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EL CASTILLO MEAT MARKET, INC

3704 W 55th ST, CHICAGO, IL 60632 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

EL CASTILLO MEAT MARKET, INC has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 13, 2021. The most recent inspection, on August 19, 2026, recorded 8 infractions.

None of the 7 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Pests 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.

  • 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 August 19, 2026. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 August 19, 2026. 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 2 times on October 21, 2022. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 9 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on August 19, 2026. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 19, 2026. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 1:50PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT 1:50PM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT ON SALES FLOOR AT AN IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 126.0F. INSTRUCTED ALL HOT HOLDING UNITS MUST MAINTAN HOT TCS FOODS AT 135F AND ABOVE. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON HOT HOLDING UNIT ON SALES FLOOR. NOTE: HOT HOLDING UNIT NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF LEFT AND IN MIDDLE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CARDBOARD OR ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS SHELF AND COUNTER LINER THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED CARDBOARD OR ALUMINUM FOIL USED AS SHELF OR COUNTER LINER ON SALES FLOOR, PREP AREA AND IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD AND ALUMINUM FOIL SHELF AND COUNTER LINERS THROUGHOUT FACILITY, INSTRUCTED NONFOOD SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED OF A CORROSION RESISTANT, NONABSORBENT AND SMOOTH MATERIAL. OBSERVED CRATES OF MILK STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED BROWN STAIN ON CUTTING BOARD ON PREP TABLE NEAR SAW. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE SAID CUTTING BOARD IF IT CAN NO LONGER BE EFFECTIVELY CLEANED AND SAINTIZED OR DISCARDED IF IT IS NOT CAPABLE OF BEING RESURFACED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED STAINED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES ON SALES FLOOR, CASHIER AREA, PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED OR MISSING CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS ON SALES FLOOR, IN CASHIER AREA, PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS WITH DUST BUILDUP IN FACILTY AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MISSING THERMOMETER FOR HOT HOLDING UNIT (USED ON WEEKENDS). INSTD TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN PREP TABLE AND WALL. INSTD TO STORE KNIVES PROPERLY (IE KNIFE RACK, OR ON CLEAN SURFACE)
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • TOILET ROOM DOOR OPENING INTO PREP AREA NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • STAINED CEILING TILES ON SITE IN VARIOUS AREAS. CEILING VENTS WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED PROTECTIVE FILM COVERING SINGLE DOOR FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE FILM AND MAINTAIN SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANBLE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED GASKET ON WALK IN COOLER DOOR TO BE IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 29. COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP
      • OBSERVED UNREFRIGERATED CHORIZO ON DISPLAY AND OFFERED FOR SALE HANGING IN MEAT/DEAL SERVICE AREA. CHORIZO AT 63.1F AND NO LAB RESULTS ON SITE FOR CHORIZO TO BE STORED UNREFRIGERATED. INSTD TO PROVIDE LAB RESULTS FOR CHORIZO TO STORE UNREFRIGERATED OR MAINTAIN CHORIZO UNDER REFRIGERATION AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CHORIZO DISCARDED AND DENATURED AT THIS TIME APPROX 15LBS. $100 VALUE. CITATION ISSUED PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 32. VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS
      • SEE 29.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED INBETWEEN WALL AND PREP TABLE. INSTD TO STORE KNIVES PROPERLY
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • PLASTIC LINING ON BOTTOM SHELF OF PREP TABLES IN MEAT/DELI AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE LINING SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP ALONG CENTER OF DOUBLE FRONT DOOR.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL OVERSIZED POTS THAT ARE TO LARGE TO SUBMERGE INTO 3- COMP SINK NEEDS A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW TO PROPERLY SANITIZING UTENSILS OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK OR REMOVE POTS FROM PREMISES.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM MEAT SLICER,GRINDER,PREP TABLES,WALK IN COOLER-FANGUARD COVERS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN DOOR CLOSURE ON TOILET ROOM DOOR THAT LEADS TO PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER,FLOOR TILES UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT,STAINED & MISSING CEILIING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST PLACE COOKING EQUIPMENT COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.
  6. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING FISH WITH LABEL STATING KEEP FROZEN IS IN DISPLAY CASE UNDER REFRIGERATION. REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGED FISH that bears a label indicating that it is to be kept frozen until time of use shall be removed from the reduced oxygen environment prior to its thawing under refrigeration (SUCH AS DISPLAY CASE) OR MAINTAIN FROZEN in package
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
  7. License

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MAINTENANCE TOOLS IMPROPERLY STORED IN REAR NEXT TO MULTI USE EQUIPMENT. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREAS

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