Grocery Store · Chicago, IL

Cermak Produce

Name: Cermak Produce
Address: 3311 W 26th St, Chicago, IL

3311 W 26th St

Last inspected Mar 31, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Mar 31, 2026

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RESIDUE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOOSE DOOR SWEEP BETWEEN FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS, COOLERS, AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HANDWASHING SINKS AND LEAK UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT IN MEAT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR 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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SPILLS AND DEBRIS AROUND GREASE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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, Mar 31, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 1, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS NOT TIGHT FITTING IN BETWEEN DOORS AND/OR AT THE BOTTOM. MUST REPAIR TO PREVENT POSSIBLE ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKS AT THE 3 COMP SINK FAUCET NECK. MUST REPAIR 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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR WALLS, CEILING AND FAN COVERS IN THE WALK IN PRODUCE COOLER TO REMOVE DUST AND DEBRIS.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 10, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

6-301.14 MUST PROVIDES HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS ON PREMISE AND MAINTAIN.

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.

Oct 1, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2583543 ON 10/18/23 NOT CORRECTED... THEY ARE AS FOLLOWS... >OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. >OBSERVED ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN ALL FACILITY AREAS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO IMPLEMENT SANITATION BUCKETS AND STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT ALL TIMES >OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS A LINER ON THE FLOOR IN MEAT AND PRODUCE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. > NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE DRY STORAGE AREA AND FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDES APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL OBSERVED NON-FOOD CONTACT FOOD SURFACES (SLICER, BANDSAW, PLASTIC PACKAGING MACHINE, ETC.) WITH AN ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS AND RESIDUE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. >OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. >OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF THE UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. >MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER ADJACENT TO THE HOT FOOD LINE, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. >OBSERVED BUILD-UP OF DUST ON FANS IN THE PRODUCE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

notedCode 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER DRINKING CANNED ENERGY DRINKS WITHOUT LIDS IN THE MEAT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLOSED BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDES HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS ON PREMISE AND MAINTAIN.

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

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 50 LBS SHRIMP CEVICHE RANGING BETWEEN 49-52F STORED IN DISPLAY COOLER AND SHELF LOCATED INSIDE MEAT PREP COOLER. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS COOKED PORK FEET @50F STORED ON SAID SHELF. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL COLD TCS FOODS @ 41F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. THE PERSON IN CHARGE WAS VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST: $375.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVD BROKEN AND OR MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLING UNITS, 2-DOOR COOLERS, MEAT, FISH SALSA, AND GUACAMOLE DISPLAY COOLERS THROUGHOUT THE GROCERY STORE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 18, 2023

Pass

9 recorded violations

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN ALL AREAS OF FACILITY NOT PROPERLY STORED IN SANITIZER SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO IMPLEMENT SANITATION BUCKETS AND STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN CHEMICAL SANITIZER AT ALL TIMES.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FLOOR IN MEAT AND PRODUCE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS. ALL FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF UNISEX TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN WALK IN FREEZER ADJACENT TO THE HOT FOOD LINE, INSTRUCTED TO 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON FANS IN PRODUCE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

BSERVED BUILD UP OF PINK AND BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE(ICE NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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, Oct 18, 2023 · Original Source