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FOSTER PANTRY

5139 N DAMEN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

FOSTER PANTRY has been inspected 4 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 7, 2011. The most recent inspection, on January 28, 2019, found no infractions.

2 of 4 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: Pests.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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.

  • 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 April 5, 2016. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT INFESTATION, NO BIRDS, TURTLES OR OTHER ANIMALS

  • 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 6 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 5, 2016. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 5, 2016. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS 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.

4 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 13. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT INFESTATION, NO BIRDS, TURTLES OR OTHER ANIMALS
      • Observed 120 droppings in various areas of facility- on chip rack, shelving, behind and under equipment, under sink. Also observed gnaw marks on chip bags-evidence of rodents eating food. Also observed the front door to have a slight gap along the bottom edge. Instructed facility to remove all pests, contact a licensed pest control provider for service, repair door so it is tight fitting, remove all food that has been affected, and maintain. Critical citation issued 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Observed dirt and debris and rat droppings on shelving and surfaces throughout premises-on the shelves in the front grocery section that hold food items and on top of all racks. Instructed facility to clean and maintain all surfaces throughout store.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Observed dirt and debris and rodent droppings on floors throughout :store-in front areas, rear storage areas, under, around and behind equipment, in corners. Instructed facility to clean, rinse, sanitize, and maintain all areas including under grocery shelves that are enclosed.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed holes and gaps in various areas of walls and ceilings throughout facility-front area in the drop ceiling, areas where there is plywood and cardboard taped up, behind the ice cream machine. Instructed to repair all and maintain to help prevent pest entry/harborage.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Observed clutter in the rear storage area. Instructed facility to remove any unnecessary items, organize remaining, store 6 inches off floors and walls, and maintain to help facilitate proper cleaning and help prevent pest harborage.
  4. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; DISPLAY SHELVING UNITS, STORAGE SHELVES THRU-OUT REAR STORAGE ROOM, STORAGE CABINETS UNDER 1PART SINKS SAME AREA, AND TOILET BOWL.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES AND CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST REPAIR WALLS AND SEAL OPENINGS ON WALLS AND CEILING THRU-OUT REAR STORAGE ROOM AND WASHROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • CLUTTER NOTED INSIDE REAR STORAGE ROOM, MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.

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