CHICAGO, IL - HARVARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/10/2023.
Located at 7525 S Harvard (332W) in the Englewood area, the establishment serves the local community. The Englewood neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Must Provide a Hand Washing Sign at Hand Sink in Old Building 2nd Fl. Boy's.. 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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
The second violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Must Repair or Replace Worn Door Gaskets on 2- Door Reach in Cooler in Kitchen.. 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 third violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, & Cleaned - Comments: Observed No Covered Waste Receptacle in Girls Washroom. Instructed Manager to Provide.. 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The fourth violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Must Remove Ice Build Up From Floor in Walk in Freezer #2.. 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The fifth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Adequate Ventilation & Lighting. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The sixth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Designated Areas Used - Comments: Observed No Ventilation Hood Over Both Ovens in Kitchen That Is More Than 75 Kw.must Provide and Maintain.. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/10/2023 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: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-202.12 (B-D) : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPES AT HAND SINKS ON SERVING LINE AND KITCHEN; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 : OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND IN LEFT CORNER OF DELIVERY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM PRE-K 105 & 106 SHELVING UNITS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.16 : MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS IN KITCHEN STAFF MOP SINK CLOSET.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN BOTH WALK IN FREEZERS AND PRE- K 105 & 106.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 : MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN PRE-K 105 CLOSET.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: : 6-201.16 : MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT ON OVERHEAD VENTILATION DUCTING UNIT ABOVE SERVING LINE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN ANNEX 1ST FL. BOY'S AT 83.4F & 84.2F.1ST FL. GIRL'S AT 84.0F & 84.3F. MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100.0F MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPES AT HAND SINKS ON SERVING LINE AND KITCHEN.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND IN LEFT CORNER OF DELIVERY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM PRE-K 105 & 106 SHELVING UNITS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG UP WET MOPS IN KITCHEN STAFF MOP SINK CLOSET.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN BOTH WALK IN FREEZERS AND PRE- K 105 & 106.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN PRE-K 105 CLOSET.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST SCRAPE CHIPPING PAINT ON OVERHEAD VENTILATION DUCTING UNIT ABOVE SERVING LINE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 6-301.14 : OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT SEVERAL HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY: MAIN BUILDING 2ND FLOOR GIRLS AND BOYS RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 : OBSERVED SAUCE SQUEEZE BOTTLES AT SERVING LINE MISSING ADEQUATE IDENTITY LABELING. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD ITEM AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11 : OBSERVED GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR IN 2-DOOR UPRIGHT VEGETABLE COOLER NEAR SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKETS FOR COOLER AND MAINTAIN; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) : OBSERVED DUST AND DEBRIS BUILDUP ON SHELVING UNITS AND STORAGE CUBBIES ON PRE-K ROOMS 105 AND 108. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17 : OBSERVED UNCOVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN ANNEX 2ND FLOOR UNISEX STAFF RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER FOR RECEPTACLE OR UTILIZE SANITARY NAPKIN BOX AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.11 : OBSERVED CHIPPING PAINT ON WALLS IN SEVERAL AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY: ON CEILING AND AIR VENTS ABOVE SERVING LINE, ON WALLS OF SERVING LINE AND KITCHEN DRY STORAGE AREA, AND ON CEILING IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE COVERING ON WALL AND CEILING SURFACES WITH MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.13 : OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED BASE COVING ALONG WALLS IN THE KITCHEN AREA, BENEATH KITCHEN SERVING WINDOW AND AROUND WALK-IN COOLER AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BASE COVING IN ALL AREAS EXPOSED TO MOISTURE AND MAINTAIN; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED SLOW-DRAINING HANDWASHING SINK FIXTURE IN THE KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE PLUMBING FIXTURE TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE DRAINAGE AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER AT SEVERAL HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FACILITY BELOW MINIMUM TEMPERATURE: IN KITCHEN AT 71.4F, PRE-K ROOM 105 TOILET ROOM HANDSINKS AT 60.8F AND CLASSROOM AT 75.2, ANNEX 1ST FLOOR BOYS RESTROOM SINKS AT 80.6F TO 80.8F, ANNEX 2ND FLOOR GIRLS AT 87.1F TO 87.3F. MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING WATER AT MINIMUM OF 100.0F, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C).; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT SEVERAL HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT FACILITY: SERVING LINE AREA HANDWASHING SINK, MAIN BUILDING 2ND FLOOR GIRLS AND BOYS RESTROOM HANDWASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE FOR ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED SAUCE SQUEEZE BOTTLES AT SERVING LINE MISSING ADEQUATE IDENTITY LABELING. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD ITEM AND MAINTAIN.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 7 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN THE SERVING LINE AREA AND APPROXIMATELY 5 IN THE KITHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 MICE DROPPINGS IN VARIOUS AREAS THROUGHOUT FACILITY: ON FLOOR NEXT TO FILING CABINET IN PAPER GOOD STORAGE AREA, BEHIND STORAGE AREA PREP TABLE, BENEATH SERVING LINE COLD HOLDING TABLE AND PREP TABLE, IN STORAGE CLOSET AND IN CORNERS IN PRE-K ROOM 105 AND ON WINDOW LEDGE IN ADJACENT MDF ROOM, NEXT TO FILING CABINET AND PILLAR AND IN CORNERS BENEATH COTS AND IN TOY SHELF IN PRE-K ROOM 108. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER TODAY'S DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A).; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED BOX OF TOMATO PUREE CANS STORED DIRECTLY ON FLOOR IN THE KITCHEN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE BOX AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND AND MAINTAIN.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED UNCOVERED/UN-INVERTED MULTI-USE UTENSILS STORED ON KITCHEN AREA STORAGE RACK NEAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO COVER OR INVERT ALL MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN THE KITCHEN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE WITH EQUIPMENT THAT ALLOWS FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING BENEATH THE EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR IN 2-DOOR UPRIGHT VEGETABLE COOLER NEAR SERVING LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKETS FOR COOLER AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DUST AND DEBRIS BUILDUP ON SHELVING UNITS AND STORAGE CUBBIES ON PRE-K ROOMS 105 AND 108. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTH KITCHEN AREA 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCETS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE PLUMBING FEATURES TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED UNCOVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN ANNEX 2ND FLOOR UNISEX STAFF RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER FOR RECEPTACLE OR UTILIZE SANITARY NAPKIN BOX AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CHIPPING PAINT ON FLOORS AND WALLS IN SEVERAL AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY: ON CEILING AND AIR VENTS ABOVE SERVING LINE, ON WALLS OF SERVING LINE AND KITCHEN DRY STORAGE AREA, AND ON CEILING IN KITCHEN STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE COVERING ON WALL AND CEILING SURFACES WITH MATERIAL THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED BASE COVING ALONG WALLS IN THE KITCHEN AREA, BENEATH KITCHEN SERVING WINDOW AND AROUND WALK-IN COOLER AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BASE COVING IN ALL AREAS EXPOSED TO MOISTURE AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN OLD BUILDING 2ND FL. BOY'S.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN KITCHEN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN GIRLS WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP FROM FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER #2.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO VENTILATION HOOD OVER BOTH OVENS IN KITCHEN THAT IS MORE THAN 75 KW.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN..
The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
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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