ERIC'S FOOD CENTER in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/14/25

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at ERIC'S FOOD CENTER in an inspection dated 08/14/2025.

Located at 13209 S BALTIMORE AVE in the South Chicago area, the establishment serves the local community. The South Chicago neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: 16. Food-contact Surfaces: Cleaned & Sanitized - Comments: 4-601.11(a) Observed the Ice Machine (ice Used for Consumption) with an Excessive Black Substance in the Interior of the Ice Machine Throughout. Instructed to Clean and Sanitize. Priority Foundation. Citation Issued 7-38-005.. 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.

The second violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: 38. Insects, Rodents, & Animals Not Present - Comments: 6-501.111 Observed Evidence of Pest Activity on Site. Observed About 5 Large Flies and About 10 Small Flies Flying in the Rear Food Prep Area/dry Storage Area. Instructed to Eliminate Live Insect Activity, Clean and Sanitize Affected Areas and Recommended Contacting Pest Control for a Service. Priority Foundation. Citation Issued 7-38-020(a).. 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 third violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: 45. Single-use/single-service Articles: Properly Stored & Used - Comments: 4-502.13 Observed Cardboard Being Re-used As a Floor Liner in the Rear Meat Walk in Cooler/food Prep Area. Instructed to Remove Cardboard, All Surfaces Must Be Smooth and Easily Cleanable.. 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.

The fourth violation involved hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: 48. Warewashing Facilities: Installed, Maintained & Used; Test Strip. 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 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.