United Food Mart
735 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
Grocery Store ZIP 60612 Risk 2 (Medium)
Passed · as of Aug 22, 2025
United Food Mart was last inspected on August 22, 2025 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 1 violation.
Latest inspection
August 22, 2025 · Canvass
Result: Pass
1 general-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning in the rear storage room and the washroom to remove spills and debris.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspection history
11 inspections on record
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No Entry
Short Form Complaint · No Entry
No violations
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Conditional
Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions
1 critical3 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: Observed no signed employees health policies.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-010) citation issued.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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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: Must apply a sealant or paint raw wood surfaces in prep area.must eliminate crates used for food storage and provide shelving units.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must elevate,remove or organize articles off of floor and away from walls in rear 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 unused equipment in rear near 3 compartment sink. Must remove and minimize clutter.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Complaint · Fail
2 critical12 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: Observed no signed employees health policies.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-010)
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 clean-up policy procedure and items for vomiting and diarrhea.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-005)
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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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 when food is not in original package.
Official wording (code 37)
Food properly labeled; original container
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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 along bottom of front door.must make 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 no pest control log book with required documents.must provide and maintain.(priority foundation 7-38-020(c)(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 evidence of appx.40 or more mice droppings on floor next to reach in cooler,storage shelves,along ledge and floor in between crates of pop on sales floor.must remove droppings.clean and sanitize areas. Must have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 12/16/21.(priority foundation 7-38-020(a)(citation issued)
Official wording (code 38)
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
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GeneralFood handling
Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.
Inspector’s note: Observed food to be cooked by business inside of reach in freezer on sales floor needs to be removed or lock needed for food protection.
Official wording (code 39)
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
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GeneralFood handling
Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.
Inspector’s note: Must store plastic wear with handles in upright position.
Official wording (code 45)
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & 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: Must apply a sealant or paint raw wood surfaces in prep area.must eliminate crates used for food storage and provide shelving units.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: Observed no chemical test kit for checking 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
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must clean grease and food debris from fryer cabinets.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Must remove excessive caulking along walls and wall bases throughout premises.
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: Must elevate,remove or organize articles off of floor and away from walls in basement and rear 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: Must clean debris from floor under display shelves on sales floor and in basement.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
5 critical10 general1 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: No employee health policy onsite. Instructed to provide the city's health form or similar documents used to demonstrate compliance. Priority foundation 7-38-010.
Official wording (code 3)
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Found handwashing sink in rear dish area blocked by a lawn mower. Instructed to remove item. Handwashing sink must be accessible at all times and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-030 (c)
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Found no soap at handwashing sink in rear dish area. Instructed to provide hand soap at sink at all times and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-030. (c)
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalHygiene & sanitation
Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.
Inspector’s note: Found no paper towels or drying device at handwashing sink in rear dish area during inspection. Instructed to provide paper towels or drying device at all times and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-030 (c)
Official wording (code 10)
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
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CriticalFacility upkeep
Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.
Inspector’s note: Found no hot water on premises. Hot water ranged from 77f to 78f. Instructed to contact plumber to have hot water restored. Hot water at hand sinks must be restored to a minimum of 100f, and hot water at 3-comp 110f. Priority violation 7-38-030(c)
Official wording (code 50)
Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Must provide a metal stem thermometer onsite to ensure the accuracy of hot or cold food temperatures. Instructed to maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Found no thermometer inside deli cooler, instructed to provide working thermometer and maintain.
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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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 wooden blocks holding up the flat top grill in the cooking/prep area. Also, must discontinue using milk crates as storage racks for food and beverages. Instructed to provide proper storage racks for food beverage storage. Instructed to maintain.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.
Inspector’s note: FOUND NO CHLORINE OR QUATERNARY TEST STRIPS ONSITE. A test kit or other device that accurately measures the concentration in MG/L of SANITIZING solutions shall be provided. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
Official wording (code 48)
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found the exterior of the deep fryer and grill in prep area with excessive accumulation of grease and food debris. Instructed to deep clean and 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: Found no back flow preventer device on faucet of mop sink in rear, instructed to install and maintain.
Official wording (code 51)
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.
Inspector’s note: Found no covered receptacle in staff toilet room, instructed to provided covered receptacle and maintain.
Official wording (code 53)
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found the ceiling on the sales floor with water damaged. Instructed to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Found excessive dust and debris on the floors and along the baseboards throughout the facility. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.
Inspector’s note: Found excessive grease and dust accumulation on hood filters above cooking equipment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain.
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: No certified manager onsite during the inspection while tcs foods; ground beef, and italian beef are being prepared or served. Instructed to have a certified manager onsite at all times when tcs foods are being prepared or served. Priority foundation 7-38-012
Official wording (code 2)
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
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Conditional
Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions
3 critical4 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: Observed no employee health policy during inspection. Instructed to comply priority foundation violation 7-38-010 no citation issued.
