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MOLLY'S CUPCAKES RIVER EAST

419 E ILLINOIS ST, CHICAGO, IL 60611 · Bakery

Inspection summary

MOLLY'S CUPCAKES RIVER EAST has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 20, 2016. The most recent inspection, on September 9, 2024, recorded 6 infractions.

3 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 3 times on August 30, 2018. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 4, 2024. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 December 7, 2021. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 2 times on August 30, 2018. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 19 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 9, 2024. 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.

9 inspections

  1. Complaint Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP DISH AREA, AROUND DISH MACHINE, PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE DISH AND FOOD PREPARATION AREAS INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CEILING AND WALLS WITH EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MANITAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM, WITH EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DUST ACCUMULATED ON INTERIOR OF HOOD SYSTEM INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NOTED HOOD SYSTEM MISSING FILTERS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
  2. Complaint

    15 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NOTED FACILITY DID NOT PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE FOR MANAGER WORKING ON SITE. INFORMED A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES AND A VALID MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE WHENEVER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 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 IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN PREP AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INTERIOR PLATE OF ICE BIN WITH EXCESS RUST AND EXCESSIVE BLACK SLIME; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HAND SINK IN DISH AREA LEAKING FROM PLUMBING CONNECTIONS AND SLOW DRAINING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITH INADEQUATE PLUMBING AT REAR HANDSINK IN DISH AREA. CLEAR WATER COMES FROM FLOOR DRAIN LOCATED IN DISH AREA. WHEN WATER IS RAN FROM REAR HANDSINK AND POOLS IN TO WALK IN COOLER AND THROUGHOUT DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE USE AND UTILIZE ALTERNATIVE (FRONT) HANDSINK UNTIL PLUMBING IS CORRECTED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED LADIES' TOILET ROOM WITHOUT TOILET TISSUE, INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NOTED ONE OF THE TOILETS OUT OF ORDER DUE TO WATER OVERFLOWING FROM TOILET BOWL IN THE LADY'S WASHROOM HANDICAP STALL. (SHARED WITH OTHER BUSINESS IN BUILDING) INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP DISH AREA, AROUND DISH MACHINE, PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE DISH AND FOOD PREPARATION AREAS INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, REPLACE MISSING PANELS AND/OR REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CEILING AND WALLS WITH EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MANITAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NOTED HOOD SYSTEM MISSING FILTERS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NOTED LIGHTS IN HOOD SYSTEM NOT WORKING, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENTILATION HOOD SYSTEM NOT WORKING, WITH EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DUST ACCUMULATED ON INTERIOR OF HOOD SYSTEM INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN, REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
  3. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( milk, Eggs....) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALK-IN COOLER CEILING FAN COVER WITH DUST BUILD-UP NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (CHEESECAKES AND CUPCAKES FILLED WITH CUSTARD) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. A VARIETY OF CHEESECAKES AND CUPCAKES FILLED WITH CUSTARD FOUND AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47F TO 49F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY LIME BUILD UP ON THE DISHMACHINE TRAYS THAT HOLD THE DISHES IN PLACE INSIDE OF THE DISHMACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN TRAYS TO REMOVE BUILD UP OF LIME AND DIRT OR REPLACE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • FOUND THE RIGHT HANDWASHING SINK IN THE MENS RESTROOM NOT PROVIDING WATER. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100 F AND MAXIMUM OF 120 F.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND A HEAVY BUILD UP OF OLD CHOCOLATE, CANDIES, AND OTHER FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS BEHIND THE OVENS AND BEHIND THE PREPARATION TABLE WITH THE MIXERS ON TOP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14 (A)- OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11- FOUND NO PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • 2-301.14 (H) OBSERVED IMPROPER HYGIENIC PRACTICE. NOTED FOOD HANDLER CONDUCTING CASH OR CREDIT TRANSACTION AT TOUCH SCREEN REGISTER AT FRONT COUNTER. FOOD HANDLER THEN PUT SINGLE USE GLOVES AND BEGAN TO BOX CUP CAKES. FOOD HANDLER FAILED TO WASH HAND BETWEEN TASKS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HAND WASHING IS REQUIRED BETWEEN TASKS. MANAGER CORRECTED THE VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-010
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-203.11 (A)- OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK INSTALLED BETWEEN DISH WASHING AREA AND REAR PREP AREA. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HAND SINKS MUST BE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO DISH WASHING AREA AND PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND SINK IN SAID AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-030(c) CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-305.11 (A) (B) (C) (A)- OBSERVED PAPER GOOD STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OF THE FLOOR. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11- OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON LEFT SIDE OF HAND SINK AT FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT SAID AREA. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 (A) (B) (A)- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER AT FRONT COUNTER AND REAR PREP AREA WITHOUT HAIR NETS/RESTRAINTS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT HAIR RESTRAINTS ARE REQUIRED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR NETS/RESTRAINTS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.114- OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND UNUSED SUPPLIES, DECORATIONS, SEASONAL DECOR, ETC. STORED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ANY UNNECESSARY ITEMS, ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OF THE FLOOR. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • 8-304.11 (A)- OBSERVED INSPECTION SUMMARY FROM 5/20/16, NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF THE CUSTOMER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST SUMMARY IN PLAIN VIEW OF CUSTOMER. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  8. Canvass

    0 infractions

  9. License

    0 infractions

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