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CATALYST MARIA

6727 S CALIFORNIA AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · School

Inspection summary

CATALYST MARIA has been inspected 21 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 3, 2013. The most recent inspection, on February 6, 2026, recorded 1 infraction.

2 of 21 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

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

  • 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, supplies and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded 9 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on January 27, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are one of the main ways germs spread, from person to person and onto food and surfaces. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing their hands when required, and sick staff being kept away from work where it matters. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 24, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Surfaces, dishes and tools that touch food or people must be cleaned and then sanitized or disinfected. Inspectors check sanitizer strength, dishwasher temperatures and how cleaning is done. Poor sanitizing lets germs survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 18, 2020. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food and other products must come from approved sources, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when spoiled, expired or damaged. Labelling also matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on April 20, 2018. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

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

    Recorded 15 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on February 6, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

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.

21 inspections

  1. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED FILTERS IN VENTILATION SYSTEM OVER COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH BUILD UP OF DUST. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASE IN PREP AREA, AROUND COOKING EQUPMENT, ON LEDGE OF HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND ON LEDGE SURROUNDING MOTOR HARDWARE UNDERNEATH FRONT SERVICE LINE. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • STUDENT DOUBLE ENTRY DOORS NOT PROTECTED, APPROX 1/4 INCH AT BOTTOM OF DOORS. INSTD TO REPAIR AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • HANDWASHING AIDS AND DEVICES (SOAP DISPENSER AND PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER) LOCATED ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE SAME AND MAINTAIN ONLY AT HANDWASH SINKS
  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING IN STORAGE AREA NEAR SNACK BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SHELVING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN GIRLS AND STAFF UNISEX WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
  7. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN BOYS WASHROOM NEAR EXIT C (95.5F), UNISEX WASHROOM NEAR GYM (93F), BOYS LOCKER ROOM WASHROOM (88.3F), GIRLS LOCKER ROOM WASHROOM (88.7F). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 100F-120F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN DRY STORAGE AREA NEAR SNACK BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED DEAD MOUSE ON GLUEBOARD IN STORAGE AREA NEAR SNACK BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN WALK-IN FREEZER INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING IN STORAGE AREA NEAR SNACK BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SHELVING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN GIRLS AND STAFF UNISEX WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILING IN DRY STORAGE ROOM AREA. MUST REPAIR.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 18 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN DRY STORAGE ROOM AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/ SANITIZE AREA. RECOMMENED PEST SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGE CEILING IN DRY STORAGE ROOM AREA. MUST REPAIR.
  10. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO IRRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR (TEST STRIPS FOR MEASURING UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE). In hot water mechanical WAREWASHING operations, an irreversible registering temperature indicator shall be provided and readily accessible for measuring the UTENSIL surface temperature. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
  11. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: ON FLOOR IN CORNER OF DISHMACHINE ROOM AND REAR SNACK STORAGE ROOM, ON STORAGE SHELVES UNDER SERVICE LINE AND AT SNACK SERVICE AREA, AND IN CABINET UNDER HANDWASH SINK IN TEACHERS LOUNGE. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • INBETWEEN MAIN DOUBLE DOORS IN GAP, APPROX 1/4 GAP NOTED. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF DOOR SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • NO IRRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR (TEST STRIPS FOR MEASURING UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE). In hot water mechanical WAREWASHING operations, an irreversible registering temperature indicator shall be provided and readily accessible for measuring the UTENSIL surface temperature. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND NO LIGHT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHTING TO THAT FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. 60 DROPPINGS IN THE CORNERS UNDER THE DISH WASHING MACHINE, 100 IN THE REAR DINING AREA IN THE CORNER AND SURROUNDING THE GLUE TRAP WITH THE DEAD MOUSE ON IT AND 20 IN THE SNACK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS AND DEAD MOUSE, CLEAN/SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND THE INTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS IN THE CAFETERIA, STORAGE, WALK IN COOLER AND FOOD PREPARATION AREAS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGH OUT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • FOUND NO LIGHT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHTING TO THAT FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
  14. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN DISHMACHINE AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE IN SAME AREA
  15. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 14. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM 4/20/18 REPORT 2166429 NOT CORRECTED: MICE DROPPINGS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR BEHIND STORAGE SHELVES, UNDER BEVERAGE AND MILK CRATES AND ALONG WALL BASE THROUGH OUT STORAGE AREA BEHIND SNACK PREP AREA, 2 DROPPINGS ON COUNTERTOP IN SNACK PREP AREA, 5 MICE DROPPINGS IN FRYER CABINETS IN MAIN PREP AREA, 3 DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND FRYERS, 10 DROPPINGS ALONG WALLBASE ON FLOOR IN CAFETERIA, 5 DROPPINGS ON STORAGE CONTAINERS IN KDG STORAGE ROOM. ALSO NOTED 2 HOLES IN WALL WITH RUB MARKS IN KDG STORAGE ROOM. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, SEAL HOLES AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. VIOLATION CRITICAL 7-42-090.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR THROUGH OUT ALONG WALLBASE IN CAFETERIA, AND DRY STORAGE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MISSING LIGHTSHIELD IN DISHROOM AND IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTD TO PROVIDE LIGHTSHIELDS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN DISHMACHINE AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE IN SAME AREA.
  16. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • MICE DROPPINGS OBSERVED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: OVER 20 DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BEHIND FRYERS AND STORAGE CABINETS IN MAIN PREP AREA, OVER 50 DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN SNACK PREP AREA AND ALONG WALLBASE IN CAFETERIA, OVER 100 DROPPINGS ON PALLETS AND FLOOR IN DRY STORAGE AREA IN KINDERGARTEN STORAGE ROOM. EXTREME CLUTTER IN KINDERGARTEN STORAGE ROOM, UNABLE TO ACCESS ALL AREAS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. ALL CLUTTER TO BE REMOVED FROM KDG STORAGE AREA AND ORGANIZED. INSTD TO HAVE UPDATED PEST CONTROL SERVICE. VIOLATION 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
    • 26. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED
      • NO SOAP NOR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE IN 2ND OR 3RD FLOOR MALE STUDENT TOILET ROOMS THAT ARE ACTIVELY USED. NO DISPENSERS PROVIDED FOR EITHER SOAP OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. VIOLATION 7-38-030 SERIOUS.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • COOKED FOOD PRODUCTS (GROUND BEEF, ETC) NOT LABELED. INSTD TO PROPERLY LABEL.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR THROUGH OUT ALONG WALLBASE IN CAFETERIA, AND DRY STORAGE ROOM NOT CLEAN. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MISSING LIGHTSHIELD IN DISHROOM AND IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTD TO PROVIDE LIGHTSHIELDS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HANDSINK IN DISHMACHINE AREA. INSTD TO PROVIDE EXPOSED HANDSINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE IN SAME AREA.
  17. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE #10 CAN OPENER NO CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  18. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS IN SNACK ROOM AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT IN SNACK BAR AREA IN NEED REPAIR. 3 COMPARTMENT IN PREP AREA IN OF REPAIR. SLOW DRAINING MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  19. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RUSTY/ CEILING VENTS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT OVER THE KITCHEN 6 DOOR COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPAINT.ALSO REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON CEILING VENT COVERS IN THE DISH ROOM.
  20. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • FOUND SOME CLUTTER AND OLD UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN THE SNACK BAR STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGNIZE SO NO INSECT AND RODENT HARBORAGE.
  21. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR IN ALONG WALLBASE AND IN SNACK STORAGE ROOM NOT CLEAN, DEBRIS. CLEAN SAME.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • LIGHTSHIELD IN PREP AREA NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.

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