Grocery Store · Chicago, IL

El Ranchito Food Market

Name: El Ranchito Food Market
Address: 3900-3904 W 71st, Chicago, IL

3900-3904 W 71st

Last inspected Jun 5, 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

5 inspections

Canvass

Jun 5, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AS WELL AS CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, PORK). ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON SHELVING IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACES.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT LABELED DESIGNATING WASH-RINSE-SANITIZE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL COMPARTMENTS.

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 WASHROOM FIXTURES IN NEED OF CLEANING. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CLUTTER IN STORAGE ROOM WHERE METERS ARE PLACED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN ALL ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 5, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jun 16, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT AND NO CORRESPONDING CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FRONT AREA OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY STORE BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON SHELVING UNITS NEAR THE FRONTLINE/CASHIER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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 MINOR LEAKAGE AT DRAINPIPE UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT/REPAIR.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 16, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 7, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

SPLASHGUARD MISSING INBETWEEN 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREP SINK. INSTD TO PROVIDE SPLASGUARD AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS IN PREP AREAS AND TOILET ROOMS. INSTD TO PROVIDE SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS 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

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

KNIVES IMPROPER STORED INBETWEEN WALL AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO REMOVE FROM AREA AND STORE PROPERLY. CUTTING BOARDS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR. INSTD TO ELEVATE AND STORE PROPERLY

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

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALUMINUM FOIL ON BOTTOM SHELF OF PREP TABLES IN BUTCHER PREP AREA. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NON USED MEAT GRINDER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO REMOVE FROM PREMISES 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 7, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Nov 2, 2023

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 2, 2023 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 23, 2023

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF FOODS THE FACILITY MAY RECEIVE DURING DELIVERIES (I.E. PACKAGED DELI MEAT, HOT DOGS ETC.). FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

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

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

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.

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

OBSERVED EXPOSED CEILING ABOVE THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED FOOD MANAGER TO COVER THE CEILING SO THAT IT IS SEALED, SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE IN ALL PREP AREAS.

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 DUST BUILDUP ON FAN IN WALK-IN COOLER, DEAD ROACHES INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN COOKING AREA AND CEILING AND DIRTY WALL VENTS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING/WALL VENTS.

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS IN THE WASHROOM AT THE WASHBOWL SINK NOR AT THE HAND-SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM OF DRAINPIPE AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 23, 2023 · Original Source