LITTLE CAESAR PIZZA #1648 in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/07/25

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at LITTLE CAESAR PIZZA #1648 in an inspection dated 08/07/2025.

The facility operates from 2601 W CERMAK RD in Lower West Side, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.

The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation related to pest management. Inspectors documented: City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: Observed No Certified Food Manager on Site During the Inspection While Open and Operating. Instructed Certified Food Manager Must Be on Site at All Times with the Original City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-012, Citation Issued. 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The second violation concerned hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Hands Clean & Properly Washed - Comments: Observed Employee Washing Hands and Did Not Dry Them with a Hand Dryer. Instructed Must Properly Wash, Rinse, and Dry Hands Priority 7-38-010, Citation Issued. 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 hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Hands Clean & Properly Washed - Comments: Observed Employee Leave the Toilet Room and Did Not Wash Hands Upon Entering the Food Prep Area. Instructed to Wash Hands After Every Possible Contamination and After Leaving the Toilet Room. Priority 7-38-010, Citation Consolidated with Above Violation. 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 concerned food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Properly Labeled. Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.

The fifth violation involved food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Original Container - Comments: Observed Dry Ingredient Containers and Squirt Bottles with Not Labeled with Common Food Name. Instructed to Label and Mai. Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.

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 08/07/2025 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.