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TEA GSCHWENDER

1160 N STATE ST, CHICAGO, IL 60610 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

TEA GSCHWENDER has been inspected 13 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 20, 2012. The most recent inspection, on September 10, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

3 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, Protecting food from contamination 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 7 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 13, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 18, 2019. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 September 10, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 October 20, 2021. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 April 14, 2017. For example: SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME

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

    1 infraction

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH CALCIUM BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS IN STOAGE ROOM IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 DEAD INSECTS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH DRY STORAGE SHELVING IN THE BASEMENT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS FROM THE PREMISES.
  6. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (TEA WITH MILK.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED OVER 30 BOXES FILLED WITH TEA THROUGHOUT BASEMENT,1ST FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE SAID ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
  8. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ONSITE, THERE IS NO CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND CLEANING MATERIAL FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW AND USE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FILLED WITH DIRTY PLATES AND EATING UTENSILS INSIDE OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAKE HAND WASHING SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES TO ALLOW FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER THAT HANDWASHING SINKS ARE USED FOR HANDWASHING ONLY. FOOD HANDLER REMOVES ITEMS FROM THE HAND WASHING SINK DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK INSTALLED/LOCATED, ADJACENT TO OR IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED OVER 30 BOXES FILLED WITH TEA THROUGHOUT BASEMENT,1ST FLOOR AND SECOND FLOOR STORED ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE SAID ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE WASH SOLUTION TEMPERATURE AT 105 F . THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WASH SOLUTION IN SPRAY TYPE WARE WASHERS THAT USE CHEMICALS TO SANITIZE MAY NOT BE LESS THAN 120 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • OBSERVED CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT (11/5/18) 6-301.14- OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS AT FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. 2-401.11-OBSERVED OPEN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS STORED IN FOOD PREP AREA COUNTER TOP AREA. FOOD HANDLER DID CONFIRM THAT BEVERAGE CONTAINERS WERE FOR PERSON CONSUMPTION HOWEVER, AT TIME OF INSPECTION DID NOT OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS DRINK FROM SAID CONTAINERS. INFORMED SITE THAT DRINKING/EATING MUST OCCUR IN DESIGNATED/NONE FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED SITE TO EAT IN DESIGNATED/NONE FOOD PREP AREAS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. 5-204.12- UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY LOCATION OR INSTALL DEVICE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME SPECIFIED ON THE INSPECTION REPORT SHALL BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION . 7-42-010(B) . CITATION ISSUED.
  9. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14 (N)- OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11- FOUND NO COMPLETE PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR THE CLEAN UP OF VOMITING AND DIAREAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUE.
    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • 2-401.11-OBSERVED OPEN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS STORED IN FOOD PREP AREA COUNTER TOP AREA. FOOD HANDLER DID CONFIRM THAT BEVERAGE CONTAINERS WERE FOR PERSON CONSUMPTION HOWEVER, AT TIME OF INSPECTION DID NOT OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS DRINK FROM SAID CONTAINERS. INFORMED SITE THAT DRINKING/EATING MUST OCCUR IN DESIGNATED/NONE FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED SITE TO EAT IN DESIGNATED/NONE FOOD PREP AREAS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.14- OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINKS AT FROUT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 5-204.11- OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK INSTALLED/LOCATED, ADJACENT TO OR IMMEDIATELY ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING IN BASEMENT DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND SINK AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307-11- OBSERVED TOUR GUIDE/NON FOOD SERVICE STAFF ENTER FOOD PREPARATION AREA, BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INFORMED MANAGER THAT NON FOOD SERVICE STAFF ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11- OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND WASHING SINK AND SERVICE SINK IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-204.12- UNABLE TO IDENTIFY BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO IDENTIFY LOCATION OR INSTALL DEVICE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLERS HAVE THE ILLINOIS FOOD HANDLER CARDS. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • A SPLASH GUARD MUST BE INSTALLED BETWEEN MOP SINK AND ICE MAKER IN BASEMENT AREA
  11. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • DURING INSPECTION FOUND 2 NON-WORKING DISH MACHINES ON PREMISES. FOUND ONE NON-COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE ON THE 1ST FLOOR NOT IN USE AND NOT CONNECTED.FOUND ANOTHER COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT NOT IN WORKING ORDER OR CONNECTED. TAGGED BOTH DISH MACHINES AT THIS TIME. FOUND THE 3-COMP SINK SET-UP WITH 100PPM OF CHLORINE IN THE BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONTINUE USE OF 3-COMP FOR WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. BOTH DISH MACHINES WERE TAGGED AT THIS TIME. THE NON-COMMERCIAL DISH MACHINE ON THE 1ST FLOOR MUST BE REMOVED OFF PREMISES TAGGED AT THIS TIME. THE DISH MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT WAS ALSO TAGGED. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE DISH MACHINES UNTIL REPAIRED(DISH MACHINE IN THE BASEMENT) AND UNTIL CDPH INSPECTS UNIT. CDI.NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. MUST INSTALL A WORKING MOP SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • FOUND CLUTTER BASEMENT AREA AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK AREA. MUST BETTER ORGANIZE AND DECLUTTER ABOVE STATED AREA.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED SLIGHT DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AND SECOND FLOOR PACKAGING ROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, ORGANIZE OR REMOVE CLUTTER THROUGH OUT THE SECOND FLOOR AND PART OF BASEMENT DRY STORAGE.
  13. License

    0 infractions

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