Skip to content
Loading map…

MELIA FOOD MART, INC.

747 W 79TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60620 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

MELIA FOOD MART, INC. has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 5, 2019. The most recent inspection, on November 6, 2025, found no infractions.

1 of 5 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food temperature control.

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.

  • 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 8 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 12, 2020. 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 12, 2020. 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 2 times on June 9, 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 2 times on June 9, 2020. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 11 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 12, 2020. 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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-903.11(A;C) Inspector Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER IN REAR AREA.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF REACH IN COOLERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED PLYWOOD FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.13 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN TOILET ROOM AND SALES FLOOR.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHTS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    21 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PIC DOESN'T HAVE A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY NOR A FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA FOR HAND WASHING.SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST KEEP MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA.PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(COS)(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINKS IN PREP & TOILET ROOM AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK .WATER TEMPERATURE IS 91.2F. MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 100.0F.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO PROBE THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED THERMOMETER IN 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER IN REAR AREA NOT WORKING.MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPX. 30 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON CARPETED FLOOR BEHIND CHEST FREEZER AND REACH IN COOLER ON SALES FLOOR,ON PALLET,INSIDE OF POP BOX AND SHELVING UNIT IN REAR STORAGE AREA .APPX. 10 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND TRASH PILED UP IN A GROCERY CART IN REAR AREA.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS.CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 6/9/20.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED AN APPX."3/4-1" GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR AND "1/2" IN RIGHT CORNER OF REAR DOOR.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 1- DOOR GLASS REACH IN COOLER IN REAR AREA.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE OF REACH IN COOLERS.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED TRASH PILED UP INSIDE A GROCERY CART IN REAR STORAGE AREA.MUST DISCARD AND MAINTAIN AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CARPETED FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REMOVE CARPET AND MAKE FLOOR SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN TOILET ROOM AND SALES FLOOR.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNT OUT LIGHTS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 64. MISCELLANEOUS / PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
      • OBSERVED NO SOCIAL DISTANCING SIGNS POSTED ON PREMISES THAT INSTRUCTS CUSTOMERS TOO.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  4. License Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY WHERE ALL FOOD/CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGES THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN REPORTING ANY ILLNESSESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE OR CLEAN UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE A CLEAN UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST MEET THE FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE PROOF.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE AND PROVIDE PROOF.
  5. License

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY WHERE ALL FOOD/CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGES THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN REPORTING ANY ILLNESSESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • FOUND NO PROCEDURE OR CLEAN UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE A CLEAN UP KIT FOR RESPONDING TO THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • FOUND NO HAND WASHING SINK ON THE PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SINK PER CITY CODE AND STOCK IT WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON THE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • THE TOILET ROOM DOOR LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NEEDS A SELF-CLOSING DEVICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT OF THE STORE. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST MEET THE FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE PROOF.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE AND PROVIDE PROOF.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website