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CREMERIA LA ORDENA #2

3810 W LAWRENCE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

CREMERIA LA ORDENA #2 has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 21, 2014. The most recent inspection, on August 20, 2025, recorded 5 infractions.

1 of 13 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: Food source, labelling and allergens, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 23, 2022. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 17, 2023. For example: PROPER HOT 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 6, 2021. 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 17, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 August 20, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES 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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED THE REAR PREP CUTTING BOARD IN POOR REPAIR WITH DEEP BLACKENED GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE GARAGE. SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • VENTILATION COVER IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WITH EXCESSIVE DUST. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF TRAINING OR ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE FOR ALL THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
  2. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON WALL BEHIND HAND WASHING SINK IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNOUT LIGHT INSIDE THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TAMALES HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 74 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HOT FOODS ARE HELD AT 135 F AND ABOVE. MANAGER DISCARDED 5 POUNDS TAMALES ( $40). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED INSECT TRAP DEVICES INSTALLED ABOVE AND NEAR FOOD STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD BEING UTILIZED AS SHELVING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL RAW WOOD TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING UTILIZED AS SHELVING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CARDBOARD AND REPLACE WITH A SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT, EASILY CLEANABLE MATERIAL
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVENT VENT IN TOILET ROOM WITH HEAVY DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETER INSIDE FRONT PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED SOME FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. IDENTIFY WITH COMMON NAME. FOR EXAMPLE; SUGAR, BREAD CRUMBS, SALT.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED STORAGE RACK INSIDE WALK IN COOLER HAS SOME RUST ACCUMULATION. MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR AREA IN REAR COOLER AREA IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/LEVEL.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2367142 ON 4/14/20 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN EMPLOYEES UNISEX BATHROOM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.
  7. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38.010-NO CITATION ISSUED)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED CLEAN-UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE BUT CLEAN-UP KIT ON PREMISES DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED TO BE BLOOD BORNE PATHOGEN CLEAN UP KIT WITH OUT PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION AND NO MOP FOR VOMIT CLEAN UP . INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAID PROCEDURE ALONG WITH REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR CLEAN-UP. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (PRE-PACKED FLAVORED YOGURT)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED THAT EMPLOYEE WORE RINGS AND BRACELETS ON HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH FOOD.MUST REMOVE ALL JEWELRY EXCEPT PLAIN WEDDING BAND FROM HANDS WHILE WORKING WITH EXPOSED FOOD
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED TONGS AND SERVING UTENSILS STORED DIRECTLY ON SOME FOOD WITH HANDLES IN CONTACT WITH THE FOOD. MUST REMOVE AND STORE ALL UTENSILS WITH THE HANDLES UP AND AWAY FROM DIRECT CONTACT WITH FOOD, IN-BETWEEN USAGE
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST PROVIDE TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE WITH COVER FOR SANITARY NAPKINS IN EMPLOYEES UNISEX BATHROOM
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING CERTIFICATION FROM EMPLOYEE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL EMPLOYEE'S MUST COMPLY WITH FOOD HANDLER'S TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOOD HANDLING REGULATION ENFORCEMENT ACT
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DAMAGED CONCRETE FLOOR IN THE REAR DELIVERY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR TO MAKE THE FLOOR SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE. CLEAN THE FLOOR IN THE SAME AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE STEM THERMOMETER FOR THE EMPLOYEE IN THE DELI SECTION.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SUPPLIES ALL STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DELIVERY STORAGE AREA. MUST STORED ALL FOOD SUPPLIES 6" OFF THE FLOOR OR PROVIDE RAISED SHELVINGS TO STORE ALL FOOD SUPPLIES.
  9. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • PRE-PACKAGED FOODS AT DISPLAY COOLER AND ON SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT THE GROCERY AREAS OFFERED FOR SALE MUST HAVE PROPER LABELS FOR RETAIL SALE AND DRY BULK FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED IN CONTAINERS WITH LIDS AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED RODENT MICE DROPPINGS APPROXIMATELY 30 AT CLUTTERED REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AT NORTH-EAST CORNERS NEXT TO REFRIGERATOR AND 10 RODENT MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR BENEATH THE DRY FOOD STORAGE BAGS AT CUSTOMER AREA AND FRONT DOORS NOT RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY AT BOTTOM BETWEEN FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS,MAKE SAID DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • PRE-PACKAGED FOODS AT DISPLAY COOLER AND ON SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT THE GROCERY AREAS OFFERED FOR SALE MUST HAVE PROPER LABELS FOR RETAIL SALE AND DRY BULK FOODS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED IN CONTAINERS WITH LIDS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES IN NEED FOR FURTHER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILE AT REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED MISSING SINK STOPPERS AT THE DISHWASHING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN 3 ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMP SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE CLUTTERED CONDITIONS AND ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCH OFF THE FLOOR/WALL FOR EASIER CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PAINT/SEAL ENTIRE RAW WOOD DOOR FRAME, DOOR AND SINGLE COLUMN LOCATED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE DELI CASE AREA SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • MUST REPAIR BROKEN SELF-CLOSING DEVICE AT RESTROOM DOOR IN THE REAR AREA ACROSS FROM PREP AREA.
  12. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE AT BATHROOM BY KITCHEN, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • PREMISES CLUTTERED PREP AND REAR GARAGE STORAGE AREAS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL STORAGE SHELVES FOR WANTED ITEMS,
  13. License

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MEAT COUNTER NOT ENCLOSED OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO EXTEND COUNTER OR INSTALL BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMER ENTRY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL STORAGE SHELVES FOR UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT NOT PROVIDED IN FURNACE ROOM OR UTILITY SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL LIGHT FIXTURE.

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