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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Eto'O

1373 E 53rd St

Last inspected Mar 3, 2026 · 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

Mar 3, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST 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

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF SANITARY NAPKINS IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE.

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

OBSERVED LOOSE DEBRIS, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY OF FLOORS. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 3, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 26, 2025

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST, DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA, IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, AND IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL WALLS AND FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ISSUES.

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

OBSERVED THE CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY WITHOUT HIS ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE 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, Feb 26, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 3, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO DISHES SITTING ON A METAL RACK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE COLD HOLD UNITS WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON BOTTOM FLOORS, LININGS AND DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLD UNITS.

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 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD DBRIS ON AND AROUND BOTH GREASE TRAP ALSO NOTED SMELL COMING FROM THE GREASE TRAPS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT SERVICE AND HAVE UNITS CLEANED.

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 A BUILD UP OF CLUTTER ON THE SHELVING UNITS UNDER THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAR, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.

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 3, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 26, 2024

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROX 30 DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALL UNDER STORAGE AREA IN THE HALL LEADING TO THE REAR WHERE THE REST ROOM IS LOCATED. OBSERVED ANOTHER 20 DROPPINGS UNDER THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL AND HAVE SERVICE PRIOR TO RETURN INSPECTION. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AS NEEDED. 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CARD BOARD BEING USED A LINER ON SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA. ISTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROM ALL AREAS AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT HARBORING.

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 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD DBRIS ON AND AROUND BOTH GREASE TRAP ALSO NOTED SMELL COMING FROM THE GREASE TRAPS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT SERVICE AND HAVE UNITS CLEANED.

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 A HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST, DIRT, FOOD DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER ON THE WALLS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA, IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, AND IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL WALLS AND FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ISSUES.

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 PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS #57 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AND #58 FOOD ALLERGEN NOT CORRECTED AS REQUIRED FROM REPORT #2583972 DATE 10/24/23. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE MANAGERS OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDTION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT THE FRONT HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO DISHES SITTING ON A METAL RACK. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE COLD HOLD UNITS WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON BOTTOM FLOORS, LININGS AND DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLD UNITS.

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, Apr 26, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Oct 24, 2023

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS UNDER PREP TABLES 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

THE WASHROOM DOOR IS NOT SELF CLOSING AS REQUIRED; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON DOOR.

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

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER KITCHEN EQUIPMET WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND SINKS AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPLATTER, COB WEBS AND DUST.

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

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE MANAGERS OBTAIN VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

FOUND BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE PREP TABLES WITH NO LABELS; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINER WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER.

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

FOUND DEAD MICE ON A GLUE BOARD IN THE AREA LEADING TO THE WASHROOM ON THE FLOOR BY A STORAGE SHELF; INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. CORRECTED ON SITE.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL FOOD HANDLERS OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES.

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, Oct 24, 2023 · Original Source

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