School · Chicago, IL

Benjamin E Mays Academy

Name: Benjamin E Mays Academy
Address: 6656 S Normal (500w), Chicago, IL

6656 S Normal (500w)

Last inspected May 28, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Canvass

May 28, 2026

Fail

2 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT HANDSINK IN FIRST STAFF UNISEX TOILET AND SECOND FLOOR STAFF MEN'S TOILET. HOT WATER IS OBSERVED AT TEMPERATURE OF 65F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO RESTORE HOT WATER TO 100F MINIMUM. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). (KITCHEN STAFF HAS ACCESS TO ALTERNATE RESTROOM LOCATED NEAR KITCHEN).

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT#2612812 DATED:2/26/25 NOT CORRECTED; #56-KITCHEN STORAGE AREAS WITH INADEQUATE LIGHTING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO STORAGE AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-42-090.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 28, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 26, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE HOT WATER KNOB ON THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS IN THE CORNERS IN THE PRE-K CLASSROOM, IN THE KITCHEN STORAGE AREAS WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. -VENT IN THE TOILET ROOM USED BY THE KITCHEN STAFF WITH DIRT AND DUST. BROWN LIKE SUBSTANCE SPLATTERED ON THE CEILING IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE VENT AND CEILING.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

KITCHEN STORAGE AREAS WITH INADEQUATE LIGHTING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO STORAGE AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 26, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 31, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A MISSING FLOOR TILE UNDER THE REACH IN FREEZER IN THE MAIN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE HOT WATER KNOB ON THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 31, 2024 · Original Source