Skip to content
Loading map…

AUSTIN FOOD STORE INC

5954 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60639 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

AUSTIN FOOD STORE INC has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 4, 2013. The most recent inspection, on November 15, 2022, found no infractions.

2 of 8 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, Protecting food from contamination and Pests.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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 November 25, 2015. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 22, 2017. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • 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 once on December 22, 2017. For example: OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on April 4, 2013. For example: DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

  • 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 15 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on December 22, 2017. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • OBSERVED USED CAT LITTER BOX ON SITE DURING INSPECTION, IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. AS WELL AS BLACK AND WHITE CAT AND CAT FEEDING BOWL AND WATER BOWL BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED SITE TO REMOVE. SITE CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION #. SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-005 (A)
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • OBSERVED GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT TIGHT FITTING OVER FLOWING WITH TRASH AND CARDBOARD BOXES. POSSIBLE FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENT AND OTHER PEST. INFORMED SITE THAT OVERFLOWING DUMPER IS A FEEDING SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST. INSTRUCTED SITE TO SCHEDULE PICK UP FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION # 7-38-020
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER, ON SITE DURING INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; MILK, ETC., WERE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING AND UNFINISHED FLOOR AS WELL AS RAW WOOD FLOOR IN FRONT COUNTER AREA NEAR FRONT WINDOW. ALSO OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILE IN SAID AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED SITE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH ALL AISLES ON SHOWROOM FLOOR. INSTRUCTED SITE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FRONT DISPLAY ROOM AND REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED SITE TO REPLACE AND REPAIR. MAINTAINED AT ALL.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED BURNED-OUT LIGHTS THROUGHOUT REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE SITE TO REPAIR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTIVE DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK FAUCET IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCT SITE TO PROVIDE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT, 2 GOOD HUMOR DEEP FREEZER FLOOR CHEST, COLA DISPLAY COOLER AND UNUSED METAL SHELVING UNITS, IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED SITE TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREA, AS WELL AS ELEVATE INVENTORY AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE REAR BOX FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN IN REAR STORAGE, INSTRUCTED TOCLEAN, ALSO IN FRONT CLEAN BEHIND THE COOLERS/STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. ALSO IN FRONT REATTACH THE FALLING LIGHT SHIELD.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING LOWER PIPE, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES AT MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • FOUND BROKEM THERMOMETER AT FRONT REACH IN COOLER. MUST REPLACE.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND INSIDE BOILER ROOM.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES/OPENING ON WALLS AND CEILING THROUGHOUT REAR AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR SLIDING DOOR COOLERS, THATS OFF TRACK
  8. License

    8 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • TWO DOOR COOLERS IN POOR REPAIR, NOT MAINTAINING COOLER TEMPS. 40F', AND BELOW, MUST REPAIR, PREMISES NOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS
    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • 10 GALLON HOT WATER TANK NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO MAINTAIN WATER CONSISTENTLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY, MUST INVEST IN A BIGGER TANK, PREMISES NOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS
    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • MUST PROVIDE A BARRIER AT FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA, TO PROTECT FOOD FROM CUSTOMERS, PREMISES NOT OPEN FOR BUSINESS
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • NO GREASE TRAP TO THREE COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR SLIDING DOOR COOLERS, THATS OFF TRACK
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE REAR STORAGE AREA

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website