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NORTHSTAR COFFEE

3500 N KIMBALL AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

NORTHSTAR COFFEE has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 8, 2010. The most recent inspection, on July 23, 2021, found no infractions.

2 of 11 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: Pests, Food source, labelling and allergens and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 26, 2016. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on April 18, 2013. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 once on April 11, 2013. For example: HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

  • 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 12 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on May 26, 2016. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 27, 2017. For example: * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

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

    0 infractions

  2. Short Form Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (HOT DOGS, POLISH SAUSAGE, ETC.) ARE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
  3. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (HOT DOGS, POLISH SAUSAGE, ETC.) ARE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • DURING INSPECTION FOUND THE EXIT DOOR AT THE HOT DOG KIOSK IN POOR REPAIR. ABOVE STATED DOOR IS BROKEN (DOOR HANDLE BROKEN) DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE AT ALL AND IT IS ALSO NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THIS TIME. THERE IS A 1/4 IN GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND DOOR. ALSO ALL EXTERIOR DOORS AT THE HOME DEPOT ARE NOT RODENT PROOFED. THERE ARE FIVE FRONT ENTRANCE AND EXIT DOORS AND ONE SIDE DOOR BY THE GARDENING SECTION WHICH ALL HAVE A GAP GREATER THAN 1/4 INCH AT THE BOTTOM BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE FLOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF ALL ABOVE STATED DOORS.ALL ABOVE MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR ONE OF TWO NON-WORKING HAND DRYERS IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM. AT THIS TIME THERE IS ONE WORKING HAND DRYER. MUST REPAIR.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE BREAKROOM.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • DURING INSPECTION FOUND NO HOT WATER AT THE FRONT PREP HAND SINK. HOT WATER TEMP. IS 71F AT THIS TIME. MUST REPAIR AND PROVIDE HOT WATER AT ABOVE STATED HAND SINK TO BE AT A MINIMUM OF 85F AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED. FACILITY GIVEN 48 HOURS TO REPAIR ABOVE STATED HAND SINK.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • DURING INSPECTION FOUND THE EXIT DOOR AT THE HOT DOG KIOSK IN POOR REPAIR. ABOVE STATED DOOR IS BROKEN (DOOR HANDLE BROKEN) DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE AT ALL AND IT IS ALSO NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THIS TIME. THERE IS A 1/4 IN GAP BETWEEN FLOOR AND DOOR. ALSO ALL EXTERIOR DOORS AT THE HOME DEPOT ARE NOT RODENT PROOFED. THERE ARE FIVE FRONT ENTRANCE AND EXIT DOORS AND ONE SIDE DOOR BY THE GARDENING SECTION WHICH ALL HAVE A GAP GREATER THAN 1/4 INCH AT THE BOTTOM BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE FLOOR. MUST RODENT PROOF ALL ABOVE STATED DOORS.ALL ABOVE MUST BE TIGHT FITTING AT THE BOTTOM.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR ONE OF TWO NON-WORKING HAND DRYERS IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM. AT THIS TIME THERE IS ONE WORKING HAND DRYER. MUST REPAIR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPAIR BROKEN PLASTIC SIDE WALL PANEL ABOVE THE MICROWAVE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING SINK STOPPERS FOR THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE REAR EMPLOYEE BREAKROOM.
  7. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR BROKEN CABINET DOOR, UNDER COUNTER AREA,
  8. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • LABEL THE FOOD CONTAINERS THAT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOODS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER.
  9. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 6. HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
      • POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE HANDLING MONEY. PUTTING ON THE GLOVES GETTING THE HOT DOG AND BREAD TO SERVE TO THE CUSTOMER WITHOUT WASHING HANDS, BOTH EMPLOYEES ARE DOING THE SAME THING FOR SO MANY TIMES WHILE I WAS OBSERVING THEM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER AND EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS EVERY TIME THEY HANDLE MONEY, REMOVE THE GLOVES AND PUT ON THE NEW GLOVES AND AS NEEDED. AND TO WASH THEIR HANDS IN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK, WITH HAND SOAP, AND WARM WATER. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-010B.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND FRONT AND SIDE ENTRANCE DOORS WITH OVER 1 INCH OF A GAP IN BETWEEN THE 2 GLASS DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF THE DOORS. CITATION ISSUED SERIOUS 7-38-020.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • LABEL THE FOOD CONTAINERS THAT IS NOT THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOODS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST DEFROST THE 2 CHEST FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • GAP AROUND THE PIPE INSIDE THE FOOD SUPPLY STORAGE ROOM. MUST SEAL.
  10. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN MICROWAVES, INTERIOR COOLERS FRONT,ALSO FAN GUARD COVERS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN CEILING VENT DUSTY BOTH RESTROOMS.
  11. 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
      • 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 EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED 1/2"GAP BETWEEN DOOR. MUST BE TIGHT FITTING.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE MANAGER ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION (2ND. TIME, 1ST. SHORT FORM COMPLAINT 09-01715684 10/8/09)CITATION ISSUED.
    • 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.OBSERVED THE FOUR MICROWAVES NOT CLEAN IN EMPLOYEE LUNCH ROOM, INTERIOR OF COOLERS IN LUNCH ROOM NEED CLEANING AND AT HOTDOG STAND THE INTERIOR OR COOLERS FANGUARDS NEED CLEANING.
    • 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.OBSERVED THE WALL COVING MISSING IN RESTROOM HALLWAY MUST REPLACE.ALSO CEILING VENT DUSTY IN BOTH RESTROOMS INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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