CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued Emergency Cease and Desist and Abatement Orders to the owner/operator of a business operating as Dearborn Wholesale Grocers, at 1841 W. 79th Street, after finding conditions that posed an imminent and substantial risk to public health, safety, and the environment.

CDPH inspectors documented asbestos-related hazards at the store, along with additional serious irregularities during abatement activity on flooring tile, including having members of the public and workers present during abatement and an open dumpster with asbestos-containing material outside the store. Based on observed conditions, no one may enter the store or conduct demolition, renovation, alteration, debris or waste removal, repair, cleaning, maintenance, or related work unless they are properly licensed and expressly approved by CDPH, in advance and in writing.

Extended exposure with inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious and fatal illnesses including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos was once widely used in building materials, including flooring tile.

"Protecting residents from dangerous environmental and public health hazards is one of CDPH's most important responsibilities," said Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. "When conditions create a serious risk of exposure, we will act immediately to protect the public and ensure that no facility is allowed to reopen until the law has been fully followed and the hazard has been properly addressed."

As a precaution, at this time, CDPH recommends discarding any goods purchased from Dearborn Wholesale Grocers at 1841 W. 79th Street between April 5-15, 2026. Any grocery bags or boxes used to carry goods from the store also should be discarded. All discarded items should be placed in a sealed bag and thrown away. Wash clothes worn at the store and clean surfaces that may have accumulated dust from the store using wet wipes or a HEPA-filtered vacuum. Throw away used wet wipes.

For additional information about asbestos, visit the EPA website.

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