Canvass
May 29, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 29, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Josephine's Cookin'
436 - 440 E 79th St
Last inspected May 29, 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
10 inspectionsCanvass
May 14, 2026
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE, PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 14, 2026 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
Jan 8, 2026
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 8, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jul 23, 2025
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN WEST DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
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 DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACED 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AND OPENINGS ALONG WALLS AND BASEBOARDS IN BASEMENT. OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES NEAR WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAN.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jul 16, 2025
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
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 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
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
OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED INSIDE CABINETS AND ON SHELVES IN FRONT WAIT STATION, ON ELECTICAL OUTLETS, SHELVES AND ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND COOLERS IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, ON FLOOR IN CORNER NEAR LARGE PLANT AND INSIDE HOLDING UNITS IN EAST DINING AREA, ON FLOOR IN LINEN AND STORAGE AREAS, ON OUTLETS IN BASEMENT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. 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 45Equipment and utensils
Official wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN WEST DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
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 DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON REACH-IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACED 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS, PREP TABLES, HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED TOILET NOT PROPERLY FLUSHING IN UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS (POTATOES, ETC) ON FLOORS IN PREP AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN ALL FLOORS 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
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2596314 ON 6-14-24:58-OBSERVED THE CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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, Jul 16, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jun 5, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 5, 2025 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
Jun 4, 2025
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 4, 2025 · Original Source
Short Form Complaint
Jun 14, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE RACKS AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND OVEN WITH FOOD AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE WALL ABOVE THE DOOR IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM CRACKED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN WALL.
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 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 14, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Mar 29, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE RACKS IN THE WALK IN COOLER IN THE BASEMENT WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE RACKS AND MAINTAIN A RUST FREE 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE WALL ABOVE THE DOOR IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM CRACKED/DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN WALL.
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 THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND OVEN WITH FOOD AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOKING EQUIPMENT.
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 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE CFM WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CFMs OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 29, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Mar 13, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 13, 2024 · Original Source