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IsTheKitchenClean displays publicly available food inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Trending rankings and summaries are automated interpretations of that data and are not official health department assessments. Inspection findings reflect conditions at a specific point in time and may not represent current conditions at a restaurant.

Polaris Charter Academy

School

620 N Sawyer Ave, Chicago, IL 60624

West Side

Sep 23, 2026 — Canvass inspection

Fail

A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

Watermelon stored at unsafe temperature and live flies found throughout prep area during inspection.

Key Findings

  • Approximately 20 lbs of chopped watermelon held at 46-51°F instead of required 41°F or below; food was discarded.
  • About 25 live black flies observed flying in prep area, on equipment, and inside the handwashing sink.
  • No certified food manager on site while preparing and serving foods requiring temperature control.
  • Rusted prep table shelving and food storage equipment, peeling paint on walls, and dirty floors throughout prep area.

Key findings are derived directly from the inspector's notes from the Chicago Department of Public Health. See the full violation notes below.

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Violation code #22 — PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LBS CHOPPED WATERMELON STORED INSIDE COLD HOLD UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED TEMPERATURE RANGING BETWEEN 46F-51F. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL TCS FOODS @41F AND BELOW AS REQUIRED. SAID FOOD DISCARDED BY PIC. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

Violation code #2 — CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING TCS FOODS (PASTA, CHOPPED WATERMELON, MILK). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012.

Viewing inspection from Sep 23, 2026 · Show current spotlight →

Inspection History

Polaris Charter Academy has had 9 inspections in the last 5 years with a 75% pass rate. Last inspection was on Oct 1, 2026.

Oct 1, 2026Pass

Canvass Re-Inspection — A follow-up to confirm violations from a routine visit were fixed.

6 violations
Sep 23, 2026FailVIEWING NOW

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

10 violations
Sep 25, 2025Pass

Canvass — A routine, unannounced visit by a city health inspector.

3 violations