Native Foods Cafe
Last inspected: Aug 25, 2022
78
Score
The health department has logged 20 inspections at Native Foods Cafe, the earliest from 2011. The most recent visit was on Aug 25, 2022. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Native Foods Cafe dates to Aug 25, 2022.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near two violations each time.
The pattern that stands out is “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, which has been cited seven times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 25, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING�TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SIDE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
58
78
May 14, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 CUTTING BOARDS ON MAIN PREP LINE IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
95
May 20, 2019
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SIDE EAST SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF DOOR HAS APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON LIGHT SHIELDS COVER ABOVE PREP TABLES IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATED ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Jul 19, 2018
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 22, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE PERMANENTLY STAINED, DEEP GROOVED CUTTING BOARD ON THE FOOD LINE IN THE KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.
32
95
May 15, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES: FOUND APPROXIMATELY 20 ACTIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE REAR KITCHEN NEAR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, APPROXIMATELY 15 FRUIT FLIES ON THE DRY FOOD STORAGE RACK IN THE KITCHEN, FOUND APPROXIMATELY 10 ACTIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE FOOD LINE, AND APPROXIMATELY 5 ACTIVE FRUIT FLIES IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE PERMANENTLY STAINED, DEEP GROOVED CUTTING BOARD ON THE FOOD LINE IN THE KITCHEN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INCREASE THE COLD WATER TEMPERATURE IN THE REAR HAND SINK LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE BROKEN INTERNAL THERMOMETER IN THE FRONT REFRIGERATOR WHERE DRINKS AND DESSERTS ARE STORED--MAINTAIN.
40
82
Jun 9, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT FROM 6-2-16,REPORT #1932067 NOT POSTED,INSTEAD POSTED WAS SUMMARY INSPECTION FROM 3-3-2015. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-010(B)
28
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,ALSO INSIDE THE OVENS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ICE MACHINE AND ICE SHUTTER AT POP DISPENSER WITH SOME MINERAL BUILD-UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS,ALSO INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
86
Jun 2, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE NOR A VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED ON PREMISES,WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED,SERVED AND STORED:TOFU,BEANS SOUP,CHEESE ETC. A LEAST ONE PERSON ON DUTY MUST BE CERTIFIED DURING ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED. PRESENTLY MANAGER ON DUTY HAS NO PROOF OF ENROLLMENT TO SANITATION CLASS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(A)
21
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT PROVIDED ON PREMISES AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ,TO BE ABLE TO CHECK SANITIZER AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030
22
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: GREASE INSIDE THE DEEP FRYERS,ALSO INSIDE THE OVENS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ICE MACHINE AND ICE SHUTTER AT POP DISPENSER WITH SOME MINERAL BUILD-UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DEBRIS ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS,ALSO INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
82
Apr 9, 2015
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Mar 3, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 26, 2015
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: NO HOT OR TEMPERED WATER AVAILABLE IN THE MENS OR WOMANS CUSTOMER/EMPLOYEE WASHROOMS. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE FOUND AT 53.3F IN LADIES WASHROOM AND 73.6F IN MENS WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE HOT OR TEMPERED WATER A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 85F FOR BOTH WASHROOMS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
95
Mar 28, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPOSED, UNSEALED WOOD THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL EXPOSED AND RAW WOOD AND TO MAINTAIN. FOUND TORN GASKETS ON ALL REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRT AND DUST ACCUMULATION ON FRONT COUNTER DESSERT AND BEVERAGE COOLER VENTS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
90
Mar 18, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND WEST SIDE EXIT DOORS WITH APPROXIMATE 1/4 INCH GAP ALONG BOTTOM EDGE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND ENSURE THAT DOOR IS RODENT/INSECT PROOF AND TO MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020. CITATION ISSUED.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPOSED, UNSEALED WOOD THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL EXPOSED AND RAW WOOD AND TO MAINTAIN. FOUND TORN GASKETS ON ALL REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRT AND DUST ACCUMULATION ON FRONT COUNTER DESSERT AND BEVERAGE COOLER VENTS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAPS IN CEILING WHERE PIPES ENTER. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL GAPS AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Apr 22, 2013
Consultation
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED TO IDENTIFY THE DRY FOODS STORED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: THE CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS/DISHWARE/POTS/PANS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SPILLED FOOD/WATER FOUND ON FLOOR NEAR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,DISHMACHINE UNIT. FLOOR UNDER COOK/STEAM LINE REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING;KEEP FLOORS DRY.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: THE MOP SINK MUST BE MADE ACCESSIBLE FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT ALL TIMES AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
41
78
Apr 15, 2013
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED TO IDENTIFY THE DRY FOODS STORED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: THE CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS/DISHWARE/POTS/PANS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SPILLED FOOD/WATER FOUND ON FLOOR NEAR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,DISHMACHINE UNIT. FLOOR UNDER COOK/STEAM LINE REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING;KEEP FLOORS DRY.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: THE MOP SINK MUST BE MADE ACCESSIBLE FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT ALL TIMES AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
41
78
Apr 10, 2013
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED,POOR HYGYENIC PRACTICES;FOOD HANDLERS PERFORMING MULTIPLE TASKS(PREPARING SANDWICHES,FOOD HANDLERS TOUCHING THEIR DIRTY APRONS THEN RETURNING TO COOK/STEAM LINE TO HANDLE BREADS AND CHANGING SOILED GLOVES ETC.)AND NOT WASHING HANDS.INSTRUCTED ON PROPER PROCEDURES OF WASHING HANDS PER CITY CODE. MUST WASH HANDS FEQUENTLY AND AFTER EACH SOURCE OF POSSIBLE CROSS-CONTAMINATION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A).
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINE, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION .MUST FAX LETTER TO THE CDPH 312-746-4240 FOR TAG REMOVAL ATT:A.LOPEZ. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
16
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SALADS,SOUPS,BEANS, ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED TO IDENTIFY THE DRY FOODS STORED.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: THE CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS/DISHWARE/POTS/PANS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED,INVERTED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: SPILLED FOOD/WATER FOUND ON FLOOR NEAR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK,DISHMACHINE UNIT. FLOOR UNDER COOK/STEAM LINE REQUIRES A DETAIL CLEANING;KEEP FLOORS DRY.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON THE VENTILATION COVERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: THE MOP SINK MUST BE MADE ACCESSIBLE FOR WASTE WATER DISPOSAL AT ALL TIMES AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.
41
67
Jan 11, 2013
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 31, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND THE REAR SIDE WEST EXIT DOOR TO THIS FOOD ESTABLISHMENT NOT INSECT/RODENT-PROOFED 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY.MUST REPAIR AND MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING ALL ACCROSS THE BOTTOMS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FAN COVERS INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE DRAIN PIPE FAR RIGHT BENEATH THE 3 COMP SINK IS LEAKING MUST REPAIR AND REMOVE DUSTS BUILD-UP ON VENTILATION COVERS IN THE TOILET ROOMS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: THERMOMETER IS NEEDED INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
40
82
Jul 28, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Jul 22, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Native Foods Cafe last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Native Foods Cafe on file is from Aug 25, 2022. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Native Foods Cafe?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Native Foods Cafe.
Has Native Foods Cafe's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Native Foods Cafe have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Native Foods Cafe 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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