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PAYLESS GROCERY & FAST FOOD

1542 W 69TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60636 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

PAYLESS GROCERY & FAST FOOD has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 19, 2011. The most recent inspection, on June 9, 2016, found no infractions.

2 of 5 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.

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 once on May 19, 2011. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 21, 2012. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 21, 2012. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS 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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DEFROST FRONT BOX FREEZER (EXCESSIVE ICE), CLEAN INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES, AND IN BASEMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES THRU-OUT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MISSING REAR PREP AREA LIGHT SHIELD MUST BE REPLACED.
  3. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. License Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. INVERT AND PROPERLY STORE ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT, PANS, UTENSILS, ETC AND CARRYOUT CONTAINERS TO PROTECT FROM DUST, DIRT, CONTAMINATION.
    • 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. REMOVE SOILED CARDBOARD ON CHIP RACKS. REMOVE MILK/POP CRATES OFF FLOOR AND PROVIDE SHELVING FOR STORAGE.
    • 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. FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF SHELVES BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, IN SALES AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, DISPLAY CASES, RACKS
    • 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. FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS(DEBRIS, CIGARETTE BUTTS AND ASHES).
    • 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. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN ALL AREAS. STORE STOCK AWAY FROM WALLS FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL. CEILING NEED REPAIR IN BASEMENT. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, ETC IN ALL AREAS. CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM (DUST BUILDUP).
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE TAPE ON DRAINPIPES UNDER 3-COMP SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE, SALES AND BASEMENT AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. CUT DOWN TALL WEEDS AND REMOVE EXCESS BOXES OUTSIDE.
  5. 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. OBSERVED 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON BOTTOM SHELF OF STORAGE RACK NEAR 3-COMP SINK, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE CARDBOARD BOXES OF PORK RINDS, CHIPS, ETC ON CHIP DISPLAY SHELF, 5 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER CHIP RACK, 3 MICE DROPPINGS ON OUTLET IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. FRONT AND REAR DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM OF DOORS. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. INVERT AND PROPERLY STORE ALL CLEAN MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT, PANS, UTENSILS, ETC AND CARRYOUT CONTAINERS TO PROTECT FROM DUST, DIRT, CONTAMINATION.
    • 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. REMOVE SOILED CARDBOARD ON CHIP RACKS. REMOVE MILK CRATES OFF FLOOR AND PROVIDE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. NON TOXIC PAINT SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR CLEAN UTENSIL STORAGE.
    • 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. FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF SHELVES BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, IN SALES AND IN REAR STORAGE AREA, COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, DISPLAY CASES, RACKS
    • 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. FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS(DEBRIS, CIGARETTE BUTTS AND ASHES). REPLACE MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN WASHROOM.
    • 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. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN ALL AREAS. STORE STOCK AWAY FROM WALLS FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL. CEILING NEED REPAIR IN BASEMENT. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, AROUND PIPE FITTINGS, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, ETC IN ALL AREAS. CLEAN VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM (DUST BUILDUP). SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. REPAIR LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER UTILITY SINK AND WASHBOWL IN WASHROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. CUT DOWN TALL WEEDS AND REMOVE EXCESS BOXES OUTSIDE.

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