MAY 11
2026
PASS · 0 violations
MEZZA GRILLED WRAPS & PITAS.
Chicago Health Dept
222 W MERCHANDISE MART PLZ · RIVER NORTH, CHICAGO
Passed most recent inspection (May 2026).
18 inspections on record since 2012 · Last inspected May 2026.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
VIOLATIONS
60
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
MAY 2026
INSPECTION HISTORY
APR 8
2025
PASS 4 violations
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED BOXES STORED ON GRAY CONTAINER IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR CABINET AND REAR OF FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR CABINET AND REAR OF FRYER. OBSERVED BUILDUP ON EXTERIOR OF PITA PRESS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXTERIOR OF PITA PRESS AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED WATER LEAKING FROM STOPPER UNDERNEATH WASH COMPARTMENT OF THREE
JUN 12
2024
PASS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED FRONT AREA HANDWASHING SINK (NEAR DRINK MACHINE) MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
OBSERVED CHICKEN IN THE WALK-IN COOLER COVERED TIGHTLY WITH FOOD-GRADE PLASTIC WRAP WHILE COOLING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PLASTIC WRAP AND LEAVE COOLING FOODS LOOSELY COVERED OR UNCOVERED IF PROTECTED FROM OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
OBSERVED MULTI-USE BOWL USED AS A SCOOP IN DRY FOOD BULK STORAGE CONTAINER IN THE FRONT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH A UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT ITEMS TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS: LOWER INTERIOR CAVITY OF DEEP FRYER, EXTERIOR GEARS AND SURFACES OF PITA PRESS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING TO ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS AND MAINTAIN CERTIFICATES ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES.
DEC 11
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 1 violation
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Improper cooling method used. Found whole hot cooked beans stored in bussing tub 8" deep being cooled down in walk-in cooler, beans temp at 198f, warm Hummus container at 70f covered tightly. All Food cooked within 2 hours ago. Instructed manager to break down hot TCS foods into smaller containers and store uncovered to facilitate cooling down process. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005.
FEB 21
2023
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 8 violations 2 CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS RAW BEEF AND CHICKEN WERE PREPARED AND MADE ON SITE. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS HANDLED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE CHANGED GLOVES BETWEEN TASKS WITHOUT WASHING HANDS IN BETWEEN WHEN PREPARING RAW BEEF TO READY-TO-EAT FOODS. FOOD EMPLOYEE MUST PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE BY PROPERLY WASHING HANDS WHEN CHANGING TASKS. DISCUSSED PROPER HAND WASHING WITH MANAGERS ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
SEASONING CONTAINERS AND SEASONING SPRAY BOTTLES IS NOT LABELED. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE LABELS ON ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
BOX OF FROZEN FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. FACILITY MUST PLACE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
OBSERVED NO HAIR RESTRAINT ON MANAGER. DURING ENTRANCE INSPECTION, MANAGER PUT A HAT ON.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND ON PREP SURFACE NEAR FRONT HAND SINK. CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHS MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILIY.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATIONS NOT PROVIDED ON SITE. FACILITY MUST ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES OBTAIN A VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION.
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED ON SITE DATED FROM 2/16/2022. REPORT #2549888. #58) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
show all 18 inspections →
FEB 16
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 3 CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT BOTH HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT BOTH HAND WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT BOTH EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SOAP AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
JUL 26
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 5 violations 1 CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION LICENSE AVAILABLE ONSITE OR POSTED, WHILE PREPARING TCS FOODS; CHICKEN, BEEF, AND SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREP ARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED IMPROPERLY ON COUNTERTOPS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE, AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED EXTERIOR OF FYER & GRILL WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED LEAKY FAUCET BASE ON 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION ON HOOD FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 6
2020
PASS 1 violation 1 CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASH SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASH SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 7
2019
PASS 2 violations
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
BULK FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED ( SUGAR, SALT ) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
JUL 24
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 4 violations 2 CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY IN EFFECT ON SITE, NO DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEE TRAINING OF SAID POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO TRAIN ALL EMPLOYEES ON THE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF TRAINING ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-012(A), NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP POLICY OR RELATED MATERIALS ON SITE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND PROPER CLEAN UP MATERIALS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-005, NO VIOLATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED FOAM COOLERS BEING USED TO STORE PITA BREAD AFTER IT IS BAKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DURABLE, CLEANABLE CONTAINER THAT CAN BE WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED BETWEEN USES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THAT NONE OF THE POSTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS HAVE COMPLETED REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED BY PA 100-0367. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, NO CITATION ISSUED.
