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PANADERIA EL ACAMBARO

1720 W 18TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60608 · Bakery

Inspection summary

PANADERIA EL ACAMBARO has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 4, 2011. The most recent inspection, on December 10, 2025, recorded 7 infractions.

1 of 10 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 7 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Pests, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 December 10, 2025. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on March 12, 2021. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 March 12, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FRONT DOOR WITH A 1/4" GAP UNDERNEATH AND IS NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/INSECT PROOF FRONT DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • FEMALE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN PREPARING FOOD AND IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • TONGS FOR RETRIEVING PASTRIES ARE NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE A CLEAN CONTAINER/BIN. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • LOWER SURFACE OF THE PREP TABLES IN THE REAR WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SURFACES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • THE HAND WASHING SINK SLOWLY DRAINS. THERE IS A LEAK AT THE COLD WATER KNOB ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX ALL PLUMBING ISSUES AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO PROOF THAT THEY TOOK THE FOOD HANDLER'S COURSE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
  2. Complaint

    11 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED PIC WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE NOR A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (EGGS, MILK) ARE BEING HANDLED PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO PROPERLY TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-601.11 OBSERVED SOME PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING BUSINESS NAME, BUSINESS ADDRESS AND INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-602.11 (B:5) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN WARNING LABELS ON SOME OF THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS FOR SALE AT THE FRONT CUSTOMER COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-202.13 OBSERVED AN OPEN BAIT TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TO SET PEST TRAPS.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-603.15 OBSERVED CIP EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO BE PROPERLY WASHED RINSED AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE ON HOW THE FACILITY WASHES RINSES AND SANITIZES LARGE CIP EQUIPMENT.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT AND FLOUR DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA IN VARIOUS PLACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED TWO MALE AND ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME WHEN TCS FOODS BE PREPARED AND SERVED EGGS, MILK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO MANAGER FOR EACH SHIFT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIRRHEAL EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED CLEAN IN PLACE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER REAR STORAGE SHELVES 1ST.FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO NPROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 10 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT, INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL RETURN FOR SERVICE, ALSO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(a), CITATION ISSUED.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED CLEAN IN PLACE EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER THE REAR STORAGE SHELVES 1ST. FLOOR, AND IN THE BASEMENT (REMOVE RODENT DROPPINGS), INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED TWO BAKERS WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED TORN CEILING IN THE BASEMENT OVER DRY STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL ALONG RIGHT SIDE OF WEST BASEMENT DOOR.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING ENDCAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTALL MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN WASHROOM. PROVIDE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE SOILED WATER AND STORE MOP HEAD UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE HANDLED, AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL IN A CLASS AND A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED.(EGGS 40F.). SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING FAN COVERS,SHELVINGS INSIDE THE 3 DOOR EGG COOLER,KITCHEN HOOD/FILTER ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF KITCHEN FOOD PREP TABLES WITH FOOD DEBRIS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • EXHAUST FAN ON EAST WALL IN KITCHEN AREA HAS DUST BUILD UP.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • NO END CAPS ON LIGHT SHIELDS AT KITCHEN AREAS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • STOCK ITEMS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED AT LEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL.
  8. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • OBSERVED SOME PREPACKAGED GOODS PROPERLY LABELED NEED TO LABEL THE 3 LACHE CAKE, COOKIES AND PAN ALSO.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR OF REAR PROOFER, MICROWAVE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NEED TO CLEAN REAR FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND REAR EQUIPMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NEED TO CLEAN CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED PLASTIC WRAP ON HANDSINK LOWER PIPE NEED TO REMOVE AND REPAIR PIPE.
  9. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  10. License

    9 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. MUST REMOVE THE OLD RAT DROPPINGS UNDER THE STAIRS AND REAR BASEMENT.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. MUST REMOVE ABOUDONED GARBAGE DUMPSTER IT IS FULL OF STALE GARBAGE IN REAR AND CLEAN AROUND DUMPSTER. MUST REMOVE ARTICLES IN AREA OUTSIDE REAR DOOR.
    • 24. DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
      • All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. MUST PROVIDE A GREASE TRAP FOR 2 COMPARTMENT.
    • 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. REMOVE OR REPAIR BATHROOM FACILITIES IN THE BASEMENT INCLUDING THE CEILING.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST SEAL OR PAINT ALL THE RAW WOOD CABINETS,BOTTOM OF THE PREP TABLES AND STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST CLEAN THE TOILET BOWL AND SEAT. MUST CLEAN TRAVEL RACKS AND BAKING TRAYS AND SINK SURFACES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. SEAL THE GAP FROM THE FLOOR TO THE COVING (BASEBOARDS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS TO THE LIGHTS IN PREP AREA IN PREP AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. DRAIN PIPE DRAINING ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT BY MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE PIPE. MUST PROVIDE A BACK FLOW DEVICE AT THE FAUCET AT UTILITY SINK.

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