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AJAJA FOODS

1901 S PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

AJAJA FOODS has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 3, 2015. The most recent inspection, on June 27, 2019, found no infractions.

2 of 6 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Pests and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 2018. For example: FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 2018. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded once on June 26, 2018. For example: HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 13 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 2018. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 26, 2018. For example: SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • FOUND THE WALK-IN REFRIGERATION UNIT IN THE REAR UNABLE TO MAINTAIN THE PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LESS: THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF THE REACH-IN REFRIGERATOR WAS 48.2F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. THE REFRIGERATION UNIT WAS TAGGED AND CANNOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AFTER THE COOLER MAINTAINS AN INTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LESS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUDS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN REFRIGERATOR THAT WAS TAGGED: FOUND DELI MEATS AT 48.7F, BREAKFAST SAUSAGE AT 49F, BACON AT 48.4F, LUNCHABLES AT 48.5F, AND HOT DOGS RANGING FROM 46-50F. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DENATURED AND TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION 180# OF FOOD WORTH APPROXIMATELY $1,000. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR LESS OR 140F OR MORE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER ON PREMISES: THE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE REACHED A MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 67.8F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS MUST REACH A MINIMUM OF TEMPERATURE OF 85F AND THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST REACH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110F. FACILITY WILL BE CLOSED AND CANNOT RE-OPEN UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AFTER HOT AND COLD WATER IS PROVIDED UNDER CITY PRESSURE THROUGHOUT FACILITY. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 10. SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW
      • SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL NOT MAINTAINED: OBSERVED 3 INCHES OF STANDING WASTE WATER IN THE BASEMENT WITH THE WASTE WATER PIPE ON THE CEILING ACTIVELY LEAKING ONTO THE BASEMENT FLOOR. FACILITY WILL BE CLOSED AND CANNOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. ALL SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER SHALL BE PROPERLY DISPOSED OF WITHOUT BACKING UP, LEAKING, OR BACK SIPHONING. MUST CONTACT A PLUMBER TO REPAIR ALL SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER VIOLATIONS PRIOR TO CONTACTING CDPH FOR A RE-OPENING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • FOUND NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WASHBOWL SINK AND THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK, FOUND NO SOAP AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK: ALL EXPOSED HAND SINKS AND WASHBOWLS SINKS MUST CONTAIN SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON PREMISES: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60-65 MICE AND RAT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDED ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. ALL DROPPINGS MUST BE REMOVED FROM PREMISES AND THE AREAS WHERE DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED MUST BE DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 28. * INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS
      • THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT WAS NOT POSTED FROM FEBRUARY 15, 2018 REPORT#2145037: FACILITY IS REQUIRED TO POST THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT IN PLAIN VIEWING SITE OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL SINKS, COUNTER TOPS, PREP AREAS, EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS. MUST REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS, DEAD INSECTS AND ALL GREASE AND GRIME.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • DETAIL CLEAN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND DEBRIS DIRECTLY OUTSIDE REAR EXIT DOOR AND ON STAIRS LEADING TO THE BASEMENT. REMOVE ALL OLD TIRES, EQUPMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. ALSO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 13. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT INFESTATION, NO BIRDS, TURTLES OR OTHER ANIMALS
      • PREVIOUS CRITICAL VIOLATION STILL NOT CORRECTED. STILL OBSERVED APPX 50 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FLOOR UNDER SMALL ROCKSTAR COOLER,LOWER CABINETS AT FOOD COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER ALL FOOD AND NOTIONS DISPLAY UNITS ON SALES FLOOR,ON ALL FOOD AND NOTIONS DISPLAY UNITS,INSDE OF POTATOE CHIP BOXES,ON FOOD SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA ,ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON AND INSIDE OF BOXES ,ON LEDGES AND SHELVING OF FOOD SHELVES ON SALES FLOOR ,ANOTHER SHELVING UNIT NEAR POP STORAGE AREA ON FRONT SERVICE COUNTERS THROUGHOUT ALL SHELVING UNITS AND INSIDE OF CANDY BOXES ON DISPLAY FOR SALE,INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND STORAGE SHELVES AND CRATES.OPEN RODENT BAIT ON LOWER SHELF ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT SALES FLOOR AND SERVICE COUNTER.MISSING REAR DOOR KNOB.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND RODENT POISON.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/14/18.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZERS.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM ALL SERVICE COUNTERS,DISPLAY UNITS,COOLERS,FREEZERS ON SALES FLOOR AND WALK IN COOLER,MOPSINK BASIN,MICROWAVE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND INCLUDING WALK IN COOLER.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED,STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES,MISSING AND DAMAGED WALL BASES THROUGHOUT.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILING AND IN TOILETROOM UNDER HAND SINK.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM WALLS,DOORS AND CEILING IN DISH WASHING AREA AND WALK IN COOLER.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR AREA AND LIGHT SHIELD NEEDED IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
  5. Complaint

