LOS CANDILES in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/15/25

CHICAGO, IL - LOS CANDILES received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 08/15/2025.

Located at 2624 S CENTRAL PARK AVE in the North Lawndale area, the establishment serves the local community. The North Lawndale neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

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 sanitization. Inspectors documented: 16. Food-contact Surfaces: Cleaned & Sanitized - Comments: Observed Build Up on Interior Sides of Ice Machine(not Touching Ice/water). Instructed Person in Charge to Clean and Maintain.. 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 second violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: 55. Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Observed Windowsill Above Dish Sink with Paint Peeling. Observed Wall Behind Grease Trap with Spray Foam Not Smooth. Instructed Person in Charge to Repair Both Areas to Be Smooth and Easily Cleanable.. 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 third violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: 57. All Food Employees Have Food Handler Training - Comments: Observed No Food Handler Certificates on Site for Food Handler Employee. Instructed Pic to Direct Food Handler Employees to Obtain Training and Maintain on Site.. 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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/15/2025 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.