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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Thimi's Empanadas

1247 S Western Ave

Last inspected Apr 9, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Canvass

Apr 9, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 24Other

Official wording

TIME AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONTROL; PROCEDURES & RECORDS

Inspector’s notes

3-501.19 OBSERVED FACILITY USING TIME AS A TEMPERATURE CONTROL WITHOUT ADEQUATE LOGS. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROVIDE ADEQUATE LOGS WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT, THE INITIAL TEMPERATURE OF THE PRODUCT, THE TIME THE PRODUCT WAS REMOVED FROM THE OVEN, AND THE TIME THE PRODUCT MUST BE DISCARDED. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. 100LBS OF EMPANADAS AT INADEQUATE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 64F-73F, DISCARDED, VALUED AT $350. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

2-402.11 OBSERVED THE MANAGER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITHOUT A HAIR NET/RESTRAINT SUCH AS A CAP. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED THE COLD-WATER KNOB UNABLE TO TURN ON PROPERLY AT THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE BASEMENT AND ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY CLUTTER, ORGANIZE AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER (NEW HIRE) WITHOUT A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE.

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, Apr 9, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 4, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 4, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 26, 2024

Fail

3 recorded violations

notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF REFRIGERATOR AT 60.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD-FOR-INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE UNIT. ONCE REPAIRED, FAX OR EMAIL TO CDPH.MUST HAVE COLD-HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT WITHOUT A LICENSED PEST CONTROL OPERATOR. ALL RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL CONTRACT WITH A LICENSED ILLINOIS EXTERMINATOR WHO SHALL PROVIDE INSECT AND VERMIN SERVICES AT THE ESTABLISHMENT AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. A LOG BOOK SHALL BE KEPT FOR TWELVE (12) MONTHS AND INCLUDE A COPY OF THE SERVICE REPORTS AND THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY’S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC (IDPH) HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(C). 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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

NOTED CLUTTER OF EQUIPMENT AND OTHER UNUSED ITEMS ON FLOORS IN STORAGE ROOMS.MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS TO ALLOW CLEANING AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS.

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, Aug 26, 2024 · Original Source

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