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LA FRUTERIA INC

8909 S COMMERCIAL AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60617 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

LA FRUTERIA INC has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 17, 2011. The most recent inspection, on October 15, 2025, recorded 3 infractions.

None of the 10 inspections on record were free of infractions. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Food temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.

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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on July 13, 2015. For example: OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 11, 2013. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 once on October 15, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 33 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on October 15, 2025. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

  • 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 7 separate inspections, most recently on October 15, 2025. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & 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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL BOARDS WHEN WORN OR DISCOLORED
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER STAIRS AND IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  2. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE PRODUCE WRAPPING STATION IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED ON THE VENT FANS IN THE WASHROOMS ON THE CEILING.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED PLASTIC WRAPPED AROUND THE FAUCET OF THE UTILITY SINK; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC FROM THE SINK AND REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED THE FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO NOTED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS THROUGH PREP AREAS. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED LEAKS AT THE FAUCETS AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Suspected Food Poisoning

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE PRODUCE AREA,HAS OPEN SEAMS
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN ALL DISPLAY SHELVES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,OF DUST BUILD-UP AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF DISPLAY MEAT COOLER AT PREP AREA OF OLD FOOD DEBRIS ANS CLEAN WINDOW LEDGES NEAR THE MEAT COUNTER OF DUST AND DEAD FLIES,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN THE WALL NEAR THE OPEN PRODUCE COOLER,HAS DIRT BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKAGE AT THE FAUCET NECTK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA
  5. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • OBGSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LID CLOSURE,THIS IS A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST,SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPLACE CUTTINGB BOARDS IN THE PRODUCE AREA,HAS OPEN SEAMS
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN ALL DISPLAY SHELVES THROUGHOUT PREMISES,OF DUST BUILD-UP AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF DISPLAY MEAT COOLER AT PREP AREA OF OLD FOOD DEBRIS ANS CLEAN WINDOW LEDGES NEAR THE MEAT COUNTER OF DUST AND DEAD FLIES,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN THE WALL NEAR THE OPEN PRODUCE COOLER,HAS DIRT BUILD-UP,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKAGE AT THE FAUCET NECTK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP AREA
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNIT NOT SEALED IN 2ND FL SPICE ROOM.MUST REPAIR.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR TILES IN POOR REPAIR IN OFFICE.MUST REPLACE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN POOR REPAIR IN 2 AREAS OF BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, DAMAGED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN 2NDFL PREP AREA FOR DEHYDRATED FISH.MUST INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND TOWEL DEVICE.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • RODENT MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOORS UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND BEHIND STORAGE STORED ON WALLS IN DEHYDRATING ROOM.MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE.RECOMMENED PEST CONTROLSERVICE.SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNIT NOT SEALED IN 2ND FL SPICE ROOM.MUST REPAIR.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR TILES IN POOR REPAIR IN OFFICE.MUST REPLACE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN POOR REPAIR IN 2 AREAS OF BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, DAMAGED. ALSO OPENINGS IN WALL AREA IN 2ND FL DEHYDRATING ROOM.MUST REPAIR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN 2NDFL PREP AREA FOR DEHYDRATED FISH.MUST INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND TOWEL DEVICE.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SEAL RAW WOOD SHELVES IN BASEMENT. REPAIR FAIN IN REAR REACH-IN FREEZER. REPLACE SOILED CARDBOARD TRAYS ON CHIP DISPLAY SHELVES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, PALLETS, AND SHELVES, IN BASEMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR. REMOVE TOMATOES OFF FLOOR BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL PALLETS, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ON NON-SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PRODUCE DISPLAY COOLER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER EXPOSED SINK IN MEAT PREP AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE EXCESS CARDBOARD NEAR COMPACTOR. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
  9. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 30-40 MICE DROPPINGS ON PALLETS IN NORTH BASEMENT, SEVERAL LARGE FLIES IN REAR SOUTH BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • SEAL RAW WOOD SHELVES IN BASEMENT. REPAIR FAIN IN REAR REACH-IN FREEZER. REPLACE SOILED CARDBOARD TRAYS ON CHIP DISPLAY SHELVES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, PALLETS, AND SHELVES, IN BASEMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR. REMOVE TOMATOES OFF FLOOR BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL PALLETS, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER AND STORAGE AREAS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS ON NON-SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PRODUCE DISPLAY COOLER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER EXPOSED SINK IN MEAT PREP AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PROVIDE THERMOMETER IN BASEMENT WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE EXCESS CARDBOARD NEAR COMPACTOR. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
  10. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.OBSERVED A VACUUM PACKING MACHINE VAC. MASTER MACHINE MODEL #VP320 IN MEAT DEPARTMENT MACHINE WAS TAGGED INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MUST HAVE AN APPROVED HACCS FROM THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
    • 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.OBSERVED FLOOR NOT CLEAN IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALSO CLEAN REAR PACKING AREA.(SPICES)
    • 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. OBSERVED THE WALLS IN THE BASEMENT COOLER PRODUCE, AND MEAT NOT CLEAN INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.CEILING IN MEAT AREA POOR REPAIR INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. OBSERVED NO SINK STOPPERS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE (USING PAPER TOWEL).
    • 39. LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED
      • Soiled and clean linens, coats, and aprons shall be properly stored.OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE COUNTER INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN 100PPM OF CHLORINE SANITIZER.

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