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CENTRAL GENERAL MERCHADISE

326 N CENTRAL AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60644 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

CENTRAL GENERAL MERCHADISE has been inspected 4 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 16, 2020. The most recent inspection, on June 9, 2023, recorded 8 infractions.

None of the 4 inspections on record were free of infractions. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 2 times on June 16, 2020. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 2 times on June 16, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on June 9, 2023. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 once on December 29, 2020. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 June 16, 2020. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

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.

4 inspections

  1. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (NACOS CHEESE, ICE CREAM) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN DRY STOREAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE SALES FLOOR, BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER, AND IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT. FOUND IMPROPER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT AT 63.5F, HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FOUND AT 65.3F, HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINK IN BATHROOM FOUND AT 78.5F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER PROPER HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE AT A MINIMUM OF 100.0F OR HIGHER THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE AT LEAST 110.0F TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. HOT WATER BECAME AVAILABLE DURING INPECTION WHILE TYPING MY REPORT AT 2:25PM. HANDSINK HOT WATER GOT TO 100.3F. 3 COMPARTMENT HOT WATER GOT TO 110.1F AND WASHROOM GOT TO 101.2F
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NOTED EMPLOYEE WASHROOM ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASHROOMS AND UNISEX WASHROOMS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES ON THE SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS THROUGHTOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. License

    6 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN THE MINI REFRIGERATOR STORED BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AND REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS UNITS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE SALAES FLOOR, BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER, AND IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES OIN THE SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANEL IN THE REAR AND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY AND IN THE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB ON THE CEILING FRONT OF THE SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 201.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS AND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES. OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL NEAR THE FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB ON THE CEILING THROUGHOUT THE SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING.
  4. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT THE FRONT HAND SINK AND THE HAND SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SECOND FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND OPERATOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 PEST INSPECTIONS A YEAR AND THE REPORTS MUST BE MAINTAINED IN THE LOG BOOK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CURRENT PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AND PEST INSPECTION REPORT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHOLORINE CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A CHOLORINE TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS AND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES. OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL NEAR THE FRONT ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A BURNED OUT LIGHT-BULB ON THE CEILING THROUGHOUT THE SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BULB AND MAINTAIN LIGHTING.

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