Trader Joe's Store #884

Chain

804 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

North Side

Sep 29, 2026 — License inspection

Fail

Required before the city issues a business license.

Walk-in coolers and freezer running at dangerously warm temperatures; facility still installing cooling systems.

Standout Inspection

We flagged this inspection for serious public health concerns.

Key Findings

Walk-in cooler #1 measured 52°F and freezer at 69°F, both well above the required 41°F safe food storage temperature.
No written employee health policy on site; staff lack documented acknowledgment of illness reporting requirements.
Missing procedures and supplies for cleaning up vomit and diarrheal events, including norovirus-eliminating sanitizer.
Handwashing stations lack soap, paper towels, and signage; bathroom faucets don't provide adequate hot water flow.

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 WALK-IN COOLER #1 AT 52F, #2 AT 42F AND WALK-IN FREEZER AT 69F AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES FACILITY STILL IN PROCESS OF INSTALLING SYSTEMS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

Violation code #3 — MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector's Notes:

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.