CHICAGO, IL - An inspection conducted at Mendocino Farms on 08/12/2025 identified food safety violations.
The establishment operates from 508 N Clark Street in River North, a busy area of Chicago known for its dining scene.
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The inspection report documents: "3. Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting - comments: observed no written employee health policy on the premises. 010.. 38." Health officials note that these violations need attention to maintain proper compliance.
The inspection identified violations related to sanitation, an important area of food safety.
Sanitation violations encompass a broad spectrum of cleanliness and maintenance issues that affect food safety Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. The Food Safety Modernization Act provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper pest control protocols. The FDA Food Code Standards clearly states that Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks.
These types of violations require attention to maintain compliance standards for the establishment and its customers. Health officials note that addressing such conditions helps maintain public confidence in food service establishments.
Under current regulations, Mendocino Farms faces additional penalties if violations are not promptly corrected. The health department maintains detailed records of all inspection results for public transparency.
The broader restaurant industry can learn valuable lessons from such cases, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance to food safety standards. Consumer awareness remains a crucial component in maintaining community food safety.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| Inspection ID | 2622124 |
| DBA Name | Mendocino Farms |
| AKA Name | Mendocino Farms |
| License # | 3041409 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 508 N CLARK ST |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60654 |
| Inspection Date | 08/12/2025 |
| Inspection Type | License |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 3. MANAGEMENT |
| 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. | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT | 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. | 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. |
| Latitude | 41.891150496266704 |
| Longitude | -87.63126028432397 |
| Location | (41.891150496266704 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 12, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control.
Why are these violations concerning?
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.