Mendocino Farms in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/12/25

CHICAGO, IL - Mendocino Farms received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 08/12/2025.

Situated at 508 N CLARK ST, the establishment is part of River North's active food service sector. The River North area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 3. Management, Food Employee and Conditional Employee; Knowledge, Responsibilities and Reporting - Comments: Observed No Written Employee Health Policy on the Premises.instructed Management to Provide a Signed Employee Health Policy for Each Employee and Maintain As Required.priority Foundation Violation 7-38-010.. Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The second violation concerned pest prevention. Inspectors documented: 38. Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present. 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

The third violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 51. Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices - Comments: Backflow Prevention Device Not Located at Ice Machine in Basement Location.must Install So Backflow Prevention Device May Be Located to Be Serviced and Maintained.. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The fourth violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: 56. Adequate Ventilation & Lighting; Designated Areas Used - Comments: Observed Dim Lighting in the Basement Dishwashing 3-compartmentn Sink Area.instructed to Provide and Maintain Adequate Lighting at All Times.. 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.

Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/12/2025 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.