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SANDRA'S FOOD INC.

2841 W 59TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60629 · Restaurant (Wholesale)

Inspection summary

SANDRA'S FOOD INC. has been inspected 12 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 22, 2011. The most recent inspection, on June 4, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 12 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on November 9, 2022. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 14, 2023. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 14, 2023. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 June 4, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 May 28, 2025. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

12 inspections

  1. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS IN HOT HOLD UNITS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG BOTTOM OF WALLS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/ENCLOSE AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (WITH GREEN AND RED SALSA) WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN PREP AREA, HOT HOLDING AND FOOD STORED IN WALK-IN FREEZER WITH CONTAINERS UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERS.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS/CONTAINERS FOR FOOD STORAGE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED MINOR DRAINPIPE LEAK UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK NEAR THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAK.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY VENT IN THE MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • LIGHT OUT IN PREP AREA. INSTD TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 40 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT AREAS, ON LEDGE LEADING TO BASEMENT, FURNACE ROOM FLOOR, AND UNDER SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED 3-COMPARTMENT SINK STOPPERS MISSING AT LEFT SIDE, RIGHT, AND MIDDLE COMPARTMENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE WORKING STOPPERS AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK DRAINPIPE WITH A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2566792 ON 11/9/22 WERE NOT CORRECTED:10- OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES. 53-OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. 53-OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FANS IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
  7. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SIGNED ACKNOWLEDEMENT OF EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN OFFICE, PREP, AND BASEMENT AREAS, ON LEDGE LEADING TO BASEMENT AND SHELVING UNITS IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON EMPLOYEE SMOCKS. EMPLOYEES SHALL WEAR CLEAN OUTER CLOTHING TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO SELF-CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA. OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FANS IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
  8. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE BASEMENT FLOOR,INSTRUCTED TO DRY MOP. ALSO OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN NOT CLEAN BASEMENT AND 1ST.FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT NOZZLE LEAKING AT BASE OF FACUET WHEN TURNED ON, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/OR REPLACE. ALSO NEED TO PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS OBSERVED PLASTIC IN 1ST COMP. DRAIN TO HOLD THE WATER IN.
  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NEED TO REPAIR DOOR HANDLES ON 4 DOOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NEED TO CLEAN INSIDE 4 DOOR HOT HOLDING UNIT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • REMOVE STANDING WATER UNDER HANDSINK.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR NOZZLE LEAKING FROM WALL.
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • BASEMENT TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF REPAIR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  11. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • LIGHT SHEILDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • TOILET ROOM DOORS IN NEED OF SELF CLOSING DEVICE. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  12. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 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. OUTSIDE AREA HAS MUCH CLUTTER ABOUT AREA, IE...OLD EQUIPMENT, COOLERS, BUCKETS. ALL ARE FILLED WITH RAIN WATER. RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN CLEAR TO ELIMINATE RODENT HARBORAGE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED. OUTSIDE GARBAGE/FORAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED.
    • 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. GREASE TRAP CONNECTED TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN POOR REPAIR. LEAK AT TRAP. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. TRAP MUST BE FREE FROM WATER AND GREASE CLEANED FROM SIDES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED DISHWASHING FACILITIES IN POOR REPAIR.
    • 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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS.
    • 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 IN BASEMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING AND SANITIZING. MUST CLEAN AND KEPT DRY, FREE OF STANDING WATER.
    • 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. Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. LIGHT SHEILDS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters. Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. TOILET ROOM DOORS IN NEED OF SELF CLOSING DEVICE. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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