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COTTAGE FUEL

7560 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60619 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

COTTAGE FUEL has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 18, 2024. The most recent inspection, on May 13, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

None of the 5 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 17 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Cleaning and sanitizing 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.

  • 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 April 30, 2026. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 30, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 30, 2026. For example: FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 11, 2025. 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 2 times on August 4, 2025. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.12// OBSERVED OUTDOOR STORAGE SPACE BETWEEN BUILDING AND ORANGE SHIPPING CRATE NOT ORGANIZED. NOTED BOXES AND CRATES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT ENCLOSED SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114// NOTED CLUTTER ON THE FLOORS IN THE DISHROOM/ STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECESSARY ITEMS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF SIX INCHES OFF THE GROUND.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-304.11// OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13// OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13// OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGERN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES
  2. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE AND CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED, ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER BEING ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED, PREPARED, COOKED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 13. FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED
      • OBSERVED ADULTERATED FOOD. NOTED 6 CONTAINERS OF SALAD WITH MOLD IN DELI DISPLAY COOLER. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 2 LBS VALUED AT $42. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-40-050(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • NOTED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE DELI DISPLAY COOLER: HAM 47.7 F, TURKEY 49.5 & 51.3 F, CHICKEN 49.1 F, ROAST BEEF 48.2 F, EGGS 47.4. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED REMAINING TCS DRINKS: PROTEIN YOGURT SMOOTIES, AND JUICE. PIC DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROX. 68 LBS VALUED AT $400. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (ITALIAN BEEF, GROUND BEEF, SANDWICHES) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS.VPRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. AMBIENT AIR RECORDED AT 50.5 AT START OF INSPECTION AND 46.8 ONCE DISPLAY COOLER WAS EMPTIED. INFORMED PIC THAT ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41 F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED OUTDOOR STORAGE SPACE BETWEEN BUILDING AND ORANGE SHIPPING CRATE NOT ORGANIZED. NOTED BOXES AND CRATES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT ENCLOSED SPACE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED CLUTTER ON THE FLOORS IN THE DISHROOM/ STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECESSARY ITEMS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS NON-POROUS, SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN AND A MINIMUM OF SIX INCHES OFF THE GROUND.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGERN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING AND PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTION ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD (GROUND BEEF 180.2F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES UNDER OVEN AND RAW WOOD SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, WASHROOM, STORAGE, AND OFFICE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint

    13 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD (GROUND BEEF 180.2F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES AND SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHNG SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FLY STRIPS HANGING FROM CEILING IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FLY STRIPS FROM PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES UNDER OVEN AND RAW WOOD SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, WASHROOM, STORAGE, AND OFFICE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. License

    1 infraction

    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE AREA WITH DEBRIS AND TRASH INSIDE/OUTSIDE AND AROUND THE CORRAL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA.

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