Little Mel's Hot Dog
Last inspected: Jan 21, 2022
86
Score
Little Mel's Hot Dog appears in inspection records 13 times, starting in 2011. The most recent report on file is from Jan 21, 2022. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings. The file hasn't been updated since Jan 21, 2022, so take the current picture with that in mind.
The trend has been favorable: violation counts have eased from around five violations to closer to three violations per visit over the last few inspections.
“Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Little Mel's Hot Dog on the better side of that line. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 21, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE BROKEN FLOOR TILES BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES ARE EXPIRED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
58
Miscellaneous / public health orders
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN RECORDS PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR EMPLOYEE VACCINATION OR WEEKLY TESTING AS REQUIRED PER OSHA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
64
86
Mar 23, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation.
View 1 violation
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS INSIDE OF THE 1 DOOR COCA COLA COOLER. OBSERVED CHICKEN AT 46.2F, RAW BACON AT 45F, AND SAUSAGE AT 45.3F. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 20# OF FOOD WORTH $60. PRIORITY 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
22
86
Oct 28, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, BUT MISSING SOME NECESSARY ITEMS, AND A DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR PREP TABLE STORAGE SHELF IS RUSTY,INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE RUST.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES OVER THE FRONT HOOD, AND IN FRONT OF THE HOOD, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
55
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES IMPROPERLY STORED ON THE REAR PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN PROPER SANITIZER, WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
78
Aug 31, 2018
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE PROVIDED ON PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-201.11 NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12(D) OBSERVED ICE CREAM SCOOPS STORED IN A CONTAINER OF WATER AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A DIPPER WELL WIT RUNNING WATER FOR ICE CREAM SCOOPS.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11 OBSERVED LOOSE FLOOR TILES AND MISSING GROUT FROM THE FLOOR TILES IN BOTH FOOD PREP AREAS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
70
Dec 7, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PREP COOLERS NOT PROPERLY LABALED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME PREPARED BY DATE AND/OR USED BY DATE. MUST LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD -UP ON VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD-UP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND FRONT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. MUST REGROUT FLOOR THHROUGHOUT PREMISES AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE AND DIRT BUILLD UP ON WALLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BASEBOARD WALL IN POOR REPAIR INSIDE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED OPENINGS INTO WALL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT IN FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND REAR STORAGE AREA ABOVE REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: STOPPERS NEEDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Feb 27, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA IN FRONT OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN..
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AND ABOVE CHEST FRREZER IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON WALL IN REAR STORAGE AREA ABOVE COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET. NO LOGS, RECORDS ON SITE AS REQUIRED.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
45
78
Apr 1, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Noted items inside walk in cooler not properly stored. instructed to label all food items with product name, prepared by date.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Noted multiple holes and openings along piping through out the prep areas. Instructed to repair and maintain.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Noted dirty wash clothes on tables at prep area not properly stored. instructed to store all wash clothes in a sanitizing solution especially when not in use.
43
86
Apr 8, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER MUST REPAINT OR REPLACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FEW WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHES STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES IN KITCHEN AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
82
Sep 8, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND GREASE BUILDUP ON UNUSED FRYER IN REAR PREP AND ON THE BACK VENT OF THE FLATTOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT RESTAURANT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND GREASE BUILDUP ON EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS ABOVE THE FRYER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Aug 25, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND 12 POUNDS OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (COOKED RICE, SLICED TOMATOES, AND CHEESE) AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 49.8F TO 55.2F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL FOOD AT 40F OR BELOW OR 140F OR ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND GREASE BUILDUP ON UNUSED FRYER IN REAR PREP AND ON THE BACK VENT OF THE FLATTOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT RESTAURANT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND GREASE BUILDUP ON EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS ABOVE THE FRYER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Dec 5, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS ABOVE THE STOVE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND CLEAN BOTTOM COMPARTMENT OF THE DEEP FRYER,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP ALSO MUST DEFROST THE CHEST FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA,HAS ICE BUILD-UP
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP AREA,ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR OF THE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS NEED CLEANING,HAS DUST BUILD-UP ALSO MUST REMOVE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE REACH-IN COOLER IN THE REAR OF PREMISES
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLES,TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE
41
78
Oct 5, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH WHATS INSIDE CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE COOLERS
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND MOP SINK IN REAR KITCHEN AREA
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING, ESPECIALLY UNDER HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN KITCHEN AREA AND CLEAN WALLS VARIOUS AREAS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELD REAR KITCHEN AREA AND PROVIDE MORE LIGHT FRONT COOKING AREA, LIGHT TOO DIM
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER VARIOUS AREAS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, ALL AREAS MUST BE NEAT AND CLEAN
41
74
Jul 14, 2011
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.MUST PROVIDE SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HANDSINK,MOP SINK,RUSTY BOTTOM OF REAR FOOD PREP TABLE NEEDS REPAIR USING A NON-TOXIC FINISH,OUTER GLASS DOOR TO REAR 2 DOOR COOLER IS IN POOR REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS,INTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF DEEP FRYER,SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS,SHELVINGS THROGHOUT,TOPS/BOTTOMS OF FOOD PREP TABLES,HOT/COLD KNOBS OF EXPOSED HANDSINK AT REAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING ESPECIALLY UNDER HOT COOKING/EQUIPMENTS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENTS,VENTILATION COVER IN TOILET ROOM REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.THERMOMETERS ARE NEEDED INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Little Mel's Hot Dog last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Little Mel's Hot Dog on file is from Jan 21, 2022. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Little Mel's Hot Dog?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Little Mel's Hot Dog.
Has Little Mel's Hot Dog's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Little Mel's Hot Dog have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Little Mel's Hot Dog means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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