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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Great Buffet

2531 W Cermak Rd

Last inspected Jan 22, 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

4 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Jan 22, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 OBSERVED A CONTAINER (BEING USED AS A SCOOP) INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER OR CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED NOT TO STORE UTENSILS DIRECTLY IN FOOD AND ALWAYS STORE UTENSILS PROPERLY. OBSERVED A FOOD STRAINER BEING USED AS A FLOOR DRAIN STRAINER UNDER THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 22, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Jan 15, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY AND EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 3 LIVE COCKROACHES UNDER THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AND OBSERVED ABOUT 5 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE ABOUT 5 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA ON THE GROUND, AND ABOUT 2 RODENT DROPPINGS ON THE PREP COOLER UNIT TOP DRAWERS. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).

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 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

3-304.12 OBSERVED A CONTAINER (BEING USED AS A SCOOP) INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER OR CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED NOT TO STORE UTENSILS DIRECTLY IN FOOD AND ALWAYS STORE UTENSILS PROPERLY. OBSERVED A FOOD STRAINER BEING USED AS A FLOOR DRAIN STRAINER UNDER THE 2 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

5-501.15 OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER MISSING A LID. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LID OR REPLACE THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

8-404.13(B:4) OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2603143 DATED 9/19/24; 37 - 3-302.12 OBSERVED SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. 49 - 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BETWEEN AND INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, FRYERS AND WOK STATION. OBSERVED RUST ON THE SHELVES IN A 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REMOVE RUST. 55 - 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT, FOOD, AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 15, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 19, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST OBTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE, MUST POST SAID CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11 OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ATTACHED TO A PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STAINS OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, SHRIMP) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

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

3-302.12 OBSERVED SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAMES. 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN AND INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, FRYERS AND WOK STATION. OBSERVED RUST ON THE SHELVES IN A 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REMOVE RUST.

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

6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING BY THE WOK STATION IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING INTENSITY AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 61Other

Official wording

SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

Inspector’s notes

8-304.11(A) OBSERVED THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DATED 9/12/24 NOT POSTED FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS POST THE MOST RECENT INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FOR THE PUBLIC'S VIEW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010(B).

In plain English

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

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 19, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Sep 12, 2024

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST OBTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE, MUST POST SAID CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, SHRIMP) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.

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

5-205.11 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED WITH A CONTAINER INSIDE OF THE BASIN OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL HAND WASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE REMOVED THE CONTAINER FROM THE BASIN OF THE HAND WASHING SINK DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).

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 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

3-501.16(A:1) OBSERVED TCS FOOD AT INADEQUATE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE LOCATED IN THE CUSTOMER SERVING AREA; OBSERVED ABOUT 1/2 LB OF COOKED PEPPERONI PIZZA AT 98F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL HOT HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE DISCARD SAID TCS FOOD DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

3-501.17 OBSERVED COOKED TCS READY TO EAT FOODS IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND INSIDE OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS, WITHOUT LABELS THAT CONTAIN THE DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE LABELS FOR ALL READY TO EAT FOODS THAT ARE HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS INSIDE OF A REFRIGERATION UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAMES. 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

6-501.112 OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND INSIDE OF A COLD HOLDING UNIT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN AND INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, FRYERS AND WOK STATION. OBSERVED RUST ON THE SHELVES IN A 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REMOVE RUST.

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 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

4-602.11 OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ATTACHED TO A PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STAINS OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.

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

6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING BY THE WOK STATION IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING INTENSITY AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

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

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