Eric's Food Center in South Chicago Fails Health Inspection

ERIC'S FOOD CENTER restaurant inspection

CHICAGO, IL - An inspection conducted at Eric'S Food Center on 08/14/2025 identified food safety violations.

Located in the heart of South Chicago, Eric'S Food Center operates from a prominent location at 13209 S Baltimore Avenue, making it easily accessible to area customers.

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According to inspection records: "16. Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized - comments: 4-601. 005.. 38." This type of violation requires correction to maintain food safety standards.

The examination revealed violations related to sanitation, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.

Food safety experts emphasize that consistent sanitation practices prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. Per FDA Sanitation Standards, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.

Inspectors documented deficiencies involving pest control, an essential component of restaurant operations.

Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive pest control practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. The FDA Food Code Standards offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.

Beyond regulatory requirements, such infractions may affect the restaurant's standing and customer relationships. Local food safety organizations monitor inspection results to provide information to the public.

City health officials have required that Eric'S Food Center promptly correct these infractions before continuing food service. Re-examination will be conducted to ensure corrections.

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.

📋 Complete Inspection Data

Inspection ID 2622250
DBA Name ERIC'S FOOD CENTER
AKA Name SUPERMERCADO TAPATIA
License # 2020869
Facility Type Grocery Store
Risk Risk 2 (Medium)
Address 13209 S BALTIMORE AVE
City CHICAGO
State IL
Zip 60633
Inspection Date 08/14/2025
Inspection Type Canvass
Results Fail
Violations 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. | 38. INSECTS
& 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). | 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. | 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES INSTALLED
MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments 4-603.15 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR WASHING RINSING AND SANITIZING LARGE POTS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE REAR MEAT PREP AREA WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED DEEP DARK GROOVES/STAINS ON THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE DELI/MEAT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GROOVES AND STAINS OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED
MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE REAR BY THE EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE.
Latitude 41.65518859029959
Longitude -87.54699941852803
Location (41.65518859029959

Frequently Asked Questions

When was this inspection conducted?

This inspection was conducted on August 14, 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.

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📋 Data Sources & Health Guidelines

Inspection Data Source

All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .

Federal Health Guidelines

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.