Complaint Re-Inspection
Sep 4, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 4, 2025 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Sweet Rice Chicago
1904 N Western Ave
Last inspected Sep 4, 2025 · 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
5 inspectionsComplaint
Aug 26, 2025
Fail
13 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. BASIN WAS BLOCKED BY A CART, AND IN THE REAR PREP BLOCK WAS BLOCKED BY A BIKE. INSTRUCTIONS WERE GIVEN THAT THE SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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 16Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED A WHITE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT WAS FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. 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 28Chemicals
Official wording
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DORM ROACH POISON, LOCATED IN DISH AREA, AT TIME OF INSPECTION, STORED INSIDE SPRAYER GALLON WITHOUT ANY MARKINGS. INFORMED MANAGER THAT CONTAINERS PREVIOUSLY USED TO STORE POISONOUS OR TOXIC CHEMICALS/MATERIALS MAY NOT BE USED TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR DISPENSE FOOD. PRIORITY VIOLATION # 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelynotedCode 36Equipment and utensils
Official wording
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETERS INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLERS AND DISPLAY COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT PROPERLY.
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 50 LIVE ROACHES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP, UNDER MICROWAVES IN PREP, DISH, BUBBLE TEA PREP, AND DISH STORAGE AREAS. LIVE ROACHES IN CRACKS AND CREVICES AT FRONT & SIDE SERVICE COUNTER, IN LOWER WALL PANEL IN DISH WASHING AREA, ON FLOOR UNDER HOT HOLDING UNIT. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 8/26/25.(PRIORITY 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
NOTED ELECTRIC FLY TRAP HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE PREP TABLE IN PREP AREA BEHIND COUNTER. ACCORDING TO FOOD CODE: Insect control devices shall be installed so that the devices are not located over a FOOD preparation area. MUST RELOCATE EXISTING FLY TRAP DEVICES IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF THIS RULE.
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 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST 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 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED PLATES AND PANS NOT INVERTED AND ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT PLATES AFTER SANITIZING AND AIR DRYING, ONTO STORAGE RACKS.
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 CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN 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 48Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED DISH AREA 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FAUCETS ENCRUSTED IN FOOD DEBRIS, 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 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, REACH IN GASKETS ENCRUSTED IN FOOD DEBRIS. 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 PLASTIC WRAPPED PACKS OF MEAT, AND OTHER FOOD DEBRIS AND SAUCE BOTTELS UNDER COLD HOLDING UNITS FULL OF WHITE AND GREEN MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF MEAT AND ALL FOOD DEBRIS UNDER COLD HOLDING UNITS IN THE PREPARATION AREA.
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 THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING. 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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 26, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 14, 2025
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
FOUND CLUTTER STORED ON FOOD SHELVING UNITS.(TOOLS,STATIONARY,CLOTHES,ETC.)MUST RELOCATE/ORGANIZE.
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 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS.(FLOUR,SUGAR,RICE,ETC)MUST PROVIDE.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 14, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Apr 29, 2024
Pass
1 recorded violation
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON DRYING RACKS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 29, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Apr 16, 2024
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils
Official wording
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector’s notes
FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON DRYONG RACKS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
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
FOUND CLUTTER STORED ON RACKS THAT MUST BE REMOVED.(TOOLS, SHOES,ETC.)MUST REMOVE.
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 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
FOUND BULK FOOD WITH NO LABELS.(FLOUR,SUGAR,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
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 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
FOUND HAND SINK NEXT TO OFFICE NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR WASHING HANDS. REACH IN FREEZER PLACED IN FRONT OF IT.PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-030C.MUST REMOVE/RELOCATE REACH IN FREEZER FROM FRONT OF HAND SINK.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source