SEP 15
2017
PASS 4 violations
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
Observed small amount of black and brown, slimy, mold-like substance inside upper interior of ice machine. Must remove, clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
Observed standing water in front prep area on the floor between grill and front counter. Must keep all floors clean and dry to prevent pest harborage. Observed food debris on floor of the walk in freezer. Must detail clean and sanitize. Must maintain same.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
Observed missing ceiling tiles in rear of prep area. Must replace to prevent pest entry. Must maintain same.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
Observed employee items (clothing, purses, etc.) improperly stored on top of bag in the box soda rack. Must properly stored employee items in a separate, designated area.
NOV 21
2016
PASS 3 violations
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVE STANDING WATER AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE CABINET UNDER FRONT PREP EXPOSED HANDWASH BOWL. MUST CLEAN/KEEP DRY INTERIOR OF CABINET.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAINS. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
METAL STEM THEROMETER NOT CALIBRATED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALIBRATE METAL STEM THEROMETER FOR FOOD HANDLERS.
JUN 10
2016
PASS 3 violations
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
FRONT PREP AREA 4-DOOR REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE UPPER PORTION ALSO OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CONDENSERS OF FRONT PREP AREA REACH IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE AND COOLER CONDENSERS.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED METAL ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. MUST PROVIDE CLEAN CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOP.
FEB 19
2015
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 6 violations 1 CRITICAL
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. SUCH AS SPICY CHICKEN AT 47.8F, STEAK AT 50.7F,SHRIMP AT 47.9F, HUMUS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 45.6F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN AN TEMPERATURE OF 40.0F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE AND DISPLAY. NO TIME/TEMPERATURE LOG AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. MANAGER DENATURED SUCH PRODUCTS WORTH $100.00 TOTAL 30 LBS. CITATION ISSUED CRITICAL 7-38-005(A). WALK IN COOLER TEMPERATURE AT 38.0F. COLD HOLDING UNIT TEMPERATURE AT 40.1F.
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
MUST PROVIDE LABEL(NAME OF THE PRODUCT) AND DATE ON ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT FOOD INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND AND REACH IN COOLER. ALSO ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST HAVE A LABEL.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE DIRTY DRAIN BOARD OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND THE PREP SINK IN THE KITCHEN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MUST CLEAN IN DETAIL THE FLOOR INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN. MANAGER ASKED ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE WALK IN FREEZER DURING INSPECTION.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN THE PREP COOLER IN THE SERVING AREA.
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
MUST ENROLL ONLINE TO GET A FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE.
AUG 20
2014
PASS 3 violations
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH BROWNISH DISCOLORATION ON THE INNER LINING.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
NOTED MISSING TILES ON CEILING AT THE REAR BY THE ICE MACHINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN DUSTY AND DIRTY FANS INSIDE WALK IN FREEZER AND FRONT PREP AREA.
OCT 11
2013
PASS 4 violations
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
BULK-FOOD CONTAINER ( LARGE SALT CONTAINER ) AT PREP TABLE NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
VERTICAL SNEEZE GUARD AT FRONT SERVICE LINE IS TOO SHORT, MUST INSTALL AN EFFECTIVE SNEEZE GUAR THAT PREVENTS CUTOMERS CONTAMINATION.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
PREP COOLER DOOR NEXT TO DEEP FRYER NOT CLOSING TIGHTLY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THERE IS A COMPLETE CLOSURE.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
OPEN EMPLOYEE DRINK CONTAINER KEPT ON PREP TABLE, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AWAY.
AUG 6
2012
PASS 3 violations
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
BULK FOOD CONTAINERS & ALL FOOD STORED IN COOLERS MUST HAVE DATES/LABELS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOORS UNDER SODA DISPENSER & BEHIND WALK-IN COOLERS SHELVES NEED CLEANING DUE TO SPILLS/FOOD DEBRIS.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
CLEANING EQUIPMENT MUST BE KEPT CLEAN & HUNG TO DRY, TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
APR 17
2012
PASS · 0 violations
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