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Grocery Store · Chicago, IL

Joong Boo Market

3333 N Kimball Ave

Last inspected May 6, 2026 · 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

6 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

May 6, 2026

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED OBSERVED REAR RECEIVING DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. DOOR HAS 1/2 INCH OPENING ON BOTTOM OF DOOR. MUST SEAL AND MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

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 TORN DOOR GASKETS DAMAGED AT THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT SOUP PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN REAR SAUCE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIME. OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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 MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE 3-COMPARMENT SINK AND ABOVE PREP TABLES IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.

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, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Apr 28, 2026

Fail

10 recorded violations

notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS STORED ON TWO HOT HOLDING UNITS LOCATED IN THE FOOD COURT AREA. CHICKEN RICE BOWL 110.2F, BBQ CHICKEN 109.3F, BBQ CHICKEN TIGHT 115.5F, STIR FRIED SQUID 121.7F, EEL RICE BOWL 130.6F, CHICKEN TAKOYAKI 111.2F, COOKED FISH 102.6F, ROASTED FISH 102.7F, CHICKEN WINGS 101.1F, AND COOKED SALMON 96.6F. MANAGEMENT IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 64LBS OF FOOD VALUE OF $761. ALL HOT TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURES OF 135.0F OR ABOVE. 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 temperature
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED IN 2-DOOR FRONT PREP COOLER LOCATED IN IN FRONT SOUP PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE 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 issues
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE MICE ACTIVITY INSIDE PREMISES. OBSERVED OVER 40 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH PALLETS IN REAR EAST OF REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED ABOVE TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREA AND WHEREVER NEEDED. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. 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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

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 TORN DOOR GASKETS DAMAGED AT THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER LOCATED IN FRONT SOUP PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF ICE BUILD UP INSIDE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER LOCATED IN FRONT DISPLAY AND DUMPLING 4-DOOR FREEZER LOCATED IN REAR SAUCE PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN FREEZERS.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN REAR SAUCE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIME. OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AT THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE WASHROOM LOCATED IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE 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

OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE 3-COMPARMENT SINK AND ABOVE PREP TABLES IN REAR MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.

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 NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2618658 ON 06/05/2025. #55. OBSERVED BOTTOM OF WALL BEHIND THE PREP TABLE WITH EXCESSIVE RUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE MANDU PREP ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPAINT. #55. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER. #55. INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK WORN OUT BLACK CAULKING BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE MEAT/FISH PREP AREA. 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 28, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Jun 5, 2025

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND SINK IN FISH PREP AREA.

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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL REACH-IN COOLER.

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SUGAR, SALT 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

FOUND LARGE POT AND MIXING BOWL IN REAR AND INFRONT PREP AREA UNABLE TO SUBMERGED IN A 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN DETAILED WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURE FOR FOOD-CONTACT EQUIPMENT THAT IS TOO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE METAL RACKS WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD UP INSIDE THE PRODUCE/DAIRY WALK-IN COOLER.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE AT MOP SINK FAUCET (BY THE FISH PREP AREA)

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

INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK WORN OUT BLACK CAULKING BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE MEAT/FISH PREP 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, Jun 5, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 7, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BROKEN THERMOMETER INSIDE OF SELF-SERVICE HOT FOODS UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OR REPAIR 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 issues
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN HOT FOODS PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE

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 MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN THE SEAFOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO CREATE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. 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 7, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 6, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

NOTED EMPLOYEE FOOD STORED AT THE SAME REFRIGERATION UNIT (WALK IN COOLER) WITH CUSTOMER FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DESIGNATED AREA WHERE EMPLOYEES CAN STORE THEIR FOOD.

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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES AND DIRTY CEILING FANS ON CEILING AT THE REAR KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, 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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE DISPLAY COOLER AT THE DISPALY AREA TO BE IMPROPER:-FISH CAKE 46.9F, SLICED RADISH 47.4F, SEA WEED 45.5F, CUCUMBERS 56.4F, BABY CRAB 46.4F, ANCHOVIES 56F, SPINACH 55.3F, FISH EGGS 46.4F.MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 69 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $429.00 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 temperature
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NOTED HEAVY ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON THE FLOOR AND SHELVES, AT THE DISPLAYS FREEZERS AND REACH IN FREEZERS AT THE DSPLAY AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE CONDENSATION 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED KNIVES STORED ON WALLS BETWEEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND WALL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORE INSIDE THE KNIFE RACK OR KNIFE DRAWERS.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OF THE SEA FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED HEAVY DIRT, DEBRIS, JUNK AND TRASH ON FLOOR AROUND THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.

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, Aug 6, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

May 16, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 16, 2024 · Original Source

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