LITTLE CAESAR PIZZA #1648 in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/14/25

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at LITTLE CAESAR PIZZA #1648 in an inspection dated 08/14/2025.

Situated at 2601 W CERMAK RD, the establishment is part of Lower West Side's active food service sector. The Lower West Side area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.

The first violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: 2. City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: Observed No Certified Food Manager on Site with the Original City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate. a Servsafe Certificate for a Certified Food Manager Was Provided with an Exam Date of 2023. Instructed Certified Food Manager Must Be on Site at All Times with the Original City of Chicago Food Service Manager Certificate. Priority Foundation Violation 7-38-012, Citation Issued. 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. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

The second violation regarded storage procedures. Inspectors documented: 37. Food Properly Labeled; Original Container - Comments: 3-302.12: Observed Dry Ingredient Containers and Squirt Bottles with Not Labeled with Common Food Name. Instructed to Label and Maintain.. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

The third violation involved pest prevention. Inspectors documented: 39. Contamination Prevented During Food Preparation, Storage & Display - Comments: 3-307.11: Observed Speed Racks of Uncooked Pizzas Not Covered While Proofing in the Food Prep Area. Instructed to Cover Food Items and Maintain.. 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

The fourth violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: 40. Personal Cleanliness - Comments: 2-402.11: Observed Majority Food Handlers with Hair Restraints on While in the Food Prep Area, Prepa. 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

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.