Food Safety Report: Cremeria Santa Maria, 3424 W 26th St, Chicago, Il, USA.

Chicago, 60623 Illinois, United States

Report date: Aug 28, 2025
13. Food in good condition, safe, & unadulterated
- comments: noted food packages containing cheese adulterated with green mold-like substance and not in good condition that protects the integrity of the contents, prevents exposure, or is free of potential contaminants. Instructed person in charge to discard all adulterated items, person in charge discarded approximately #30 of cheese for $500. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

23. Proper date marking and disposition
- comments: observed ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety (tcs) re-packaged sour cream, steak meat, chorizo, sausage, and a variety of cheeses not date marked to indicate the product's name and date by which the food must be sold, discarded, or consumed within 7 days. Instructed to provide proper labels for date marking and discard date for refrigerated, ready-to-eat, tcs foods held over 24hrs placed in all cold-holding units. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

28. Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
- comments: found open bleach, clorox cleaning materials stored on cooler shelf above food items. Toxic materials shall be stored so they cannot contaminate food, equipment, utensils, linens, and single-service and single-use articles. Toxic materials cannot be stored above food. (bleach removed from cooler at time of inspection) priority violation. #7-38-005. Citation issued.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed dessicated dead rat in basement area. Instructed person in charge to remove and sanitize area.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed 12 live roaches in front and rear prep, in 2-door freezer, live roaches in cracks and crevices at front & side service counter, behind electric cooktop/burners. Noted 30 rat droppings throughout basement and rear prep areas recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 8/28/25. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity. Priority foundation #7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

39. Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
- comments: observed pastries and breads at self-service station not supplied with suitable protection and utensils or effective dispensing methods that protect the food from contamination at the time of inspection. Station was moved behind the counter during inspection, and the person in charge showed where serving supplies are stored. Instructed to provide a tong or wax paper at the self-service station at all times. Priority foundation violation #7-38-005. Citation issued.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed food debris and spills on the floors and surfaces throughout the facility. Instructed to detail clean under all shelving units, interior of prep dish area, all cooking equipment to remove spills, food debris, dirt buildup. Instructed to increase cleaning frequency and maintain at all times.

56. Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
- comments: observed ventilation fan in toilet room. Instructed to provide a working ventilation fan.

Source: chicago.gov