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CHATHAM MEAT & GROCERY

8211 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

CHATHAM MEAT & GROCERY has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since January 8, 2020. The most recent inspection, on July 16, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

1 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 9 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 6 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on July 16, 2026. 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 5, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times on November 6, 2023. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 January 8, 2020. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 15 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on July 16, 2026. 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

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-601.11//OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COMPARTMENT UNDER FRYER AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS WHERE DISHES ARE STORED IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.11:// NOTED HOLE IN FLOOR AT REGISTER REPAIRED WITH CARDBOARD AND BLUE TAPE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY REPAIR.------ 6-501.114// NOTED CLUTTER BEHIND REGISTER, IN REAR SOUTHEAST CLOSET BEHIND MEAT/DELI DISPLAY AND IN HALL TO REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO BUSINESS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS ELEVATED A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO PROPERLT CLEAN AND MONITOR FACILITY FOR POTENTIAL RODENT ACTIVITY
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13: **C** Allergen Training - All certified food service sanitation managers employed by a restaurant must receive or obtain training in basic allergen awareness principles within 30 days after employment and every 3 years thereafter. Training programs must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute or another reputable accreditation agency under the ASTM International E2659-09 (Standard Practice for Certificate Programs). OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGERN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
  2. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED TOP INTERIOR OF REAR ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN/DISH AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SUBSTANCE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COMPARTMENT UNDER FRYER AND OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS WHERE DISHES ARE STORED IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO RUNNING HOT/COLD WATER AT HANDWASH SINK IN KITCHEN. PIC INDICATED DRAINPIPE FROM SINK WAS BROKEN AND CALLED FOR REPAIR DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED HOLE IN FLOOR AT REGISTER REPAIRED WITH CARDBOARD AND BLUE TAPE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CLUTTER BEHIND REGISTER, IN REAR SOUTHEAST CLOSET BEHIND MEAT/DELI DISPLAY AND IN HALL TO REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO BUSINESS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS ELEVATED A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO PROPERLT CLEAN AND MONITOR FACILITY FOR POTENTIAL RODENT ACTIVITY
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGERN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
  3. Short Form Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • REAR OUTER DOOR BY MOP SINK WITH A 1/2" GAP UNDERNEATH IT AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE GAP AND RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE REAR DOOR. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • RUBBER GASKETS ON ALL OF THE BEVERAGE REACH IN COOLERS AND FROZEN FOOD FREEZERS IN THE FRONT AREA ARE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE RUBBER GASKETS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND IN THE REACH IN COOLERS/FREEZERS WITH GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT. -VENTS AND WALLS IN THE TOILET ROOM AND FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLUTTER IN THE STORAGE CLOSET BY THE MOP SINK AND BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MISSING/DAMAGE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT/INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS, PREP AND IN THE STORE AISLES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL MISSING/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • REAR OUTER DOOR BY MOP SINK WITH A 1/2" GAP UNDERNEATH IT AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE GAP AND RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE REAR DOOR. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • RUBBER GASKETS ON ALL OF THE BEVERAGE REACH IN COOLERS AND FROZEN FOOD FREEZERS IN THE FRONT AREA ARE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE RUBBER GASKETS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND IN THE REACH IN COOLERS/FREEZERS WITH GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGHOUT. -VENTS AND WALLS IN THE TOILET ROOM AND FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLUTTER IN THE STORAGE CLOSET BY THE MOP SINK AND BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AREAS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MISSING/DAMAGE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT/INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS, PREP AND IN THE STORE AISLES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL MISSING/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE FLOORS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLERS ON SITE WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY MET THE FOOD HANDLER'S REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
  5. Short Form Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF A REFRIGERATOR ON SITE. THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE FOUND OUT OF COMPLIANCE: CHICKEN (53.0-61.1F), ITALIAN BEEF AND GRAVY (54.8F), AMERICAN CHEESE (49.4F), GROUND BEEF (60.4F), 3 EGGS (57.5F), MILK (58.2F). MANAGER DISCARDED PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 30LBS AND 1/3 GALLON OF MILK AT $250 DISCARDED. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 72.6F OF THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH BUTCHER EQUIPMENT STORED INSIDE WITH MEAT DEBRIS ON THE EQUIPMENT. THERE WAS NO FOOD STORED IN THE UNIT. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS PLACED ON UNIT. ONCE REPAIRED, EMAIL CDPH. INSTRUCTED TO NOT STORE AND TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE UNITMUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR (DOORS 4,5,7). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE EQUIPMENT IN THE INADEQUATE WALK-IN COOLER WITH PIECES OF MEAT AND THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD OLD PIECES OF MEAT AND TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND THE EQUIPMENT INSIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR (DOORS 4,5,7). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
  7. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 25 SMALL LIVE FLIES SCATTERED IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AROUND THE MOP SINKS. MUST REMOVE FLIES AND DETAIL CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. ALSO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION #7-38-020(A).
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT TOGO CONTAINER IN THE PREP AREA/KITCHEN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE REACH IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR (DOORS 4,5,7). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE COOLERS AND FREEZER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A SMALL GARBAGE CAN WITH A LID IN THE WASHROOM AS REQUIRED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN POOR REPAIR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER9NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE) AND BEHIND THE MEAT COUNTER (NOTED A HOLE). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DEATIL CLEAN THE FLOORS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER, IN THE PREP AREA AND IN THE STORAGE AREA UNDERNEATH THE CRATES. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND MOP SINKS TO PREVENT BREEDING PLACE FOR PEST.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY ELEVATE STOCK 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL FOR PEST MONITORING AND CLEANING. ALSO MUST USE PROPER SHELVING, NOT POP OR MILK CRATES.
  8. Canvass

    0 infractions

  9. License

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 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 HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE PREP HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT DRAINBOARD. MUST PROVIDE DRAINBOARD, FOR THE AIR DRYING OF ALL UTENSILS/DISHWARE, IN THE FOOD PREP/DISH AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNFINISHED COUNTER AREA WHERE POINT OF SALE IS INTENDED TO BE LOCATED. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE .

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