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MEL-BAY GROCERY

4401 W CORTEZ ST, CHICAGO, IL 60651 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

MEL-BAY GROCERY has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 20, 2010. The most recent inspection, on October 1, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

None of the 10 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Chemicals and toxic substances.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 26, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on March 30, 2020. For example: TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

  • 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 March 30, 2020. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 February 29, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

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. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN: PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS), INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE, AND SHELVES INSIDE OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE FRONT NEAR THE REGISTER AND THE REAR IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRTY FLOORS WITH LITTER AND DEBRIS AT FRONT BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AND UNDERNEATH THE GROCERY STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED REAR PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED HANDHELD CAN OPENER IN POOR REPAIR WITH NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF UTENSILS HEAVILY SOILED WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HANDHELD CAN OPENER AND MAINTAIN ALL UTENSILS IN GOOD REPAIR AND CALIBRATION.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF LARGE DELI COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DRYING MOP STORED UPRIGHT AGAINST CORNER OF WALL NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP HEADS IN SUCH A WAY THAT DOES NOT CONTAMINATE WALLS, FLOORS, OR OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES WHILE DRYING AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • A LEAK AT THE FACUET OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE FRONT NEAR THE REGISTER AND THE REAR IN THE DELI AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES
  4. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. SUPPLIES MUST INCLUDE ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY AND SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED CHEMICALS STORED NEXT TO FOOD (OLIVE OIL) ON THE SHELF IN THE REAR IN THE DELI AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT CONTAINERS PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE POISONOUS OR TOXIC CHEMICALS/MATERIALS MAY NOT BE USED TO STORE, TRANSPORT OR DISPENSE FOOD. MANAGER CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY REMOVED THE OLIVE OIL. PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE OVEN STORED IN THE TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DERBIS AND SPLASH LOCATED IN THE DELI AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE FACILITY. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FACUET OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE FRONT NEAR THE REGISTER AND THE REAR IN THE DELI AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP IN A POSITION THAT DOES NOT ALLOW TO DRY PROPERLY AND PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE IN THE REAR NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST STORE MOP AFTER USE IN A MOUNTED POSITION THAT ALLOWS FOR AIR-DRYING WITHOUT SOILING AND PEST HARBORAGING.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULBS ON THE CEILING THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED THE REAR TOASTER OVEN NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO DEFROST FRONT/REAR BOX FREEZERS.CLEAN INTERIOR OF MILK COOLER
  6. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON REAR DOOR,WORN DOOR GASKET ON DELI DISPLAY UNIT LOWER DOOR.MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN MICROWAVE,DELI DISPLAY UNIT,POP DISPLAY UNITS,SERVICE COUNTER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT AND LOOSE FLOOR TRIM NEAR FRONT DOOR,FLOOR BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER IN POOR REPAIR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN DIRT BUILD UP ON WALLS AND DOOR THROUGHOUT.MUST REPAIR THRESHOLD AT SIDE DOOR.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN PREP AREA AND BURNT OUT LIGHT IN SAME AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REMOVE HOT FOODS FROM SERVICE COUNTER TO REAR PREP AREA OR INSTALL A HAND SINK.
  7. Complaint Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST REMOVE BUCKETS & BOXES & PROVIDE INSIDE GARBAGE CANS.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK & 3- COMP SINK,SINK STOPPERS AT 3- COMP SINK
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN MEAT SLICER,LEGS OF PREP TABLE,POP STORAGE SHELVES,ALL REACH IN COOLERS,LIGHT SHIELDS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED & MISSING FLOOR TILES WHERE NEEDED
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Inspector Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.MUST SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS & CEILINGS.
  8. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines.OBSERVED A INCOMPLETE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK (NO STATE LICENSE,NO MSDS,MAP),ALSO FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED.MUST PROVIDE A COMPLETE LOG BOOK & RODENT PROOF DOOR.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 2/29/12.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)CITATION ISSUED.
    • 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.MUST REMOVE BUCKETS & BOXES & PROVIDE INSIDE GARBAGE CANS.MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK & 3- COMP SINK,SINK STOPPERS AT 3- COMP SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN MEAT SLICER,LEGS OF PREP TABLE,POP STORAGE SHELVES,ALL REACH IN COOLERS,LIGHT SHIELDS.
    • 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 REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED & MISSING FLOOR TILES WHERE NEEDED.
    • 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 SEAL ALL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS & CEILINGS.
  9. Recent Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • VIOLATION STILL PENDING
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • VIOLATION STILL PENDING
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VIOLATION STILL PENDING
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN ALL FOOD STORAGE SHELVES, ESPECIALLY POP STORAGE CONTAINERS
    • 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 CLEAN AND REPAIR FLOORS SURFACES, UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT
    • 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. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT

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