CHICAGO, IL - A scheduled inspection at Cottage Fuel on 08/11/2025 documented several health code infractions.
The dining establishment functions from 7560 S Cottage Grove Avenue Chicago Illinois in Chatham, a well-trafficked section of Chicago recognized for its restaurant culture.
According to inspection records: "1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties - comments: observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate. Observed no chicago food sanitation manager on site when TCS food (ground beef 180." This type of violation requires correction to maintain food safety standards.
Health department officials noted violations related to pest control, which require attention for public health compliance.
Pest control violations represent some of the most significant infractions in food service inspections Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. The FDA Food Code Standards provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
Health department officials noted violations related to sanitation, which require attention for public health compliance.
Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate sanitation procedures. As outlined in FDA Sanitation Standards, Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.
The inspection identified violations related to temperature control, an important area of food safety.
Industry research indicates that improper food temperatures can allow dangerous bacteria to multiply rapidly Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. The FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
Such infractions require attention for the business to maintain compliance with community safety standards. Public health officials note that addressing these violations helps maintain trust in dining establishments.
Health department officials will conduct a comprehensive re-inspection to ensure that all violations have been properly addressed. The establishment must demonstrate full compliance before the matter can be considered resolved.
Regular health inspections serve as critical safeguards for public health in Chicago's dining landscape. Transparency in reporting inspection findings ensures that community members can make informed decisions about their dining options.
| Inspection ID | 2622023 |
| DBA Name | COTTAGE FUEL |
| AKA Name | COTTAGE FUEL |
| License # | 2957230 |
| Facility Type | Grocery Store |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 7560 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60619 |
| Inspection Date | 08/11/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Complaint Re-Inspection |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT |
| 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 | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD (GROUND BEEF 180.2F) 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 | 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | OBSERVED 1/4" GAP UNDER FRONT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. | 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION |
| STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments | OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. | 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | OBSERVED RAW WOOD SURFACES UNDER OVEN AND RAW WOOD SHELVING IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES TO MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN INSIDE WASHROOM AND DEBRIS ON FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP |
| Latitude | 41.75684589850627 |
| Longitude | -87.60549463695976 |
| Location | (41.75684589850627 |
This inspection was conducted on August 11, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: pest-control, sanitation, temperature-control.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
