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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Essence Of India

4601 N Lincoln Ave

Last inspected Nov 19, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Nov 19, 2025

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE DRY FOOD STORAGE AND BULK SPICES ON THE COOKS LINE NOT STORED IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK BETWEEN THE SINK AND STORED DISHES/SPICES.

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

NOTED ALL OF THE KITCHEN STAFF WITHOUT BEARD RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

MUST NOT USE TINFOIL AS LINER INSIDE THE COOKS LINE SMALL COOLER OR CLOTH TOWELS AS LINER ON THE TOP OF THE SAME COOLER. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.----NOTED INTERIOR OF THE COOKS LINE COOLER DIRTY WITH FOOD SPILLAGE AND DEBRIS. 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

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS. MUST NOT USE CLOTH CARPETING MATS IN THE KITCHEN OR DISH AREAS OF THE KITCHEN.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES.

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 19, 2025 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Nov 18, 2025

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 18, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 6, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).

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 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT KITCHENWARE MULTI-USE UTENSILS (SPOONS,FORKS,KNIVES ETC.)TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE (HANDLES-UP).

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 MISSING SECTION OF CEILING OVER THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER.INSTRCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CEILING SO THAT IT IS SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 6, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 27, 2023

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RACKS ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SLIGHT RUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT RACKS

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 27, 2023 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Nov 14, 2023

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 14, 2023 · Original Source

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