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CENTRALS FINER FOODS

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

Inspection summary

CENTRALS FINER FOODS has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 16, 2018. The most recent inspection, on March 5, 2024, recorded 5 infractions.

3 of 9 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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 6 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on February 26, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 5, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 July 29, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 19 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 5, 2024. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

9 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 DURING RE-INSPECTION, NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER WAS ON SITE WITH A VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED; I INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFICATE AND CERTIFICATE HOLDER SHOULD BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS (GROUND BEEF AND NACHO CHEESE) ARE BEING PREPARED. #7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLING/FREEZER UNITS WITH ACCUMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114 OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE SPACE NEAR WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR STORAGE SPACE BY WALK-IN COOLER DOOR AND UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE.
  2. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING NACHO CHEESE, GROUND BEEF, ICE CREAM, SOUR CREAM, AND SLICED DELI MEAT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CFM ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOR ALL FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON-SITE FOR REVIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDSINK ON SITE IN THE PREP/DISHWASHING AREA DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. EMPLOYEE WORKING IN THAT AREA WHERE UNABLE TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HAND SINK WITH HOT (AT LEAST 100F) AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER AS REQUIRED BY CODE, FULLY SUPPLIED WITH HAND CLEANSER AND PAPERTOWELS FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. MUST MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030 (C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLING/FREEZER UNITS WITH ACCUMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN REAR STORAGE SPACE NEAR WALK IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ITEMS IN ORDER TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REAR STORAGE SPACE BY WALK IN COOLER DOOR AND UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL NEAR THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE HOLE IN THE WALL.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA AND SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE LIGHTING.
  4. Canvass

    10 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. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOODS (GROUND BEEF, DELI MEAT, AND NACHO CHEESE). FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY WITH APPROX. 25 MICE DROPPIGS NOTED DURING INSPECTION. THE ACTIVITY WAS NOTED IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT PEST CONTROL AS ADDITIONAL SERVICES ARE NEEDED TO ELIMINATE ACTIVITY PRIOR TO RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX RESTROOM NEAR THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP STORED ON THE SALES FLOOR IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE WALL NEAR THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL THE HOLE IN THE WALL.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA AND SALES FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE LIGHTING.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMERS WITHOUT A MASK IN THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AND ENFORCE.
  5. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-201.11 -OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 - OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-203.11 - OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 - OBSERVED THE WALLS WITH EXPOSED DRY WALL AND NOT SEALED. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 - OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR OF THE STORE. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REPLACE OR REMOVE ENTIRELY AND HAVE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 - OBSERVED EXPOSED CEILING IN THE LOBBY AREA OF THE STORE WHERE FOOD PREP IS INTENDED TO BE. INSTRUCTED FOOD MANAGER THAT CEILINGS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ALL PREP AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-304.11 - OBSERVED WASHROOM VENTILATION FAN NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  6. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. License

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-201.11 OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-203.11 - OBSERVED NO HANDSINK NEAR REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14 - OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • 4-301.11 - OBSERVED THE PREMISES WITH NO REFRIGERATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-203.11 OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURE, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 OBSERVED THE WALLS WITH EXPOSED DRY WALL AND NOT SEALED. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL/PAINT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 - OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR OF THE STORE. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER REPLACE OR REMOVE ENTIRELY AND HAVE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.11 - OBSERVED EXPOSED CEILING IN THE LOBBY AREA OF THE STORE WHERE FOOD PREP IS INTENDED TO BE. INSTRUCTED FOOD MANAGER THAT CEILINGS MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ALL PREP AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-304.11 - OBSERVED WASHROOM VENTILATION FAN NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  8. License

    0 infractions

  9. License

    0 infractions

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