CHICAGO, IL - KW FOOD MART,INC. received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/07/2023.
Situated at 9249-9253 S HALSTED ST, the establishment is part of Washington Heights's active food service sector. The Washington Heights area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.
The first violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: No Valid City Certified Manager on Duty While Tcs Foods Are Being Prepared, Handled and Served Such As Italian Beef and Ground Beef and Cheese for Chips. Instructed to Provide and Maintain at All Time. Priority Foundation Citation #7-38-012.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.
The second violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: Observed the Rear Exit Door in Poor Repair (1/4" Gap at the Bottom). Instructed Manager to Repair and Maintain to Prevent Entry Point for Pests.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.
The third violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Foil Used As Liner on Bottom of Prep Tables. Instructed Manager to Remove All Foil Surface Should Be Smooth and Easily Cleanable.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
The fourth violation concerned hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed Inadequate Stoppers for 3-compartment Sink. Instructed Manager to Provide Adequate Stoppers and Maintain.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.
The fifth violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Observed Black Substan. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/07/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 100 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON SALES FLOOR- UNDER CANDY DISPLAY,INSIDE OF UNUSED DELI DISPLAY UNIT,REAR STORAGE AREA-UNDER,AROUND PALLETS ,FLOOR AND SHELVING UNITS,ELECTRICAL CLOSET-ON WALL LEDGES,HOT WATER TANK-ON FLOOR,REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA-ALONG WALL BASES AND AMONGST CLUTTER ON FLOOR.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/27/25.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED); FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR SANDWICH DISPLAY UNIT ON SALES FLOOR,SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED); PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE STAINED AND DAMAGED CEILING TILES,WALL TILES & WALL BASES,FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS & UNUSED EQUIPMENT FROM REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA & FOOD STORAGE AREA AND ELECTRICAL CLOSET.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN REAR ELECTRICAL CLOSET.; PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2589384 2/8/24 NOT CORRECTED:#38-6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.#47-4-101.19 : OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REAR STORAGE AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.OBSERVED MISSING VANITY DOOR IN TOILET ROOM MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.#49-4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS,PREP TABLE,VANITY IN TOILET ROOM. #53-6-501.18 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM TOILET AND HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED); FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES)WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 : OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REAR STORAGE AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.OBSERVED MISSING VANITY DOOR IN TOILET ROOM MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM MEAT SLICER,PREP TABLE,VANITY IN TOILET ROOM.MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN ICE BUILD UP AND SPILL FROM FROZEN FOOD AND ICE CREAM FREEZERS.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 6-501.18 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM TOILET AND HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.115 : OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE ENCLOSURE AND REAR YARD WITH TRASH AND ARTICLES ON GROUND (CRATES AND PLASTIC BOTTLES)MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.113(A) : OBSERVED BOXES USED FOR TRASH MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE GARBAGE CANS FOR TRASH DISPOSAL.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL IN BETWEEN DISH WASHING AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA AND LOOSE AND MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP & DISH WASHING AREA,BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-202.12 (B-D) : OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES)WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 : OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REAR STORAGE AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.OBSERVED MISSING VANITY DOOR IN TOILET ROOM MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM MEAT SLICER,PREP TABLE,VANITY IN TOILET ROOM.MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN ICE BUILD UP AND SPILL FROM FROZEN FOOD AND ICE CREAM FREEZERS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED AN EXISTING HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE WALL AND DISCONNECTED FROM ALL PLUMBING AND IS SETTING ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED INSTRUCTED TO DISCONTINUE SELLING FOOD AND RE-INSTALL HAND SINK.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED); TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 6-501.18 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM TOILET AND HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.113(A) : OBSERVED BOXES USED FOR TRASH MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE GARBAGE CANS FOR TRASH DISPOSAL.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: 5-501.115 : OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE ENCLOSURE AND REAR YARD WITH TRASH AND ARTICLES ON GROUND (CRATES AND PLASTIC BOTTLES)MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL IN BETWEEN DISH WASHING AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA AND LOOSE AND MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP & DISH WASHING AREA,BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 : OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN; PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: PIC DOESN'T HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATE MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012); CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS READY TO EAT FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS (ITALIAN BEEF,GROUND BEEF,SLICING DELI MEATS AND SANDWICHES)MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)(CITATION ISSUED); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND SINK IN PREP AREA MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SHAKERS,SQUEEZE BOTTLES)WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REAR STORAGE AREA MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.OBSERVED MISSING VANITY DOOR IN TOILET ROOM MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM SERVICE COUNTER SHELVING UNITS.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM MEAT SLICER,PREP TABLE,VANITY IN TOILET ROOM.MUST DEFROST AND CLEAN ICE BUILD UP AND SPILL FROM FROZEN FOOD AND ICE CREAM FREEZERS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT MOP SINK AND FAUCET AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND MUST REMOVE TAPE FROM FAUCET OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM TOILET AND HAND SINK IN TOILET ROOM.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED BOXES USED FOR TRASH MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE GARBAGE CANS FOR TRASH DISPOSAL.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE ENCLOSURE AND REAR YARD WITH TRASH AND ARTICLES ON GROUND (CRATES AND PLASTIC BOTTLES)MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED WALL IN BETWEEN DISH WASHING AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA AND LOOSE AND MISSING WALL BASES IN PREP & DISH WASHING AREA,BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED RUG RUNNERS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND PALLET USED ON TOP OF FLOOR UNDERNEATH RUGS MUST REMOVE AND MAINTAIN TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2573868 4/7/2023 NOT CORRECTED:#47- 4-501.11 : OBSERVED INADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.#49-: 4-601.11(C) : OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS ON SHELVING. MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.#53-: 5-501.17 : OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.#55-: 6-501.12 : FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.#55-: 6-201.16 : OBSERVED CEILING TILES THROUGH OUT IN POOR REPAIR(WATER STAINED). MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED); CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO VALID CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF AND GROUND BEEF AND CHEESE FOR CHIPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION #7-38-012.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR (1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT ENTRY POINT FOR PESTS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FOIL USED AS LINER ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL SURFACE SHOULD BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS ON SHELVING. MUST DETAIL CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CEILING TILES THROUGH OUT IN POOR REPAIR(WATER STAINED). MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN..
Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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