Short Form Complaint
Mar 18, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 18, 2026 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
See Thru Chinese Restaurant
5609 W Division St
Last inspected Mar 18, 2026 · 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 See Thru Chinese Restaurant has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist
SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
8 inspectionsCanvass Re-Inspection
Feb 17, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 17, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Feb 4, 2026
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MAKER.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE 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 problemsnotedCode 43Equipment and utensils
Official wording
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED BEHIND THE PREP TABLE AND THE WALL.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE KNIVES IN A KNIFE RACK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE THE ICE MAKER.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A SEPARATE, CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION 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 issuesnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD.
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
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS 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 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER NOT MAINTAINED; HAS EXCESSIVE GREASE ON TOP AND SIDES OF LID WITH SPILLED GREASE DEBRIS ON TO THE GROUND.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER DUMPSTER TO PREVENT PEST SOURCE FOR PESTS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B), CITATION ISSUED.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS 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
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEM/FILTERS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATION OF GREASE BUILD-UP 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
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY FOR CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE.INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE 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
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2622132 DATED:08/12/2025 #37---3-302.12: **C** Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food.OBSERVED DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN. #49---4-601.11(C): (C) NonFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES of EQUIPMENT shall be kept free of an accumulation of dust, dirt, FOOD residue, and other debris. OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DEEP CLEANING: THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES, THE OUTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE COLD HOLDING UNITS, THE CARTS WITH WHEELS BEING USED TO HOLD FOOD ITEMS, AND THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALL MENTIONED SURFACES FOUND WITH SEVERE GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. #55---6-501.114: **C** Maintaining Premises, Unnecessary Items and Litter OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM CLUTTERED WITH COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER AND MAINTAIN. #57---2-102.13: **C** Food Handler Training (PA 100-0367 Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act) OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLER COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY WITH NOTED VIOLATIONS AND MAINTAIN BY 2-11-2026. 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 findingOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 4, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Feb 4, 2026
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 4, 2026 · Original Source
Complaint
Aug 12, 2025
Pass w/ Conditions
6 recorded violations
notedCode 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED IMPROPER DISHWASHING AT THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. NONE OF THE BASINS WAS SET UP FOR DISHWASHING. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS TO SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY 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 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. FOUND INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER: 3 CONTAINERS AND A BOWL OF RAW CHICKEN (55.4F-70.1F), A CONTAINER OF SHRIMP (61.2F). FOUND INSIDE THE PREP COOLER: TOMATO WEDGES (51.9°F). INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0°F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 59LBS AT $165 WORTH OF PRODUCT DISCARDED. PRIORITY 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 temperaturenotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DRY FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DEEP CLEANING: THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES, THE OUTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE COLD HOLDING UNITS, THE CARTS WITH WHEELS BEING USED TO HOLD FOOD ITEMS, AND THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALL MENTIONED SURFACES FOUND WITH SEVERE GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP 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 THE TOILET ROOM CLUTTERED WITH COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DECLUTTER 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 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLER 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, Aug 12, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jan 16, 2025
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
4-102.11 OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN THE WALK IN FREEZER BEING STORED IMPROPERLY IN GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS PROPERLY IN FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS.
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
6-501.16 OBSERVED MOP BEING STORED/DRYING IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
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
6-501.14 OBSERVED DIRTY OVERHEAD VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. 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 CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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, Jan 16, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jan 9, 2025
Fail
7 recorded violations
notedCode 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED BOX OF CHICKEN WINGS STORED IMPROPERLY ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS PROPERLY; SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.
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 40Employee health and hygiene
Official wording
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 FOOD ITEMS IN THE WALK IN FREEZER BEING STORED IMPROPERLY IN GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOOD ITEMS PROPERLY IN FOOD GRADE BAGS/CONTAINERS.
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 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER WITH LIDS NOT ABLE TO CLOSE DUE OVERLOADED WITH TRASH PREVENTING LID CLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B). CITATION ISSUED.
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 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD SPLATTERS/DEBRIS ON THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND FLOUR RESIDUE ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. 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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DIRTY OVERHEAD VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. 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
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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, Jan 9, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Feb 21, 2024
Pass
6 recorded violations
notedCode 54Facility maintenance
Official wording
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE REAR GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND BOXES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA AROUND THE DUMPSTER TO PREVENT HARBORAGE FOR PESTS.
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 56Facility maintenance
Official wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DUST ON THE FAN VENT IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND THE VENTS OUTSIDE OF THE HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF THE FOOD AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES WHILE COOKING AND PREPARING FOODS.
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 39Contamination
Official wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR
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 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL
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
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS TO REMOVE SPILLS, GREASE, DUST AND DEBRIS: EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, DRY STORAGE CONTAINER AND DOORS TO ALL COOLER, PREP TABLES, COUNTER TOPS, DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING, INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS.
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 WALLS AND FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT, GREASE, DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NO COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AREAS AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND INSECT HARBORING.
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, Feb 21, 2024 · Original Source