Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 2, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 2, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Chopstick Express
3237 N Harlem Ave
Last inspected Apr 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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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 inspectionsCanvass
Mar 26, 2026
Fail
2 recorded violations
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WATER DRAINING SLOWLY AT HAND SINK LOCATED AT MAIN PREP LINE. MUST 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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 10/23/2025, REPORT #2625868. #49-NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN COMPARTMENTS UNDER FRYERS. #55 NOTED KITCHEN FLOOR (UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, DRY FOOD STORAGE [FLOUR AND RICE], AND ALL SINKS AND FLOORS IN WASHROOMS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS. #55--NOTED BATHROOM NEAR REAR EXIT, OFFICE BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER, AND HALLWAY TO WASHROOM WITH EXCESSIVE CLUTTER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS NOT NECESSARY TO BUSINESS. ALL KEPT ITEMS ARE TO BE STORED ON PROPER SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN, THAT IS A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES ABOVE GROUND. MUST CORRECT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 26, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Oct 23, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
4 recorded violations
notedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROTECTED. NOTED COOKED CHICKEN COOLING IN DIRTY CARBOARD BOX PREVIOUSLY USED FOR PRODUCE ON TOP OF CONTAINERS DIRECTLY ON THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF AJAR REAR EXIT DOOR. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED APPROXIMATELY 30 LBS VALUED AT $30. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD SAEF CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE PROPERLY CLEANED BETWEEN USE AT ALL TIMES. RECOMMENDS PROPER COOLING RACKS AND TRAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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 contaminationnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
NOTED WIPING CLOTHS ON COOKSLINE EQUIPMENT AND PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN PROPER SANITIZING BUCKETS WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN COMPARTMENTS UNDER FRYERS
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
NOTED KITCHEN FLOOR (UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, DRY FOOD STORAGE [FLOUR AND RICE] AND ALL SINKS AND FLOORS IN WASHROOMS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN ALL FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 23, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jan 30, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 30, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jan 23, 2025
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKING ON READY TO EAT FOODS IN WALK IN COOLER SUCH AS EGGROLLS, CRAB RAGOON AND SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DATE MARKING SYSTEM FOR READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED RODENT PROOF STRIP SLIGHTLY TORN AT REAR DOOR. MUST REPAIR.
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 insectsnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SEVERAL WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BUCKET WHEN NOT IN USE.
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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO HOLD FOOD IN WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 5/15/2024, REPORT #2594665. #47-OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER NEXT TO HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET AND MAINTAIN. #55-6-501.12--OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS AND MAINTAIN. #55-OBSERVED UNNECESSARY CLUTTER BEHIND PREP AREA DOOR WITH NUMEROUS BROWN PAPER BAGS, BUCKETS AND CARD BOARD BOXES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AREA AND REMOVE ANY UNNCESSARY ITEMS. #55-6-501.11--OBSERVED MULTIPLE MISSING CEILING PANELS ABOVE THE WALK-IN FREEZER AND WALK IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING PANELS AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 23, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
May 15, 2024
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-202.16--OBSERVED UNFINISHED WOOD ON THE SHELVING AND BACK OF SHELVING UNITS REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO FINISH THE WOOD ON THE SHELVING UNITS AND BACK OF SHELVING UNITS IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA SO THAT IT REMAINS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.11--OBSERVED MULTIPLE MISSING CEILING PANELS ABOVE THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING PANELS AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 15, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Mar 8, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, FREEZER, AND THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS 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 contaminationnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MULTIPLE MISSING CEILING PANELS ABOVE THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING PANELS AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 8, 2024 · Original Source