A Chicago eatery, claiming to serve “Good Wholesome Food for the Mind and Body,” has been shut down after an inspection revealed mouse droppings, food stored at unsafe temperatures, and unclean surfaces potentially causing cross contamination, reports the Chicago Journal. A diner who called 311 on the establishment, leading to the inspection, would likely argue the food was not enjoyable for the body or mind.

 The three violations found during the March 12th inspection were “critical,” warranting immediate shutdown of the restaurant, and a $500 fine each. The next afternoon during a second inspection mouse droppings were found scattered throughout the establishment, indicating a possible rodent infestation, keeping the café closed.

Tim Hadac, spokesman for the Department of Public Health, said,

"The establishment will remain closed until they can pass re-inspection. The burden is entirely up to them to address the violations until they can open again."

But the establishment remains closed, and review of previous inspection reports reveals this wasn’t the first time the Heartland Café operated under unsafe conditions.

Frances Guichard, director of Food Protection Program for the Chicago Department of Health, said,

"[The Heartland] seems to be on a cusp of problems, but not enough to close them down. We do find violations and come back five days later to find that they corrected it."

An August 2002 inspection found large rodent droppings and live moths in the dry storage area, and turkey, lentils and sausage stored at an unsafe temperature; the café passed a re-inspection five days later. In April 2005, more than 50 mouse droppings were found in a storage room. A month later a patron called 311 reporting mouse droppings in the women’s restroom. Inspection found a baited rodent hole, but no droppings.

In Chicago inspection results are available online, indicating a pass or fail. The site doesn’t appear to have been updated however, since it indicates the Heartland Café has “passed” recent inspection (on 10/26/2007). The Heartland Café’s website indicates they will be opening today with a limited menu.