Complaint Re-Inspection
Dec 19, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 19, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S Archer Ave
Last inspected Dec 19, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.
Pass
Get the next inspection, free.
We'll email you when Lao Sze Chuan has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
9 inspectionsComplaint
Dec 9, 2025
Fail
8 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN KITCHEN WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED AT BELOW ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED
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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR STORAGE AREA BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND UNDER THE STORAGE SHELVES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADVISED MANAGEMENT TO IMPLEMENT ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. 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 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
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 ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT ON FLOOR UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, DISH WASHING, AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS' CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
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, Dec 9, 2025 · Original Source
License
Jul 22, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 22, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 30, 2025
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 30, 2025 · Original Source
License
Apr 30, 2025
Pass
5 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
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 THE ENTIRE WALL IN THE REAR FOOD STORAGE/EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF AT THE BOTTOM. SMALL OPENINGS OBSERVED IN WALL AND DOOR IN MENTIONED AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE TOPS OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD IN NEED OF CLEANING. 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 problemsnotedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO LID FOR THE RECEPTACLES IN THE WOMEN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE PRODUCTS.
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 LOWER WALLBASES ON THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD WITH SMALL OPENINGS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS 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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 30, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Aug 1, 2024
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 1, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jul 29, 2024
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND INSIDE OPENINGS OF THE WALLS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AFFECTED AREAS.
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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
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 issuesnotedCode 59Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2597822, DATED ON 07/22/2024 NOT CORRECTED: #38: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 5 LIVE ROACHES. ALSO, OBSERVED DURING REINSPECTION 1 LIVE RAT ON SITE. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE: ON THE OUTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER OF DRY INGREDIENTS UNDER A FOOD PREP TABLE, IN THE OUTLET OF THE CHOWBUS PRINTER UNDER THE SERVING WINDOW, ON THE WALL NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. THE LIVE RAT CRAWLING ON THE PIPES ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ONTO THE TOP OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE. ALL MENTIONED ACTIVITY WAS OBSERVED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE PEST (ROACH AND RAT) ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. #36: OBSERVED A MEDICAL THERMOMETER THAT IS USED FOR TAKING BODY TEMPERATURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, WOK STATION, BOTTOM OF FRYER, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS. #55: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. PRIORITY 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 findingnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
3-307.11: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA NEAR A FOOD PREP TABLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
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 contaminationnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-501.114: OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
4-202.18: OBSERVED GREASE DROPLETS ON THE FILTERS AND THE PIPES OF THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
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, Jul 29, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Jul 22, 2024
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON THE INTERIOR PANEL ABOVE THE ICE ON THE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET. MENTIONED SUBSTANCE ALSO OBSERVED ON THE WALLS OF THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
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 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED GREASE DROPLETS ON THE FILTERS AND THE PIPES OF THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN 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 issuesnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
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 issuesnotedCode 60Other
Official wording
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 08/23/2023, REPORT #2581059 #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, WOK STATION, BOTTOM OF FRYER, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS. #51: THE INTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHER NEEDS CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO DELIME MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. #55: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. 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 findingnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 6-8 LIVE ROACHES AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: BEHIND AND ON THE SIDES OF THE FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATOR UNITS, ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS, ON THE FLOORS WHERE THE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED, ON THE DISHWASHING MACHINE AND CHEMICALS FOR MACHINE, ON THE FLOORS SURROUNDING THE HOT WATER TANK, IN THE CREVICES OF THE CHOWBUS PRINTER MACHINE ON THE SERVING WINDOW. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. 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 insectsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA NEAR A FOOD PREP TABLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
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 contaminationnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
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, Jul 22, 2024 · Original Source
Non-Inspection
May 28, 2024
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 28, 2024 · Original Source