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OLIVE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL

1001 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60642 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

OLIVE MEDITERRANEAN GRILL has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 7, 2011. The most recent inspection, on June 25, 2019, recorded 7 infractions.

1 of 13 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, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 25, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 November 13, 2017. For example: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

  • 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 June 17, 2019. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 June 17, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 once on June 17, 2019. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

13 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD IN PREP AREA WITH OUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LOOSE FAUCET ON HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS, AND WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM FILTERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
  2. Canvass

    11 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS; CHICKEN, HUMMUS, ET., ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE CITY'S HEALTH FORM OR SIMILAR DOCUMENTS USED TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO CLEAN UP SUPPLIES OR PROCEDURES ONSITE FOR VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES; FLOUR, SUGAR, ETC., WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA, AND ON WALLS IN CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED CUCUMBER SALAD STORED ON A MILK CRATE UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO COVER PREPARED FOOD, AND STORE FOOD PROPERLY TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD IN PREP AREA WITH OUT A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES WHEN PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR LOOSE FAUCET ON HAND SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS, AND WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN GREASE ACCUMULATION FROM FILTERS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED THE VENTILATION NOT WORKING PROPERLY IN THE MENS WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES ON THE HOT HOLDING LINE: FOUND A CONTAINER OF COOKED STEAK KABOB AT 115.6F, BEEF SHAWARMA AT 120.2F, AND CHICKEN SHAWARMA AT 130.8F. INSTRUCTED STAFF ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS MUST BE HELD AT 140F OR MORE ON THE HOT HOLDING LINE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 8# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A)
    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE UNABLE TO REACH A FINAL RINSE OF 180F AT TIME OF INSPECTION: THE HOT WATER ONLY REACHED A TEMPERATURE OF 70F DURING THE FINAL RISE WITH A TOOL BAR INDICATOR ON THE ELECTRONIC DIAL INDICATING THAT THE MACHINE IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTIONING. MACHINE WAS TAGGED AND CANNOT BE USED UNTIL RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH AFTER THE MACHINE HAS BEEN REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF A MINIMUM OF 180F DURING THE FINAL RINSE CYCLE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SET UP THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE ALL FOOD EQUIPMENT, UTENSIL,ETC. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PINK DISCOLORATION BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE, DETAIL CLEAN/SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS, CONDENSER, FAN VENT COVERS, AND FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO REMOVE FOOD AND DUST DEBRIS BUILDUP.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVERD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE AT THE STEAM TABLE: 3LBS OF STEAK AT 123.8F, 8LBS OF VARIOUS CHICKEN RANGING FROM 123.6F TO 125.4F AND 6LBS OF FALAFEL BALLS AT 98.8F. MANAGER DISCARD AND DENATURED FOOD ITEMS. TOTAL COST $175 AND TOTAL WEIGHT 17LBS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED #7-38-005(A).
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE FRONT SERVING/PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE PREP AREA WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND PREP AREA. CLEAN THE CAN OPENER AND THE FAN COVERS IN THE WALK IN COOLER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THR FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE VENTS IN THE TOILET ROOM, REMOVE DIRT/DUST BUILD UP.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FIX THE LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE TOP HANDLE ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1199735 ON 2/25/15 NOT CORRECTED: 45/01 - FOOD HANDLER TRAINING REQUIREMENT NOT MET. NO CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST HAVE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS FROM THE WALK-IN FREEZER FLOOR.
  8. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 11. ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, DESIGNED, AND MAINTAINED
      • REAR PREP/DISH ROOM EXPOSED HAND SINK NOT MAINTAINED. HOT AND COLD WATER TURNED OFF AT SINK DUE TO A LEAK UNDER WASHBOWL. AREA WAS BEING USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION AND DISH WASHING DURING INSPECTION. MANAGEMENT TURN WATER BACK ON DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER PRESENT DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED AND ARRIVED 30 MINUTES AFTER INSPECTION STARTED WITH CERTIFICATE IN HAND. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • ALL PREPARED READY TO EAT FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE LABELED AND DATED.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR PLASTIC ICE SHOOT AT SODA/ICE DISPENSING SYSTEM IN DINING ROOM DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAK UNDER REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • FOOD HANDLER TRAINING REQUIREMENT NOT MET. NO CERTIFICATES OR PROOF OF TRAINING. MUST HAVE PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • FOUND ICE BUILDUP ON BACK OF FREEZER FAN UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN. FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON BACK OF WALK IN COOLER FAN UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND HOLES IN CEILING ABOVE BACK DOOR AND ABOVE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN. FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON WALL VENTS LOCATED JUST WEST OF SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN. FOUND A LEAK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER AT FRONT PREP AREA HAS GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE COMPARTMENTS
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG WALL BASE IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND CORNERS
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE CHEST PREP COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE AT THE REAR PREP AREA
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • THE PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST BE STORED IN A DESIGNATED LOCATION.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE REAR KITCHEN PREP AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 14 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS,SHELVINGS, AND EQUIPMENT IN THE SAID PREP AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • REMOVE DUST BUILD-UP ON UPPER SHELVINGS ABOVE THE 3 COMP SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • THE PERSONAL BELONGINGS MUST BE STORED IN A DESIGNATED LOCATION.
  13. License

    0 infractions

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