Skip to content
Loading map…

WILLIAM BROWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

54 N Hermitage Ave, CHICAGO, IL 60612 · School

Inspection summary

WILLIAM BROWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL has been inspected 21 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since May 4, 2010. The most recent inspection, on April 14, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

4 of 21 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Pests and Food temperature control.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their findings differently, so we group them by what they mean for your health. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are one of the main ways germs spread, from person to person and onto food and surfaces. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing their hands when required, and sick staff being kept away from work where it matters. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 22, 2021. 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, supplies 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 April 14, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Inspectors check that anything that has to be kept at a set temperature, such as chilled or hot food, or equipment like sterilizers, stays in its safe range and that accurate thermometers are on hand. With food, temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning.

    Recorded once on April 14, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Surfaces, dishes and tools that touch food or people must be cleaned and then sanitized or disinfected. Inspectors check sanitizer strength, dishwasher temperatures and how cleaning is done. Poor sanitizing lets germs survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on April 22, 2021. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be made of cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked surface or worn part. They are generally lower risk but show how well the place is maintained.

    Recorded 21 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on April 16, 2018. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

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.

21 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE HOT HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A WINDOW OPEN IN PREP AREA/ CAFETERIA WITH NO SCREEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR INSECTS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED SLIGHT FOOD CRUMBS IN THE FLOOR UNDER THE FOUR COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM FIXTURES DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING THROUGH OUT THE PREP AREA, WASHROOM AND LUNCH ROOM MANAGERS OFFICE. ALSO CLEAN THE AIR VENT COVER ABOVE THE STOVE TO REMOVE DUST.
  3. Canvass

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED LIGHT IN STAFF WASHROOM IN CAFETERIA MANAGERIAL OFFICE NOT WORKING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PIC DOESN'T HAVE A VALID FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE POSTED TO VIEW.WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (PIZZA & GREEN BEANS).MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN PREP- K ROOM AND KITCHEN STAFF TOILET ROOM.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • MUST PROVIDE A DRAIN BOARD AT 4- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT 4- COMP SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PRE- K ROOM .
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR IN PRE-K CLOSET.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON CEILING IN PRE- K ROOM.
  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE DURING INSPECTION FOR FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED. -
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINKS ON 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR THRU OUT BUILDING ESPECIALLY PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM METERED HANDSINKS NOT RUNNING FOR 15 SECONDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FLOW FOR 15 SECONDS WITHOUT REACTIVATION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN FREEZER TO THE FAR LEFT NEAR ELEVATOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE DURING INSPECTION FOR FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED ALL HANDSINKS ON THE 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR THRU OUT BUILDING WITH TEMPERTURES RANGING FROM 69.0F-82.6F. INSTRUCTED TO EQUIP ALL HANDSINKS TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINKS ON 1ST AND 2ND FLOOR THRU OUT BUILDING ESPECIALLY PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM METERED HANDSINKS NOT RUNNING FOR 15 SECONDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FLOW FOR 15 SECONDS WITHOUT REACTIVATION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN FREEZER TO THE FAR LEFT NEAR ELEVATOR.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • ONE OF TWO HAND DRYERS IN GIRLS WASHROOM IN NEED OF REPAIR. HAND DRYER DOES NOT WORK. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • EXCESSIVE WATER ON BASEMENT FLOOR. MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • IN GIRLS ROOM ON 1ST FLOOR ONE OF TWO HANDSINKS IN POOR REPAIR. SINK NEEDS BETTER WATER PRESSURE. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP IN MILK COOLER IN KITCHEN AREA,
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • STANDING WATER IN BOILER ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MOP FLOOR, CLEAN AND BETTER MAINTAIN,
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INCREASE HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HAND SINKS IN SOME BATHROOMS ON FIRST FLOOR AND LEAKING FAUCET, LOOSE FITTING EXPOSED HAND SINK IN KITCHEN AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS BEHIND/UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE MISSING FLOOR TILE IN THE KITCHEN OFFICE AND SEAL LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN SAME AREA.
  13. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND SMALL LIVE FLIES ON THE PREMISES. 25 ON THE WALLS, PIPES, CEILING AND FLYING AROUND. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLIES, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS BEHIND/UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE MISSING FLOOR TILE IN THE KITCHEN OFFICE AND SEAL LOOSE FLOOR TILES IN SAME AREA.
  14. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR THE BROKEN AND LOOSE DOOR HANDLES ON THE REFRIGERATORS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE 2 DOOR STAND UP MILK COOLER AND THE INTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR THE COLD WATER HANDLES IN THE 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S RESTROOM.
  15. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  16. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • NOTED OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING, PREVENTING PROPER LID CLOSURE. THIS IS A FOOD SOURCE AND HARBORAGE FOR RODENTS. MUST MAINTAIN DUMPSTERS AND AREA AROUND IT AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED #7-38-020.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN THE STORAGE ROOM NEED CLEANING TO REMOVE SPLATTERS. ALSO NOTED PEELING PAINT ON THE WALL UNDER TV'S AND VIDEO GAME. MUST REMOVE PEELING PAINT AND REPAIR AND PAINT WALL.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED CEILING TILE MISSING ABOVE THE REACH IN COOLER IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  17. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LOOSE RUBBER GASKET AT TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR STORING MILK TO AVOID ESCAPING AIR. UNIT AT 42.0F AT THIS TIME.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR THE FOLLOWING PLUMBING VIOLATIONS: INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN ROOM 105 AND CAFETERIA. NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HANDSINK ON SECOND FLOOR IN FACULTY WASHROOM NEAR ELEVATOR; RESTORE.
  18. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE CAN OPENER IS DIRTY, THE CAN OPENER WAS WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED AT THIS TIME.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • THE FLOOR TILES THAT WERE TAKEN OFF OF THE CAFETERIA FLOOR MUST BE REPLACED SO THE FLOOR IS SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • SOME CLEAR WATER WAS FOUND IN THE BOILER ROOM ATTACHED TO THE LUNCHROOM AND ALONG THE INSIDE WALL OF THE LUNCHROOM DUE TO SEEPAGE. THE KITCHEN GREASE TRAP IS DAMAGED AND UNSANITARY. A WORK ORDER FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF SAID TRAP AND THE CAFETERIA DRAINAGE IS IN PER THE AREA FACILITY MANAGER FROM CPS DEPT OF FACILITIES PRESENT DURING INSPECTION.
  19. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • PREVIOUS VIOLATION FROM JAN. 2011 WAS CORRECTED. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. PEELING PAINT OBSERVED ON ONE WALL OF LUNCHROOM; REMOVE AND REPAINT AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INCREASE HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HANDSINK IN ROOM 105 BY CLOSET. ALSO INCREASE WATER PRESSURE AT EXPOSED HANDSINK OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM OF ROOM 105. (WASHROOM IS INSIDE OF THIS KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM).
  20. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PROVIDE MISSING FAN GUARD COVER FOR ONE FAN IN REACH-IN FREEZER.
    • 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. OBSERVED CRACKED AND PEELING PAINT ABOVE STEAM TABLE AND DISHMACHINE; REMOVE AND REPAIR SO THAT PAINT WONT CONTINUE TO PEEL IN THESE AREAS. SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES OF URINALS IN BOYS WASHROOM ON SECOND FLOOR.
  21. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 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 provide missing fan guard in reach-in freezer at west wall of room across kitchen.
    • 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. Must clean door gaskets of most coolers in main kitchen, some cabinets under classroom sinks must kept clean/organized.
    • 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. Must keep floors dry in the vent room, closest to the dining room (to prevent pest harborage).

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website