Northstar Coffee
Last inspected: Jan 4, 2021
64
Score
The health department has logged 13 inspections at Northstar Coffee, the earliest from 2011. The most recent report on file is from Jan 4, 2021. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Northstar Coffee dates to Jan 4, 2021.
Violation counts have ticked up lately, averaging around four violations per visit versus roughly one violation earlier in the record.
Across the inspection history, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded four times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Northstar Coffee's 64 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
3
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 4, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH INCOMPLETE WRITTEN CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES AND MISSING SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. POSTED SAMPLE CDPH CLEAN-UP PROCEDURES IS MISSING PAGE 1. SUPPLIES MUST ALSO INCLUDE EYE PROTECTION, DISPOSABLE APRONS AND ADEQUATE SANITIZER THAT ELIMINATES NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE COMPLETED CLEAN UP PROCEDURE TO INCLUDE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION LEVELS AND A LIST OF SUPPLIES TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. (REFER TO REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: NOTED CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2285344 ON 4/8/19. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED: (#58) 2-102.13 - NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ONSITE.) INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE VIOLATION SHALL NOW BE CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION ITEM DUE TO NON-PREVIOUS NONCOMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELF USED TO ELEVATE HOT WATER TANK DIRECTLY ABOVE DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: NOTED EXPOSED CEILING ABOVE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DROP CEILING ABOVE FOOD PREP AREA TO ENSURE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CLEANING.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: REFER TO VIOLATION #60
58
64
Apr 18, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLICED TOMATOES IN REFRIGERTOR LABELED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCARD OR USE BY DATE FOR ALL TCS FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE OR NECCESARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
78
Feb 21, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST DISCONTINUE USING SODA CRATES AS A STORAGE RACK NEXT TO THE 3-COMP SINK, REPLACE WITH PROPER RACK FOR FOOD STORAGE.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET ON 3-COMP SINK.
38
90
Feb 28, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT CLEAN PREP AREA, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DAILY,
34
95
Sep 7, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR OF STORAGE BINS NOT CLEAN, DUST/DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: UPPER PART OF WALL AND LEDGE ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT WITH DUST ACCUMULATION. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Dec 28, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 17, 2015
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: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. DOUBLE ENTRY/EXIT DOORS NEAR OPERATION NOTED TO HAVE A 2 INCH GAP AT THE CENTER WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED. MUST REPAIR THE DOORS AT THE CENTER MAKING THEM TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES AT START OF INVESTIGATION WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED AND IN CLEAR VIEW OF THE CUSTOMERS WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND/OR SERVED(BRATWURST, CHILLI). SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012(A).
21
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN DIRT, DUST AND DEBRIS FROM FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT(VENDING MACHINES, LOCKERS IN BREAK ROOM AREA, AND BEHIND GREASE TRAP NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISHWAASHING AREA IN RESTAURNT).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN STAINS FROM WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLE ACROSS FROM STEAM TABLE IN FOOD PREP AREA, AND ON WALL IN REAR AREA OF DINING ROOM. CLEAN DIRT, STAINS, AND DUST FROM BASEBOARDS IN DINING ROOM , AND FROM WALLS AND FROM WALLS AND BASEBOARDS THROUGHOUT OPERATION.
35
82
Jan 29, 2015
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA,DIRT AND DEBRIS NOTED. REPAIR FLOOR NEAR FLOOR DRAIN IN MOP SINK AREA, DIRTY STANDING WATER OBSERVED. CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM UNDERNEATH ALL EMPLOYEE LOCKERS IN BREAK AREA
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND/OR PAINT(RUSTY AREAS) OF WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA.
35
90
Jan 21, 2015
Routine
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. DOUBLE ENTRY/EXIT DOORS NEAR OPERATION NOTED TO HAVE A 2 INCH GAP AT THE CENTER WHEN DOORS ARE CLOSED. ALSO FOUND 30 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG THE SIDES AND BEHIND THE VENDING MACHINES IN EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROOM. MUST REPAIR THE DOORS AT THE CENTER MAKING THEM TIGHT-FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS, AND SEAL UP ANY OPENINGS FOUND IN FLOORS AND WALLS IN SAME AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIORS AND EXTERIORS OF ALL REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS, STORAGE DRAWERS AND CABINETS, COFFEE DISPENSING STATION, AND MICROWAVE OVENS IN EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM AREA, INTERIOR OF PIZZA OVEN IN FOOD PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE BASES OF THE WALLS IN DISH WASHING AREA,DIRT AND DEBRIS NOTED. REPAIR FLOOR NEAR FLOOR DRAIN IN MOP SINK AREA, DIRTY STANDING WATER OBSERVED. CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM UNDERNEATH ALL EMPLOYEE LOCKERS IN BREAK AREA. CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE POP STORAGE AREA IN DINING AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND/OR PAINT(RUSTY AREAS) OF WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN CUSTOMER DINING AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE BROKEN STOPPER FOR FIRST SECTION OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL ARTICLES AND FOOD ITEMS STORED INSIDE STORAGE ROOM IN DINING AREA MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ELEVATED 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. UNUSED REACH-IN FREEZER MUST BE CLEANED.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLER(S) MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT(S).
42
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO VERIFY WHETHER EMPLOYEES (FOOD HANDLERS) THAT ARE NOT CERTIFED IN FOOD SANITATION HAVE TAKEN THE STATE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLERS COURSE, NO DOCUMENTATION PROVIDED. MUST KEEP DOCUMENTATION ON SITE(RECEIPTS OR CERTIFICATIONS).
45
67
Feb 7, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. (GROUND BEEF,HOT DOGS,ETC) MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE RUST FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE UPRIGHT WHITE REACH IN COOLER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN COOLERS.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW DEVICE AT THE COFFEE MACHINE.
38
82
Jan 9, 2013
Routine
No violations found.
100
Aug 11, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Aug 3, 2011
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow
Inspector notes: In food establishments, there shall be adequate sewage and waste water disposal facilities that comply with all the requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago. THE GREASE TRAP IS FULL AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS DRAINING SLOWLY, REPAIR THE DRAINAGE.
10
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: When toilet and lavatory facilities are provided for the patrons of food establishments, such facilities shall be adequate in number, convenient, accessible, properly designed, and installed according to the municipal code. THE WEST MEN'S ROOM URINAL IS BROKEN, REPAIR THE URINAL.
26
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. PLACE A THERMOMETER IN THE NORTH LOWBOY COOLER.
40
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Northstar Coffee last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Northstar Coffee on file is from Jan 4, 2021. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Northstar Coffee?
Across the inspection record, “walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Northstar Coffee.
Has Northstar Coffee's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Northstar Coffee have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly one earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Northstar Coffee means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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