ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was Mel-Bay Grocery last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 1, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 2 violations recorded. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
2 inspections on record, from Sep 26, 2024 to Oct 1, 2026.
Has Mel-Bay Grocery ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 2 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Sep 26, 2024.
The Full Inspection History
2 inspections
Complaint
Oct 1, 2026
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector’s Notes
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN: PREP TABLES (TOPS AND BOTTOMS), INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE, AND SHELVES INSIDE OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE FRONT NEAR THE REGISTER AND THE REAR IN THE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 1, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Sep 26, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED DRYING MOP STORED UPRIGHT AGAINST CORNER OF WALL NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP HEADS IN SUCH A WAY THAT DOES NOT CONTAMINATE WALLS, FLOORS, OR OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES WHILE DRYING AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED REAR PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK MISSING SIGNAGE NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
In Plain English
Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.
OBSERVED HANDHELD CAN OPENER IN POOR REPAIR WITH NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF UTENSILS HEAVILY SOILED WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE HANDHELD CAN OPENER AND MAINTAIN ALL UTENSILS IN GOOD REPAIR AND CALIBRATION.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.
OBSERVED INTERIOR NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF LARGE DELI COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.