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MONTROSE DELI INC

5407-5417 W MONTROSE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

MONTROSE DELI INC has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 11, 2019. The most recent inspection, on February 17, 2026, recorded 8 infractions.

2 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 8 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Protecting food from contamination 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 17, 2026. For example: PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 17, 2026. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 27, 2025. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 17, 2026. For example: TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 21, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE DRINKING COFFEE ON THE PREP LINE WHILE CUTTING ONIONS. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE DESIGNATED AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL DRINKS. ALL OPEN DRINKS ARE PROHIBITED IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
    • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
      • OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY MALE FOOD HANDLER. OBSERVED HIM COUGH INTO HIS HANDS AND AFTER WENT BACK STRAIGHT TO CUTTING ONIONS WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.HANDS WERE WASHED DURING INSPECTION(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN BAKERY PREP AREA AND RECEIVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK SETUP SANITIZING UTILIZING CHOLORINE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION OVER 200 PPM, EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION LEVEL FOR CHOLORINE SANITIZER TO USE ON A FOOD-CONTACT SURFACE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID SANITIZER MUST PROPERLY SANITIZE AT 50PPM-100PPM OF CHLORINE ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST IN THE PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER FANS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  2. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED VARIOUS EMPLOYEE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS STORED ON TOP OF AND ABOVE FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE EMPLOYEE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS TO DESIGNATED AREA THAT DOES NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD OR EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED TCS FOOD ITEMS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER (BEEF, PORK) STORED COVERED WITH FOOD-GRADE PLASTIC WRAP WHILE COOLING. INSTRUCTED TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS LOOSELY-COVERED OR UNCOVERED (IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION) WHILE COOLING TO FACILITATE HEAT TRANSFER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CUPS USED AS SCOOPS IN DRY AND COLD-HOLDING FOOD CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AND DELI AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SINGLE-USE CUPS AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION WHILE SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED RAW BEEF STORED BENEATH CONDENSATE WATER DRIP IN THE MAIN DELI AREA WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE RAW BEEF AND STORE FOOD OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS INCLUDING UNDER PLUMBING LINES IN WHICH WATER HAS CONDENSED AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED SLICER IN MAIN DELI AREA NOT IN-USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION IN POOR REPAIR AND WITH GLOVE BOXES STORED ON TOP OF FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE SLICER AND CEASE USE OF EQUIPMENT IN POOR REPAIR TO STORE NON-FOOD ITEMS AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR AND PROPER ADJUSTMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED PERSON-IN-CHARGE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF INSPECTION MISSING ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND CERTIFICATE ON-SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS WITH ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATE(S) ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES.
  3. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNTIS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED UNFINISHED WOOD ON THE SHELVING UNIT IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO FINISH THE WOOD ON THE SHELVING UNITS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, SO THAT ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT BUILDUP IN ALL CONERS AND ALONG WALLS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN ALL CORNERS, ALONG WALLS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING AND WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN ALL CEILING AND WALL VENTS AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE AISLE DISPLAY COOLER FOR PREPARED FOODS, MEATS AND CHEESES. OBSERVED SOUP AT 46F, TUNA SALAD AT 49F, SAUSAGE AT 48F, CHICKEN AT 50F, HOT DOGS AT 52F, PATE AT 48F AND FISH AT 50F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD TCS FOODS BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED THE FULL AISLE DISPLAY COOLER WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 45F. THE COOLER WAS USED TO STORE TCS FOODS SUCH AS SOUPS, MEATS, AND CHEESES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED INCOMPLETE INGREDIENT LABELS ON PREPACKAGED SALADS AND NO INGREDIENT LABELS AND NO MANUFACTURING ADDRESS ON SOME PACKAGES OF BREAD. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A COMPLETE INGREDIENT LIST FOR ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS AND PROPER LABELS FOR ALL BREAD ITEMS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET ON THE RIGHT DOOR OF THE 2 DOOR COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS.
  6. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK LOCATED IN THE HOT SERVICE FOOD PREP AREA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN LABEL INFORMATION ON PREPACKAGED ASSORTED PASTRIES/COOKIES OFFERED FOR SALE STORED IN DISPLAY COOLERS AND DISPLAY STORAGE RACKS.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL PREPACKAGED FOODS MUST BE LABELED AS REQUIRED TO INCLUDE THE (FOOD ALLERGENS) AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOCK DOOR WITH OPENING GAP APPROX:1/4" AT BOTTOM LEFT CORNER.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE/DUSTS BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR LOADING DOCK AREA USED TO STORE BREAD. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE WALK IN COOLERS OR DELI CASES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON DAIRY WALK IN COOLER DOOR. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF MOP WATER. MOP WATER MUST BE APPROPRIATELY DISPOSED IN MOP/UTILITY SINK.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED 11/12/2019: #51 MUST INSTALL MOP SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AND BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. RPIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  10. License

    3 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE BUT INC-COMPLETE CLEAN-UP ITEMS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES OR KIT. (NECESSARY ITEMS AT A MINIMUM: GLOVES, FACE MASKS, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT KILLS NOROVIRUS).PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE MILK COOLER IN CUSTOMER AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKETS. -
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST INSTALL MOP SINK WITH HOT/COLD RUNNING WATER AND BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE.
  11. License

    0 infractions

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