Canvass
Jul 24, 2026
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 24, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Motherland Cafe
5008 N Lincoln Ave
Last inspected Jul 24, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.
Out of Business
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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
8 inspectionsCanvass
Mar 3, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 3, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Dec 19, 2025
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
3-302.12 ALL FOODS IN CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME.
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 EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 15 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR OF THE REAR UTILITY CLOSET. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS FROM ALL AFFECTED AREAS. 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
2-402.11 ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
6-201.11 FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN ALL 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, Dec 19, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Dec 5, 2025
Fail
11 recorded violations
notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector’s notes
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INITIAL INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
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 2Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s notes
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGER WAS TELEPHONED UPON MY ARRIVAL AND ARRIVED ON SITE 45 MINUTES LATER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
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 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE A VERIFIED WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
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 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
ALL FOODS IN CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME.
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 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT STORE SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON THE HAND SINK SPLASH GUARD.
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 45Equipment and utensils
Official wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s notes
ALL STORED ITEMS IN THE DRY STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
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 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s notes
NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR THE CHLORINE SANITIZER TO MONITOR SANITIZING LEVELS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE. 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH DIRT AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN ALL 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 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE ALLERGEN TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE FOR THE ABOVE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER.
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
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2602117 ON 9-4-24 NOT CORRECTED. #55- 6-501.12-- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF SPILLED DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.#55- 6-501.114--- INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND ORGANIZE UTILITY MOP SINK ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES TO FACILITATE CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.#57- 2-102.13--- OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. 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 findingnotedCode 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 5, 2025 · Original Source
Complaint
Sep 4, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
4 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN FOODP PREP/DISHWASHING AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF SPILLED DEBRIS 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 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS 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 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES.
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, Sep 4, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Aug 15, 2024
No Entry
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 15, 2024 · Original Source
License Re-Inspection
Jun 18, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
1 recorded violation
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
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 18, 2024 · Original Source
License
Jun 10, 2024
Fail
5 recorded violations
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
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 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
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 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK AVAILABLE ON PREMISES.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LICENSED PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (CONTRACT/SERVICE AGREEMENT,SERVICE REPORT,COPY OF IDPH LICENSE ETC.)PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (C).
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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT COLD HANDLE FOR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR PLUMBING LEAK 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN CEILING VENTILATION COVER INSIDE THE WASHROOM TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUSTS 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 10, 2024 · Original Source