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MARISCO EL MALECON in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/10/23

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CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at MARISCO EL MALECON in an inspection dated 04/10/2023.

The facility operates from 9706 S COMMERCIAL 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 10 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation concerned food storage. Inspectors documented: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

The second violation regarded food storage practices. Inspectors documented: ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: Violation Codes: 3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

The third violation concerned pest management. Inspectors documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF OUTTER FRONT DOOR AND REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.. 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

The fourth violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: Violation Codes: 3-304.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.. 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 fifth violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A. 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 sixth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: B. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The seventh violation concerned equipment operation. Inspectors documented: D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.. Worn dishwasher components may not properly sanitize dishes and utensils.

The eighth violation concerned sanitization. Inspectors documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR VEGETABLE 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. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.

The 9th violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED. 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 10th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: TEST STRIPS - Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED OVER SIZED POTS TO LAR. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.

Who conducted this inspection?

Chicago Department of Public Health

What violations were found during this inspection?

The following violations were documented: 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 WHEN TCS FOOD(CEVICHE, SHRIMP, OCTOPUS, OYSTERS, ETC) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING OUTLET COVERS AND STAINED CEILING TILES IN PREP, STORAGE, AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: Violation Codes: 3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF OUTTER FRONT DOOR AND REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: Violation Codes: 3-304.14 Inspector Comments: MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.; UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: Violation Codes: 4-903.11 (A; B; D) Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR VEGETABLE REACH IN COOLER.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED OVER SIZED POTS TO LARGE TO SUBMERGE IN 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST REMOVE FROM PREMISES OR PROVIDE A LARGER SINK TO SANITIZE UTENSILS.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM USED & UNUSED FRYER CABINET,STORAGE TABLE NEAR COOLER.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING NEAR REAR UNUSED HOOD,STAINED CEILING TILES AND MISSING WALL BASES IN DINING AREA,HOLE IN WALL IN BASEMENT AND FLOOR TILES BROKEN & MISSING.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,ORGANIZE OR REMOVE CLUTTER FROM BASEMENT FLOOR,ALONG WALLS IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT PREP /STORAGE AREAS.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT AT HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: Violation Codes: 6-501.14 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.; PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2573433 3/29/23 NOT CORRECTED #38- STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 70 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR NEXT TO FRYER AND INSIDE OF FRYER CABINET, ON FLOOR BEHIND ROLLING CART,ON LEDGE OF RADIATOR,ON FLOOR NEXT TO ICE MACHINE,UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELF,BASEMENT-ON LANDING MIXED IN WITH DIRT LEADING TO BASEMENT,ON CONCRETE LEDGE IN BETWEEN ARTICLES ,ON FLOOR & ON WOOD BEHIND FURNANCE IN FURNANCE ROOM,UNDER CHAIRS ALONG WALLS, SCATTERED ON WOOD BETWEEN ARTICLES.A DEAD DECAYED MOUSE ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM BEHIND VENT COVER. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND DEAD MOUSE CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/10/23.#60-OBSERVED RAW EXPOSED UNPROTECTED WOOD IN THE FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT OR STAIN ALL RAW WOOD TO MAKE IT EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED).

Why are these violations concerning?

Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Worn dishwasher components may not properly sanitize dishes and utensils. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.

Important Health Information

Data Sources

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.

Complete Inspection History

View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for MARISCO EL MALECON

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