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NORTHSTAR COFFEE

1300 S CLINTON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

NORTHSTAR COFFEE has been inspected 14 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 3, 2011. The most recent inspection, on August 5, 2021, found no infractions.

4 of 14 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, Pests and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 4, 2021. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 17, 2015. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 once on April 18, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 August 3, 2011. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 14 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on January 4, 2021. For example: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

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.

14 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    6 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 FACILITY WITH INCOMPLETE WRITTEN CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES AND MISSING SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. POSTED SAMPLE CDPH CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES IS MISSING PAGE 1. SUPPLIES MUST ALSO INCLUDE EYE PROTECTION, DISPOSABLE APRONS AND ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE COMPLETED CLEAN UP PROCEDURE TO INCLUDE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION LEVELS AND A LIST OF SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. (REFER TO REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELF USED TO ELEVATE HOT WATER TANK DIRECTLY ABOVE DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED EXPOSED CEILING ABOVE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DROP CEILING ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CLEANING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • REFER TO VIOLATION #60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NOTED CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2285344 ON 4/8/19. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#58) 2-102.13 - NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.) INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE VIOLATION SHALL NOW BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION ITEM DUE TO NON-PREVIOUS NONCOMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR NECCESARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED SLICED TOMATOES IN REFRIGERTOR LABELED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCARD OR USE BY DATE FOR ALL TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST DISCONTINUE USING SODA CRATES AS A STORAGE RACK NEXT TO THE 3-COMP SINK, REPLACE WITH PROPER RACK FOR FOOD STORAGE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET ON 3-COMP SINK.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR NOT CLEAN PREP AREA, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • EXTERIOR OF STORAGE BINS NOT CLEAN, DUST/DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • UPPER PART OF WALL AND LEDGE ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. DOUBLE ENTRY/EXIT DOORS NEAR OPERATION NOTED TO HAVE A 2 INCH GAP AT THE CENTER WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED. MUST REPAIR THE DOORS AT THE CENTER MAKING THEM TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES AT START OF INVESTIGATION WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED AND IN CLEAR VIEW OF THE CUSTOMERS WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND/OR SERVED(BRATWURST, CHILLI). SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012(A).
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN DIRT, DUST AND DEBRIS FROM FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT(VENDING MACHINES, LOCKERS IN BREAK ROOM AREA, AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISHWAASHING AREA IN RESTAURNT).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN STAINS FROM WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM STEAM TABLE IN FOOD PREP AREA, AND ON WALL IN REAR AREA OF DINING ROOM. CLEAN DIRT, STAINS, AND DUST FROM BASEBOARDS IN DINING ROOM , AND FROM WALLS AND FROM WALLS AND BASEBOARDS THROUGHOUT OPERATION.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA,DIRT AND DEBRIS NOTED. REPAIR FLOOR NEAR FLOOR DRAIN IN MOP SINK AREA, DIRTY STANDING WATER OBSERVED. CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM UNDERNEATH ALL EMPLOYEE LOCKERS IN BREAK AREA
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN AND/OR PAINT(RUSTY AREAS) OF WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA.
  10. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. DOUBLE ENTRY/EXIT DOORS NEAR OPERATION NOTED TO HAVE A 2 INCH GAP AT THE CENTER WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED. ALSO FOUND 30 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG THE SIDES AND BEHIND THE VENDING MACHINES IN EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOM. MUST REPAIR THE DOORS AT THE CENTER MAKING THEM TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, AND SEAL UP ANY OPENINGS FOUND IN FLOORS AND WALLS IN SAME AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS OF ALL REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS, STORAGE DRAWERS AND CABINETS, COFFEE DISPENSING STATION, AND MICROWAVE OVENS IN EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM AREA, INTERIOR OF PIZZA OVEN IN FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA,DIRT AND DEBRIS NOTED. REPAIR FLOOR NEAR FLOOR DRAIN IN MOP SINK AREA, DIRTY STANDING WATER OBSERVED. CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM UNDERNEATH ALL EMPLOYEE LOCKERS IN BREAK AREA. CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE POP STORAGE AREA IN DINING AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN AND/OR PAINT(RUSTY AREAS) OF WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPLACE BROKEN STOPPER FOR FIRST SECTION OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ALL ARTICLES AND FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE STORAGE ROOM IN DINING AREA MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. UNUSED REACH-IN FREEZER MUST BE CLEANED.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ALL FOOD HANDLER(S) MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT(S).
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • UNABLE TO VERIFY WHETHER EMPLOYEES (FOOD HANDLERS) THAT ARE NOT CERTIFED IN FOOD SANITATION HAVE TAKEN THE STATE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLERS COURSE, NO DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED. MUST KEEP DOCUMENTATION ON SITE(RECEIPTS OR CERTIFICATIONS).
  11. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. (GROUND BEEF,HOT DOGS,ETC) MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE RUST FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE UPRIGHT WHITE REACH IN COOLER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT THE COFFEE MACHINE.
  12. Canvass

    0 infractions

  13. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  14. License

    3 infractions

    • 10. SEWAGE AND WASTE WATER DISPOSAL, NO BACK SIPHONAGE, CROSS CONNECTION AND/OR BACK FLOW
      • In food establishments, there shall be adequate sewage and waste water disposal facilities that comply with all the requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago. THE GREASE TRAP IS FULL AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS DRAINING SLOWLY, REPAIR THE DRAINAGE.
    • 26. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED
      • When toilet and lavatory facilities are provided for the patrons of food establishments, such facilities shall be adequate in number, convenient, accessible, properly designed, and installed according to the municipal code. THE WEST MEN'S ROOM URINAL IS BROKEN, REPAIR THE URINAL.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. PLACE A THERMOMETER IN THE NORTH LOWBOY COOLER.

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