Canvass
Apr 4, 2025
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 4, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Elaine's Chop Suey 1
4512 S Damen Ave
Last inspected Apr 4, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Out of Business
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
5 inspectionsCanvass
Mar 27, 2025
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40-50 ADULT COCKROACHES ON GLUE BOARDS, BOTH DEAD AND ALIVE, BENEATH THE 2-DOOR SLIDING-DOOR COOLER IN THE MAIN COOK LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD AND TRAPPED COCKROACHES, CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA(S), AND CONTACT LICENSED PEST CONTROL SERVICE TO ELIMINATE COCKROACH ACTIVITY ON-SITE. 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 insectsnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS AND MOP HEADS IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING STORED IN THE WASHROOM AREA SHELF. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE PAPER TOWELS AND MOP HEADS FROM PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS TOILET ROOMS 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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES THROUGHOUT THE MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND MAINTAIN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD-UP OF GREASE ALONG NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (DEEP FRYER, WOK LINE). INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF SOIL 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK COLD WATER SUPPLY TO BE LEAKING, BUT FUNCTIONAL. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE COLD WATER SUPPLY AT FRONT PREP AREA HANDWASHING SINK TO ELIMINATE LEAK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 27, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 26, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 26, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 23, 2024
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
2-102.14(O) THE MANAGER PROVIDED NO PROOF OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.
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 issuesnotedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
3-501.17 OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER(CHICKEN) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. 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
6-501.111 OBSERVED PEST INFESTATION. NOTED OVER 1000 MICE DROPPING ON SHELVES AND FLOORS IN DRY STORAGE AREA, KITCHEN ARE UNDER 3 COMPARTMENTS SINK AND BEHIND THE EQUIPMENT, IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AND BEHIND A DRINK COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA, DINING AREA AND ON THE FLOORS, ON THE SHELVING AND THE FLOOR BEHIND THE SHELVING IN THE BACK HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.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 insectsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-101.19 CARBOARD OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR OF FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR 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 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
8-404.13(B:4)PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS FROM 03/15/2023, REPORT #2572621, OBSERVED NOT TO BE CORRECTED AS FOLLOWS: #41 WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. #58 MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION. #57 EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON-SITE 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, Apr 23, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 16, 2024
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 23Food source and labeling
Official wording
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER(CHICKEN) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. 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 33Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s notes
4-301.11 OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF REFRIGERATOR AT 69.9F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD-FOR-INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE UNIT. ONCE REPAIRED, FAX OR EMAIL TO CDPH.MUST HAVE COLD-HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 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 temperaturenotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PEST INFESTATION. NOTED OVER 1000 MICE DROPPING ON SHELVES AND FLOORS IN DRY STORAGE AREA, KITCHEN ARE UNDER 3 COMPARTMENTS SINK AND BEHIND THE EQUIPMENT, IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AND BEHIND A DRINK COOLER IN FRONT PREP AREA, DINING AREA AND ON THE FLOORS, ON THE SHELVING AND THE FLOOR BEHIND THE SHELVING IN THE BACK HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.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 insectsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
CARBOARD OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR OF FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR 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 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
THE MANAGER PROVIDED NO PROOF OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7.38.010. CITATION ISSUED.
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 issuesnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT EMPLOYEE BATHROOMS HANDWASHING SINKS: THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER WAS 80.0 F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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 problemsnotedCode 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: EGGS AT 53.0 F, CHICKEN AT 49. F, OIL GARLIC AT 61.3 F, SMALL SHRIMPS AT 47.0 F, AND EGG WASH AT 55.4 F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 25 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.0 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. 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 temperaturenotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
PREVIOUS VIOLATIONS FROM 03/15/2023, REPORT #2572621, OBSERVED NOT TO BE CORRECTED AS FOLLOWS: #41 WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. #55 FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND WOK STATION LINE NOT CLEAN, EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE ACCUMULATION, ETC. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME. FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES ARE NOT CLEAN, AND THERE IS EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAME #58 MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR THE CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION. #57 EMPLOYEES MISSING FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING. INSTD TO OBTAIN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN VERIFICATION ON-SITE 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, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source