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 procedure and clean up kit for responding to vomiting and diarrhea events during inspection. Instructed to comply. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
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CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods with no proper date marking and disposition (cheese, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce). Instructed that all tcs foods prepared on site and held for over 24 hours must have proper date marking and disposition. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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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 wooden blocks holding up the flattop grill in the cooking/prep area. Instructed to remove.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the exterior of the deep fryer and floors underneath the deep fryer with excess of grease and food debris. Instructed to deep clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the ceiling above the 6-door beverage cooler water damaged. Instructed to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive dust and debris on the floors and along the baseboards throughout the facility. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Fail
Canvass · Fail
3 critical6 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: Observed no employee health policy during inspection. Instructed to comply priority foundation violation 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 procedure and clean up kit for responding to vomiting and diarrhea events during inspection. Instructed to comply. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 5)
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
-
CriticalFood temperature
Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.
Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods with no proper date marking and disposition (cheese, sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce). Instructed that all tcs foods prepared on site and held for over 24 hours must have proper date marking and disposition. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 23)
Proper date marking and disposition
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GeneralFood temperature
Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.
Inspector’s note: Observed no metal stem thermometer during inspection. Instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.
Official wording (code 36)
Thermometers provided & accurate
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GeneralPests
Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.
Inspector’s note: OBSERVED APPROX 75 MOUSE DROPPINGS BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG THE BASEBOARDS BEHIND THE STORED SOFT DRINKS, IN FRONT OF THE STORED SOFT DRINKS, AND ALONG THE NORTH WALL IN THE CORNER BY THE SHELVING. INSTRUCTED TO CALL OUT PEST CONTROL, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 wooden blocks holding up the flattop grill in the cooking/prep area. Instructed to remove.
Official wording (code 47)
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Equipment and surfaces were dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the exterior of the deep fryer and floors underneath the deep fryer with excess of grease and food debris. Instructed to deep clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 49)
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
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GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed the ceiling above the 6-door beverage cooler water damaged. Instructed to repair and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
-
GeneralFacility upkeep
Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.
Inspector’s note: Observed excessive dust and debris on the floors and along the baseboards throughout the facility. Instructed to clean and maintain.
Official wording (code 55)
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
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Pass
License Re-Inspection · Pass
No violations
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Fail
License Re-Inspection · Fail
2 critical5 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector’s note: Facilities do not maintain proper temperature. The deli cooler is maintaining an air temperature of 55f. Must repair and maintain the cooler below 40f. Critical violation 7-38-005a.
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector’s note: No paper towels provided at the exposed handwashing sink in the dishroom and in the washroom. Must provide soap and paper towels at all handwashing sinks at all times. Critical violation 7-38-030.
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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: Observed evidence of rodent activity in the basement. Observed approximately 50 rat droppings on the ground inside the bottom of the hvac unit, and in the corner and along the walls of both rooms in the basement. Additional pest control service is needed to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Must clean and remove all droppings from the basement. Serious violation 7-38-020.
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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: Must cover the exposed raw wood flooring in the walk-in cooler. Seal the openings in the basement floor with concrete.
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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: Seal the openings in the brick walls of the basement to prevent entry of rodents.
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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: Seal the openings in the walls and baseboards.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Must provide adequate lighting in the dishroom area.
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Fail
License · Fail
2 critical10 general Show violations
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector’s note: No working refrigeration units on the premises. Management instructed to provide adequate refrigeration to maintain foods below 40f. Must provide and maintain coolers below 40f, freezers below 0f. Critical violation 7-38-005a.
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CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector’s note: No exposed handwashing sink installed in the dishroom where the 3 compartment sink is located. Must install an exposed handwashing sink in this area and supply it with soap and paper towels. Critical violation 7-38-030.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector’s note: Food not protected from contamination by the public. Must provide a barrier to keep the public out of the food preparation area and a door to keep the public out of the dishroom. Serious violation 7-38-005a.
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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: Evidence of pest activity observed on the premises. Observed approximately 100 rat droppings on the ground in the basement along walls. Must clean and remove all droppings. Additional pest control service is recommended to minimize or eliminate the pest activity. Serious violation 7-38-020.
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GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector’s note: No chemical test strips provided on the premises. Must provide to measure sanitizer strength. Serious violation 7-38-030.
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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: The floor behind the counter must be smooth and easily cleanable. Must provide a floor covering over the raw wood floor.
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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: Seal the openings in the brick walls of the basement to prevent entry of rodents.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector’s note: Must provide adequate lighting in the dishroom area. Light shields are needed on the light fixtures above the deli cooler. Must install.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector’s note: A self-closing door device is needed on the washroom door that opens into the dishroom. Must install.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector’s note: 3 sink stoppers are needed at the 3 compartment sink. Must provide.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector’s note: Must provide a metal stem probe thermometer to take food temperatures. Provide working thermometers inside of all refrigerators.
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GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector’s note: Observed clutter and litter on the ground in the basement. Must remove all litter and construction wood and debris to eliminate pest harborage conditions.
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More in ZIP 60612
Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 14 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.