CHICAGO, IL - CAFE MICHELLE received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 08/14/2025.
The establishment operates from 200 N LAKEFRONT DR in CHICAGO, serving customers in this neighborhood. Regular health inspections ensure food safety standards are maintained across all local establishments.
The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: 10. Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: 5-202.12 (a): Observed Improper Minimum Water Temperatures Ranging Between 75.6-95.2f at Handwashing Sinks Facility. Observed Improper Minimum Water Temperatures at Handwashing Sinks in Private Women and Men's Washrooms and Public Men's Washroom. Instructed a Handwashing Sink Shall Be Equipped to Provide Water at a Temperature of at Least 100f Through a Mixing Valve or Combination Faucet. Priority Violation 7-38-030(c)citation Issued.( Note: Citation for Violation Issued on 8/12/2025). The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.
The second violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: 16. Food-contact Surfaces: Cleaned & Sanitized - Comments: 4-602.11(b-e): Observed Rust on Upper Stainless Steel Interior and Lower Stainless Steel Shield of Ice in Rear Prep Area. Instructed to Remove Rust From All Interior Surfaces of Ice Machine in Rear Prep Area to Prevent Contamination of Ice in Ice Machine.. 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The third violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: 38. Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: 6-501.111: Observed Approximately 15 Large Flies in Facility. Observed Large Fly Ac. 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 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 08/14/2025 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.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS AT THE BOTTOM OF TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED LOOSE FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE JUICE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: No Certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( chicken, beef...) instructed to obtain. priority foundation violation 7-38-012.; HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: Food handler not washing hands when required, Observed a cook handling raw beef patty and then handling ready-to-eat foods ( bread, lettuce..) without washing hands in between or changing gloves. Instructed manager to have food handlers to wash hands when required. Priority violation 7-38-010.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: Weak water pressure at rear prep area hand wash sink, instructed to provide adequate pressure.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: Food handler at ice cream station not wearing a hair restraints. Instructed to wear..
Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.
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.
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