CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at JOSEPH WARREN ELEMENTARY in an inspection dated 04/10/2023.
The facility operates from 9239 S JEFFERY AVE in South Chicago, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN 1ST & 2ND FL. BOY'S AND GIRL'S.MUST PROVIDE 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 second violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ADJUST FAUCET HANDLES TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING IN 2ND FL. STAFF (UNISEX TOILET ROOMS.. 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 third violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.. 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 related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE,INTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK DISH WASHING DISPENSER HAS EXCESSIVE BUILD UP.. 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 concerned temperature control. Inspectors documented: HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.
The sixth violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINKS IN P. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.
Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.
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: OBSERVED TIMED FAUCETS NOT OPERABLE ON LEFT SINK IN BOYS WASHROOM IN ANNEX. WATER MUST RUN CONTINUOUSLY FOR AT LEAST 15 SECONDS BEFORE REACTIVATING FAUCET.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN PRE-K CLOSET. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE ITEMS OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS FOR EASY CLEANING.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON WALLS PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN/PAINT AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED PEELING SURFACES ON WALLS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED INSUFFICIENT HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN MAIN BUILDING FIRST FLOOR BOYS WASHROOM (68.9F), GIRLS WASHROOM (76.6F), UNISEX WASHROOM (80.2F), ANNEX BOYS WASHROOM (93.2F) AND GIRLS WASHROOM (92.7F). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 100F-120F WATER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY 7-38-030(C); INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF EXIT DOORS #9 IN ANNEX. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG AND WALLS AND CORNERS IN TEACHER LOUNGE ADJACENT TO KITCHEN, 10 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND UNDER SHELVING UNIT IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA, 10 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN KITCHEN OFFICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A); TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN ANNEX UNISEX STAFF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LIDS NOT COVERED AND CLOSING PROPERLY. ALL OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS SHALL BE COVERED WITH TIGHT FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(B); PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2574230 ON 4-13-23: 10-MUST ADJUST FAUCET HANDLES TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING IN 2ND FL. STAFF (UNISEX TOILET ROOMS), 47-MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER. 53-OBSERVED NO LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN KITCHEN STAFF TOILET ROOM AND BOTH 2ND FL. UNISEX TOILET ROOMS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. 55- MUST SEAL SEVERAL HOLES BETWEEN FLOOR & LOWER WALL BASES IN LUNCHROOM, DISH WASHING AREA, LOCKER ROOM NEXT TO LOCKERS AND KITCHEN.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL BASES IN KITCHEN, DRY FOOD STORAGE AND STAFF LOUNGE, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN.LUNCHROOM-DAMAGED WALL TRIMS AND STAINED CEILING TILES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN 1ST & 2ND FL. BOY'S AND GIRL'S.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ADJUST FAUCET HANDLES TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING IN 2ND FL. STAFF (UNISEX TOILET ROOMS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE,INTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK DISH WASHING DISPENSER HAS EXCESSIVE BUILD UP.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN KITCHEN STAFF TOILET ROOM AND BOTH 2ND FL. UNISEX TOILET ROOMS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL SEVERAL HOLES BETWEEN FLOOR & LOWER WALL BASES IN LUNCH ROOM,DISH WASHING AREA ,LOCKER ROOM NEXT TO LOCKERS AND KITCHEN.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL BASES IN KITCHEN ,DRY FOOD STORAGE AND STAFF LOUNGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN.LUNCH ROOM-DAMAGED WALL TRIMS AND STAINED CEILING TILES.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL SEVERAL HOLES BETWEEN FLOOR & LOWER WALL BASES IN LUNCH ROOM,DISH WASHING AREA ,LOCKER ROOM NEXT TO LOCKERS AND KITCHEN.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL BASES IN KITCHEN ,DRY FOOD STORAGE AND STAFF LOUNGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN.LUNCH ROOM-DAMAGED WALL TRIMS AND STAINED CEILING TILES.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN 1ST & 2ND FL. BOY'S AND GIRL'S.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ADJUST FAUCET HANDLES TO STAY ON LONGER FOR HAND WASHING IN 2ND FL. STAFF (UNISEX TOILET ROOMS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LOWER SHELF OF STEAM TABLE,INTERIOR COMPARTMENT OF 3- COMPARTMENT SINK DISH WASHING DISPENSER HAS EXCESSIVE BUILD UP.; HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND SINKS IN PRE-K 112 AT 87.3F-81.0F AND TOILET ROOM 83.8F.KITCHEN STAFF TOILET ROOM -COLD WATER TRICKLING FROM FAUCET.NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT FAR RIGHT HAND SINK IN 2ND FL. GIRL'S.MUST PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100.0F AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C); HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER ON PREMISES OF MAIN BUILDING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN KITCHEN- HAND SINK AT 61.5F,1- COMPARTMENT SINK 61.2F AND KITCHEN STAFF TOILET ROOM 60.8F,1ST FL. BOY'S-61.7F,2ND FL. UNISEX 61.8F AND 2ND FL. GIRL'S 61.9F MUST PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AT 100.0F AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C); TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO LIDS ON GARBAGE CANS IN KITCHEN STAFF TOILET ROOM AND BOTH 2ND FL. UNISEX TOILET ROOMS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN KITCHEN ABOVE PREP TABLES.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN PRE-K ROOM 112 CLOSET.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL SEVERAL HOLES BETWEEN FLOOR & LOWER WALL BASES IN LUNCH ROOM,DISH WASHING AREA ,LOCKER ROOM NEXT TO LOCKERS AND KITCHEN.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE AND DAMAGED WALL BASES IN KITCHEN ,DRY FOOD STORAGE AND STAFF LOUNGE,DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN KITCHEN.LUNCH ROOM-DAMAGED WALL TRIMS AND STAINED CEILING TILES.
Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.
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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