The Caferteria
Last inspected: Jun 17, 2024
70
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at The Caferteria, the earliest from 2019. The most recent report on file is from Jun 17, 2024. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “food properly labeled” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The inspection history reads as standard for a restaurant of this size.
9
Inspections
2
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 17, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE AND SMALL 3-DOOR REACH-IN COOLERS IN REAR AREA TO BE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD-HOLDING TCS FOOD ITEMS; LARGE 3-DOOR COOLER AT 54.2F AND SMALL 3-DOOR COOLER AT 52.3F. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS FROM COOLERS AND CEASE USE OF MENTIONED COOLERS TO STORE TCS FOOD ITEMS UNTIL REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND RE-INSPECTED BY CDPH. TAGGED BOTH COOLERS ON-SITE WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTACT CDPH ONCE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. PERSON-IN-CHARGE REMOVED ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS FROM COOLERS. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
33
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES FOR COLD-HOLDING: YOFURT AT 50.5F, TOMATO SALAD AT 51.4F, COOKED BEANS AT 52.6F, KIMCHI AT 64.1F, CUT LEAFY GREENS AT 62.1F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE FOOD ITEMS. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED ALL OUT OF TEMPERATURE TCS FOOD ITEMS AT TIME OF INSPECTION. APPROXIMATELY 25 LBS. VALUED APPROXIMATELY $50.00 DISCARDED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRAIN PLUMBING AT REAR-AREA HANDWASHING SINK (AT COOK LINE) TO BE SLOW-DRAINING, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE REAR-AREA HANDWASHING SINK DRAIN PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR.
51
70
Aug 22, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.13: INSECT CONTROL DEVICE IS OVER SINGLE USE ARTICLES AND ON PREP-CART. DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT: 1)THEY ARE NOT OVER FOOD PREPARATION AREAS, 2) DEAD INSECTS OR INSECT PARTS DO NOT FALL ONTO EXPOSED FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, OR SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS. MANAGER RELOACTED DEVICE.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 4-901.11: CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-903.11(A;C): BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN CLOSET STORAGE AREA. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
45
86
Aug 15, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHLORINE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT 0PPM AT DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN IT AT 50-200PPM. UNIT WAS TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION. FACILITY CANNOT USE THE DISH MACHINE UNIT IT MAINTAINS A CONCENTRATION BETWEEN 50-200PPM. ONCE REPAIRED, FACILITY MUST CONTACT CDPHFOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG FOR AN INSPECTOR TO REMOVE STICKER IF REPAIRED PROPERLY. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: TEST KITS/ TEST STRIPS OR OTHER DEVICES IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE EMPLOYEES TO MEASURE SANITIZING SOLUTION CONCENTRATION.FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A TEST KIT OR OTHER MEASURING DEVICES FOR THE EMPLOYEES CAN MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AND AVOID A CONCENTRATION THAT IS TOO HIGH, WHICH CAN BE TOXIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS PREPACKAGED FOODS (CHIA PUDDING, OVERNIGHT OATS, BABA GANOUSH, SALADS, CHEESECAKE SLICES) IN THE STAND UP DISPLAY COOLER IS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. LABEL WITH: 1) COMMON NAME OF FOOD, 2) INGREDIENTS, 3) NET QUANTITIES, 4) NAME AND ADDRESS OF PACKAGER, 5) FOOD ALLERGENS, 6) SALMONID FISH ADDITIVES USED. ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM THE STAND UP COOLER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
37
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: DID NOT OBSERVE ANY PROPER WARNING SIGNAGE FOR VARIOUS FRESHLY MADE PACKED JUICES ON SITE STORED IN THE STAND UP DISPLAY COOLER. THE SIGN MUST STATE, "WARNING: THESE PRODUCTS HAVE NOT BEEN PASTEURIZED AND, THEREFORE, MAY CONTAIN HARMFUL BACTERIA THAT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS IN CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY, AND PERSONS WITH WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS." ITEMS WERE REMOVED FROM STAND UP COOLER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
29
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: INSECT CONTROL DEVICE IS OVER SINGLE USE ARTICLES AND ON PREP-CART. DEVICES SHALL BE INSTALLED SO THAT: 1)THEY ARE NOT OVER FOOD PREPARATION AREAS, 2) DEAD INSECTS OR INSECT PARTS DO NOT FALL ONTO EXPOSED FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, OR SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS. MANAGER RELOACTED DEVICE.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON SHELVES HAVE NOT BEEN AIR DRIED PROPERLY AFTER SANITIZING. AFTER CLEANING AND SANITZING ALL EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS SHALL BE AIR DRIED BEFORE USE. CLOTH DRYING OF EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS IS NOT APPROVED.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN CLOSET STORAGE AREA. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
45
55
Oct 18, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 19, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KIMCHI STORED IN PREP COOLER IN THE REAR. KIMCHI WAS PREPARED ONSITE WITHOUT A VARIANCE APPROVED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE MAKING PRODUCT UNTIL VARIANCE IS OBTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
29
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29
32
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (RICE, SUGAR, ETC.) WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK. REPAIR BROKEN HOT WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA, KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH DOORS OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
70
Jan 12, 2021
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DID NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE, WHILE PREPARING TCS FOODS; HUMMUS, STEAK, AND CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KIMCHI STORED IN PREP COOLER IN THE REAR. KIMCHI WAS PREPARED ONSITE WITHOUT A VARIANCE APPROVED BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE MAKING PRODUCT UNTIL VARIANCE IS OBTAINED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
29
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ONSITE DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CONTRACT WITH A PEST CONTROL PROVIDER, AND KEEP INSPECTION REPORTS ONSITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF-CLOSING DEVICES ON BOTH DOORS OF THE TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #29
32
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (RICE, SUGAR, ETC.) WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
37
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKY DRAIN PIPE UNDER THE 3-COMP SINK. REPAIR BROKEN HOT WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA, KNOB IS STRIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
51
58
Jul 8, 2020
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jun 30, 2020
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE NOT DISPENSING SANITIZER 0PPM CHLORINE NOTED. MACHINE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIR AND PROPERLY DISPENSES SANITIZER. MACHINE NOT IN USE DURING INSPECTION INSTRUCTED TO USE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE UTENSILS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED.
16
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE NOR CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE POSTED. WHEN TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS RICE HUMMUS, CHICKEN ETC. INSTRUCTED THAT CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER HAS TO BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
2
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED TWO GARBAGE DUMPSTERS OVERFLOWING PREVENTING LID FROM CLOSING PROPERLY. THIS IS HARBORAGE AND A FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PEST. MUST MAINTAIN GARBAGE AREA ADEQUATE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
54
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NO CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MUST HAVE CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
58
45
May 15, 2019
License
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS.
57
95
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Caferteria last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Caferteria on file is from Jun 17, 2024. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Caferteria?
Across the inspection record, “food properly labeled” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at The Caferteria.
Has The Caferteria's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Caferteria have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Caferteria means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is The Caferteria inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Caferteria is inspected around two times per year on average.
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