    12 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES FOR STAFF.OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT FRONT PREP AREA HAND SINK,REAR PREP AREA/DISH WASHING AREA HAND SINK IS DISCONNECTED FROM DRAIN LINE UNDERNEATH AND NO SOAP AND HAND DRYING DEVICES,STAFF TOILETROOM HAS NO HOT RUNNING WATER AND A HOLE IN SAME WATERLINE.MUST PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES.PROVIDE SOAP AND TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.REPAIR WATERLINE.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
    • 13. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT INFESTATION, NO BIRDS, TURTLES OR OTHER ANIMALS
      • OBSERVED AN INFESTATION OF APPX.100 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS TO0 NUMEROUS TO COUNT SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES ON FRONT FOOD PREP AREA COUNTER IN BETWEEN PLASTIC GLOVES AND FOOD CONTAINERS,BEHIND HOT HOLDING UNITS,LOWER CABINETS AT FOOD COUNTER,ON FLOOR UNDER ALL FOOD AND NOTIONS DISPLAY UNITS ON SALES FLOOR,ON ALL FOOD AND NOTIONS DISPLAY UNITS,INSDE OF POTATOE CHIP BOXES,ON FOOD SHELVING UNITS IN REAR PREP AREA IN BETWEEN PLASTIC WRAP,BOTTLED SAUCES,HOT HOLDING UNITS,ON FLOOR UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,ON AND INSIDE OF BOXES ,ON TOP OF CAN CHEESE ON FOOD SHELF INREAR PREP AREA ,ANOTHER SHELVING UNIT NEAR POP STORAGE AREA ON TOP OF ALL ARTICLES (LIGHTS,FOOD SCALES,FOOD LIDS,FREEZE POP BOXES),FRONT SERVICE COUNTERS THROUGHOUT ALL SHELVING UNITS AND INSIDE OF CANDY BOXES ON DISPLAY FOR SALE,INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER ON FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND STORAGE SHELVES AND CRATES.OPEN RODENT BAIT ON LOWER SHELF OF FRONT HAND SINK.MISSING REAR DOOR KNOB.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND RODENT POISON.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/6/18.(CRITICAL 7-38-020)
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (ITALIAN BEEF,CHEESE SAUCE,GROUNDBEEF).CERTFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZERS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM ALL SERVICE COUNTERS,DISPLAY UNITS,COOLERS,FREEZERS ON SALES FLOOR AND WALK IN COOLER,MOPSINK BASIN,EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAP OF 3- COMP SINK,MICROWAVE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT AND INCLUDING WALK IN COOLER.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED,STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES,LOOSE WALL PANEL IN REAR PREP AREA,MISSING AND DAMAGED WALL BASES THROUGHOUT.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILING AND IN TOILETROOM UNDER HAND SINK.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM WALLS AND CEILING IN DISH WASHING AREA AND WALK IN COOLER.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR AREA AND LIGHT SHIELD NEEDED IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE A PROBE THERMOMETER FOR FOOD TEMPERATURES.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES FROM SHELVING UNITS THROUGHOUT REAR STORAGE AREA AND REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
  6. License

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE IN THE REAR AND WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN THE FRONT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

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