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CERMAK FOOD MART

4156 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

CERMAK FOOD MART has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 29, 2010. The most recent inspection, on June 14, 2021, found no infractions.

3 of 14 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: Pests, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 1, 2018. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 6, 2018. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 6, 2018. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 November 1, 2018. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 on October 30, 2018. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

14 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14 (O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED MINOR DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS LOCATED IN THE TOILET ROOM AND UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WATER STAINED CEILING TILE ABOVE THE MIDDLE SHELVING ISLE, AND BROKEN CEILING TILE IN THE REAR ABOVE THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING FOR TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF DELI/MEAT DISPLAY UNIT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING FOR TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF DELI/MEAT DISPLAY UNIT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 30 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS INSIDE OF CHIP DISPLAY BOXES,ON SHELF BEHIND THE POPCORN,ON FLOOR UNDER & IN BETWEEN JUICE COOLERS.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.ALSO 1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON BOX OF WAX PAPER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/30/18.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND INTERIOR BASEMENT DOOR TO ADJACENT BASEMENT.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE KNIVES STORED IN BETWEEN WALL AND OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT IN DELI/PREP AREA AND STORE PROPERLY
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST DEFROST ICE AND ICE CREAM FREEZERS.MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILE AT SERVICE COUNTER,PREP AND TOILETROOM AREAS AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHT
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT
  6. Canvass

    13 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • PIC DOESN'T DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF FOOD OPERATION.MUST PROVIDE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING FOR TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF DELI/MEAT DISPLAY UNIT.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 30 OR MORE RODENT DROPPINGS INSIDE OF CHIP DISPLAY BOXES,ON SHELF BEHIND THE POPCORN,ON FLOOR UNDER & IN BETWEEN JUICE COOLERS.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.ALSO 1- LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON BOX OF WAX PAPER.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 10/30/18.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND INTERIOR BASEMENT DOOR TO ADJACENT BASEMENT.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING PREPARATION,STORAGE AND DISPLAY.OBSERVED A 3- PART HOT HOLDING UNIT,PREP COOLER AND CHEESE SAUCE DISPENSER ON PREP TABLE NOT PROTECTED FROM THE CUSTOMER IN REAR PREP/DELI MEAT AREA.MUST PROVIDE A SNEEZE GUARD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-005).
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN 3- COMP SINK AND MOPSINK AND REPLACE BROKEN SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND MOPSINK.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST REMOVE KNIVES STORED IN BETWEEN WALL AND OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT IN DELI/PREP AREA AND STORE PROPERLY.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DEFROST ICE AND ICE CREAM FREEZERS.MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN FLOOR TILE AT SERVICE COUNTER AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES THROUGHT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REMOVE,ELEVATE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT.
    • 62. COMPLIANCE WITH CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE
      • OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WITH A LITE CIGARETTE IN HIS HAND WALKING FROM REAR PREP/DELI AREA AND RIGHT PAST ME OUT OF THE FRONT DOOR.HE WENT AND PUT OUT CIGARETTE AND CAME BACK IN SMELLING OF STRONG SMOKE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EMPLOYEES CAN'T SMOKE ON PREMISES AND NEED TO SMOKE 15 FEET AWAY FROM ENTRANCE OF BUILDING.(7-32-015)
  7. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE REAR SLICER, AND NACHO CHEEZE MACHINE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST AND DIRT DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN THE CORNERS THRU OUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD NEEDED ON UTILITY SINK LOCATED BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SOILED CHIP DISPLAY UNITS ON SITE. REPLACE SAME. INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP. REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE BUILD-UP.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • SODA STORAGE RACKS NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • STAINED CEILING TILES ON SITE. INSTD TO REPLACE SAME.
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OVER 30 MOUSE DROPPINGS WERE FOUND IN THE FRONT COUNTER AREA SHELVES AND FLOORS. NUMBEROUS HOLES AND GAPS FOUND IN SAID AREA. REMOVE ALL EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY AND FILL IN THE GAPS AND HOLES WHERE THEY LIVE AND HIDE.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • MR. TALIB HAS A LETTER DATED JULY 10, 2012 FROM FOODSERVICE EDUCATION SEMINARS BUT NO VALID CITY CERTIFICATE. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED IN PUBLIC VIEW. THE ABOVE SLICES AND SELLS COLD CUTS AND SERVES HOT NACHO CHEESE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • THE STORE SHELVES ARE DIRTY; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE SHELVES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE MEAT SLICER HAS A STICKY RESIDUE ON THE MACHINE AND THE SINK IS DIRTY. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE ABOVE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • THE FLOORS IN THE FRONT COUNTER ARE DIRTY, CLEAN THE FLOORS FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
  13. Recent Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE, COOLERS, AND DISPLAY SHELVES THRU-OUT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THUR-OUT, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Inspector Comments: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE DELI COOLER.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • All food establishments shall be provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold water under pressure properly connected to the city water supply. NO HOT WATER AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES. FOUND WATER HEATER OFF. PER SUPERVISOR, INSTRUCTED OWNER TO CALL PLUMBER TO REPAIR WATER TANK. TANK REPAIRED BEFORE EXIT INTERVIEW, WATER TEMPERATURE AT 100F. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030 CRITICAL.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN-SANITIZE, COOLERS, AND DISPLAY SHELVES THRU-OUT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN FLOORS THUR-OUT, AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE DELI COOLER.

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