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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

South China Kitchen Inc.

11631 S Halsted St

Last inspected Sep 18, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 18, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

1 recorded violation

notedCode 50Other

Official wording

HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND NO HOT WATER PER CITY CODE. TEMPERATURES RANGED FROM 74.2-75.4F AT THE HAND-WASHING AND 3-COMP. SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN HOT WATER PER CITY CODE (100.0F-110F OR HIGHER). PRIORITY 7-38-030(c) 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, Sep 18, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 10, 2026

Fail

7 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

FOUND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. 2 LARGE BOXES (APPROXIMATELY 40LBS VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $60) OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 68.6F-78.8F STORED INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. PIC DENATURED AND DISCARDED OF PRODUCT. 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 temperature
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

FOUND RAW/COOKED TCS FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC BAGS SITTING IN OLD CHICKEN BOXES INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER/FREEZER INSTRUCTED TO NOT REUSE BOXES AND BAGS AND STORE IN FOOD GRADEABLE CONTAINERS THAT CAN BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED. PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED, SEE VIOLATION #33.

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 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

FOUND FOOD HANDLER IN FOOD PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. MAINTAIN SAME.

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 issues
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.

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

FOUND WATER-STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CEILING TILES 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE LIGHTING IN THE TOILET ROOM TO BE VERY DIM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING PER CITY CODE 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 issues
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

FOUND THE FOLLOWING CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2633594, DATED 4/7/2026 NOT CORRECTED AND/OR MAINTAINED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN: -37. SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS LOCATED BY THE WOK COOKING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL SPICES THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING. -47. CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE PREP COOLER HAS DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. -47. STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST OR REPLACE RACKS. MUST MAINTAIN A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE AND RUST-FREE SURFACE. -55. FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, SINKS, STORAGE RACKS AND COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD, DIRT, DROPPINGS AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND STAINS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT. 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 10, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Apr 7, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE PREP COOLER HAS DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, SINKS, STORAGE RACKS AND COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD, DIRT, DROPPINGS AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND STAINS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT. -

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 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS LOCATED BY THE WOK COOKING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL SPICES THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 7, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Mar 30, 2026

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS LOCATED BY THE WOK COOKING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL SPICES THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

RODENT ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES. FOUND 20 RODENT DROPPINGS BY THE GREASE TRAP/UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK; 20 UNDER THE REAR STORAGE RACK; 10 ON THE MEAT GRINDER AND 20 IN THE FRONT UNDER THE STORAGE RACK. PEST CONTROL LAST SERVICE THE PREMISES ON JANUARY 2, 2026. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, CLEAN/SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. 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 insects
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF THE PREP COOLER HAS DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE 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 problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS AND OVEN WITH DROPPINGS, CHARRED BLACK SUBSTANCE, GREASE AND FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FRYERS AND OVEN.

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

FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, SINKS, STORAGE RACKS AND COOLERS WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE, FOOD, DIRT, DROPPINGS AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS. -WALLS AND CEILING WITH GREASE, FOOD, DIRT AND STAINS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT.

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 30, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 11, 2025

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

3-302.12 OBSERVED SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS LOCATED BY THE WOK COOKING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL SPICES THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS IN BETWEEN THE PREP COOLER AND THE PREP TABLE. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN THE TOP LOADER OF THE PREP COOLER THAT IS LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS UNDER THE WOK COOKING STATION AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS UNDER DRY STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 11, 2025 · Original Source

Non-Inspection

Aug 27, 2025

No Entry

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 27, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 3, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEM 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 contamination
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOIL AND CARDBOARD USED AS LINERS ON SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL AND CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN IN WASROOM, FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZER AREAS. 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 problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 3, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 23, 2025

Fail

9 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHEVING UNITS UNDER PREP TABLE, LARGE PAN UNDER UPRIGHT REFRIGERATOR, ON FLOOR AROUND WATER HEATER AND ALONG WALLS IN REAR STORAGE AND WASHROOM AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANTIZE 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 insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEM 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 contamination
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. 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 issues
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS TO PROTECT LIP CONTACT SURFACES FROM CONTAMINATION.

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 FOIL AND CARDBOARD USED AS LINERS ON SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL FOIL AND CARDBOARD FROM SHELVING UNITS TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

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 GREASE BUILUDP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SUFACES OF COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, MICROWAVE , OVEN, TOASTER, BULK CONTAINERS, SINKS. 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 problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE 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 DUST BUILDUP ON VENTILATION FAN IN WASROOM, FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZER AREAS. 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 problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 23, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 7, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

FRONT VESTIBUL AREA IN POOR REPAIR DUE TO CAR ACCIDENT. CORRECT WALLS, CEILING AND WINDOWS. AREA CURRENTLY BOARDED UP.

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 WIPING CLOTH ON COUNTER WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. CORRECT 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 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE WORN DARK CUTTING BOARDS.

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 GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. MAINTAIN CLEAN 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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOME ITEMS FOR DECORATION ON TOP OF A REACH IN COOLER THAT ARE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF DUST BUILD UP. 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 problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

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, Mar 7, 2024 · Original Source

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