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EL SUPERMERCADO MARTINEZ

4301 S ARCHER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60632 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

EL SUPERMERCADO MARTINEZ has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 10, 2014. The most recent inspection, on September 20, 2019, found no infractions.

2 of 9 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing 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.

  • 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 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 14, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 14, 2019. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 once on April 22, 2019. For example: APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

  • 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 once on October 14, 2015. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 12 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on November 13, 2017. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

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. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/WRITTEN POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT AS OUTLINED IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION ON INTERIOR OR CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA. MUST DEFROST, DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN REGULAR CLEANING SCHEDULE TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL AND PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL, REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ANY EMPLOYEES WHO DISPENSE DELI ITEMS, OR HANDLE ANY OPEN TCS FOODS.
  3. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE. MUST HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE, OR MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED (NOR ANY CERTIFICATE ON SITE) IN FACILITY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING DISPENSED (SLICED RAW MEATS). MUST PROVIDE VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATION FOR PERSON IN CHARGE. CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE UNCOOKED MEATS ARE BEING PREPPED (IN MEAT SLICERS, TENDERIZER, OR DISPENSED). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/WRITTEN POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT AS OUTLINED IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND SINK DOES NOT DRAIN IN FRONT PREP AREA. OBSERVED DARK, STANDING WATER INSIDE BASIN. INSTRUCTED MUST REPAIR HANDSINK TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINKS IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND IN REAR STOCKROOM. INSTRUCTED MUST KEEP HAND WASHING SOAP AT ALL HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR PROVIDED SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). SEE ABOVE VIOLATION 5-205.11 FOR CITATION.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO MEANS TO DRY HANDS AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA, AND REAR STOCK ROOM. INSTRUCTED MUST KEEP SANITARY MEANS TO DRY HANDS AT EACH HAND SINK AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). SEE VIOLATION 5-205.11 FOR CITATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION ON INTERIOR OR CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA. MUST DEFROST, DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN REGULAR CLEANING SCHEDULE TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL AND PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL, REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ANY EMPLOYEES WHO DISPENSE DELI ITEMS, OR HANDLE ANY OPEN TCS FOODS.
  4. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE. MUST HAVE A PERSON IN CHARGE, OR MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED (NOR ANY CERTIFICATE ON SITE) IN FACILITY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING DISPENSED (SLICED RAW MEATS). MUST PROVIDE VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATION FOR PERSON IN CHARGE. CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE UNCOOKED MEATS ARE BEING PREPPED (IN MEAT SLICERS, TENDERIZER, OR DISPENSED). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT/WRITTEN POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE CORRESPONDING EQUIPMENT AS OUTLINED IN PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
    • 35. APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING METHOD USED FOR VACUUM PACKAGED FISH. OBSERVED UNCOOKED (DEFROSTED) TILAPIA INSIDE INDIVIDUALLY VACUUM PACKAGING, IN DISPLAY COOLER. (OPERATOR VERIFIED TILAPIA ARRIVES FROZEN AND VACUUM PACKAGED.) LABEL ON INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED TILAPIA STATES "SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: REMOVE FISH FROM VACUUM PACK BAG AND THAW UNDER REFRIGERATION." INSTRUCTED MUST REMOVE UNCOOKED FROZEN FISH FROM VACUUM PACKAGING BEFORE THAWING IN COOLERS. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED DEFROSTED TILAPIA DURING INSPECTION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE ACCUMULATION ON INTERIOR OR CHEST FREEZER IN PREP AREA. MUST DEFROST, DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MUST MAINTAIN REGULAR CLEANING SCHEDULE TO PREVENT ACCUMULATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LARGE HOLE IN WALL AND PEELING PAINT ON WALL IN RESTROOM. MUST REPAIR HOLE IN WALL, REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ANY EMPLOYEES WHO DISPENSE DELI ITEMS, OR HANDLE ANY OPEN TCS FOODS.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR TO MEAT COUNTER (HELD TOGETHER WITH TAPE), INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE CUTTING BOARDS, AND SLICER NOT CLEAN IN MEAT DEPT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO THE TWO BOX FREEZERS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES, LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, AND PEELING CONTACT PAPER ON THE REAR PILLAR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES, CLEAN LIGHT SHILEDS, AND REMOVE THE CONTACT PAPER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED 3 PROPANE TANKS ON THE REAR BOX FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM BUILDING, ALSO CLUTTER IN FRONT SIDE STORAGE, AND IN WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE/REMOVE ALL ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT FROM REAR.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • LIVE SMALL FLIES (OVER 20) NOTED ON SITE. INSTD TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX. 1/2 INCH GAP AT TOP AND INBETWEEN DOUBLE DOORS. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF DOOR SO AS TO BE TIGHT FITTING. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE UNUSED COOKING EQUIPMENT FROM REAR.
  8. License

    8 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD ON TOP OF REACH IN FREEZER NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE SEALED OR PAINTED. NO RAW WOOD IS ALLOWED.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOORS UNCLEAN IN CORNERS AND BEHIND LARGE EQUIPMENT. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FLOORS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WALLS UNCLEAN WITH FOOD SPLATTER BEHIND 3 COMPARMENT SINK AND WHERE POTS AND PANS ARE HUNG IN WALL. CLEAN/PAINT WALLS AND MAINTAIN IN A SANITARY CONDITION.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED LIGHT SHEILD MISSING IN REAR HALLWAY NEAR WASHROOM. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN LIGHT SHEILD.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BASE OF MOP SINK INSTALLED. MUST HAVE FAUCET FOR MOP SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND A BACKFLOW DEVICE TO PROTECT POTABLE WATER SUPPLY. INSTALL FAUCET WITHHOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER, BACK FLOW DEVICE AND MAINTAINN SINK
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND SINK MUST BE MOVED DIRECTLY OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM WITH SPLASH GUARDS ON EITHER SIDE. MOVE AND MAINTAIN EXPOSED HADN SINK IN REAR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT EXPOSED HAND SINK IN FRONT BUTCHER AREA. REPAIR AND MAINTAIN EXPOSED HAND SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLOSET BEHIND BUTCHER AREA CLUTTERED AND CONTAINS UNUSABLE EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL CLUTTER AND KEEP AREA CLEAN TO DETER RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE.
  9. License

    0 infractions

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