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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cajun Boil & Shake

5500 S Shore Dr

Last inspected Mar 11, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Canvass

Mar 11, 2025

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 11, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Aug 26, 2024

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT SOUTH HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS IN PREP AND BAR AREAS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED BASEBOARD NEAR COOLER IN BAR AREA, MISSING GROUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON SOUTH HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA AND REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR WALK-IN COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 26, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 12, 2024

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE IN PREP AND BAR AREA NOT SANITIZING FOOD EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS CHEMICAL PPM 0. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN 100 PPM. DISH MACHINES ARE TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA AND REAR HAND WASHING SINK NEAR WALK-IN COOLER IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED DAMAGED BASEBOARD NEAR COOLER IN BAR AREA, MISSING GROUT AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT SOUTH HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OVER 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN BAR AREA, 30 MICE DROPPNGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNITS, ON TOP OF HOT WATER TANK AND FLOOR AROUND HOT WATER TANK, 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR AND SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE AND LIQUOR STORAGE AREAS IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN DINING, BAR, PREP, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON SOUTH HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS IN PREP AND BAR AREAS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 12, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Mar 1, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED KNIVES STORED BETWEEN COOLERS AT KITCHEN PREP LINE AND SCOOP HANDLE STORED IN THE FOOD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE OR SCOOPS STORED WITHIN THE FOOD ITEM IN-BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC BOWL USED AS SCOOP IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSIL WITH HANDLE TO AVOID HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK NEAR ICE MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING FIXTURES AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BASE COVING ON WALL BEHIND COOLERS IN KITCHEN AREA MISSING OR IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BASE COVING ON WALL BEHIND COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 1, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Feb 21, 2024

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CONTAINER OF GUMBO ON KITCHEN AREA STEAM TABLE AT 100.6F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND HOT HOLD TCS FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE AND MAINTAIN. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED GUMBO AND DENATURED WITH BLEACH ON-SITE. APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS VALUED APPROXIMATELY $20 DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOWL OF RAW FISH IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AT 60.1F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND COLD HOLD TCS FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW AND MAINTAIN. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED RAW FISH AND DENATURED WITH BLEACH. APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS VALUED AT $40 DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED KNIVES STORED BETWEEN COOLERS AT KITCHEN PREP LINE AND SCOOP HANDLE STORED IN THE FOOD IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON A CLEAN AND SANITIZED SURFACE OR SCOOPS STORED WITHIN THE FOOD ITEM IN-BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BASE COVING ON WALL BEHIND COOLERS IN KITCHEN AREA MISSING OR IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BASE COVING ON WALL BEHIND COOLERS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION 11/2/2023 NOT CORRECTED: #58 NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION FOUNDATION. 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

SEE VIOLATION #60.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 70 RODENT DROPPINGS IN AREAS THROUGHOUT FACILITY: BENEATH FRYERS IN THE KITCHEN AREA, ON LEDGE IN REAR OF KITCHEN AREA, BENEATH SHELVES IN LIQUOR STORAGE AREA, BEHIND CONTAINERS BENEATH STAIRS IN THE BASEMENT, IN SINGLE-SERVICE STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PLASTIC BOWL USED AS SCOOP IN DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND REPLACE WITH MULTI-USE UTENSIL WITH HANDLE TO AVOID HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE-SERVICE UTENSILS AND CONTAINERS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE SINGLE-SERVICE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 50Other

Official wording

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDWASHING SINK IN MEN'S CUSTOMER RESTROOM MAX TEMPERATURE OF 85.1F AND HANDWASHING SINK IN BASEMENT EMPLOYEE RESTROOM 48.9F. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ALL HANDWASHING SINKS TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT 100.0F OR ABOVE MINUMUM AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED. THE HANDSINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR WAS CORRECTED ON SITE.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SMALL LEAK AT KITCHEN HANDWASHING SINK PIPING (NEAR BOILER) AND COLD WATER KNOB ON HANDWASHING SINK NEAR ICE MACHINE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING FIXTURES AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 21, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Nov 13, 2023

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FROZEN FISH THAWING IN A METAL CONTAINER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR IN THE REFRIGERATOR INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL REACH IN COOLERS, SINKS AND LIQOUR BOTTLE RAILS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN FRONT BAR AREA TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. ALL SHELVES IN BASEMENT LIQOUR STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING IN ALL AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 13, 2023 · Original Source

Complaint

Nov 2, 2023

Fail

11 recorded violations

notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF BLACK COLOR SUBSTANCE AT ICE CHUTE AND SIDES OF MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 28Chemicals

Official wording

TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OPEN RODENT POISION PETTELS ON A DELI PLASTIC LID IN LIQOUR STORAGE SHELF AND IN PAPER STORAGE AREA IN BASEMENT MANAGER REMOVED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-015 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN NEED OF LABELING WITH COMMODITY NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RODENT ACTIVITY IN BASEMENT LIQOUR STORAGE, BASEMENT CHEMICAL AREA, UNDER STAIRS, IN CORNER OF PREP AREA BY ICE MACHINE, IN FRONT BAR AREA, UNDER ALL DINING ROOM BOOTHS, IN CORNERS OF DINING AREA. APPROX. 100-125 DROPPINGS NOTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

HAND WASHING SINK IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WITH NO HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN WATER AT 100-110 DEGREES AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER ADJUSTED WATER HEATER HOT WATER NOW AVAILABLE PRIORITY 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FROZEN FISH THAWING IN A METAL CONTAINER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR IN THE REFRIGERATOR INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT IN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

ALL REACH IN COOLERS, SINKS AND LIQOUR BOTTLE RAILS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN FRONT BAR AREA TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER AND BUILD UP.ALL SHELVES IN BASEMENT LIQOUR STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

EMPLOYEE WASHROOM IN NEED OF COVERED GARBAGE CAN. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS THROUGHOUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING IN ALL AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 2, 2023 · Original Source

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