CHICAGO The Chicago Department of Public Health closed a lower-level food court at Macy’s flagship State Street store here July 23 for critical violations of the City Health Code.
The department said it found a fruit fly infestation, a leaking three-compartment sink, a waste water backup from a clogged floor drain and a poorly maintained inside trash area. The food court will stay closed until violations are corrected and it passes re-inspection.
Macy’s could be fined up to $1,000 at an administrative hearing set for Aug. 23. Inspectors came in after a customer called the department to report becoming ill after eating a salad at the food court. A more upscale food court on the seventh floor was not affected and remains open.
The closing comes as Macy's is striving to draw more attention to its foodservice operations through collaborations with well-known chefs like Marcus Samuelsson, Wolfgang Puck and Nancy Silverton.
Chicago's health department has closed 162 other food establishments so far this year.