINK IN REAR MEAT DEPT. LEAKING AT LOWER PIPE INTO BUCKET INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.