Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc

Name: Whale Fish And Chicken Inc
Address: 4955 W Madison St, Chicago, IL

4955 W Madison St

Last inspected Oct 22, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

8 inspections

Short Form Complaint

Oct 22, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

4 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CERTIFICATE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PREMISES COOKS AND SERVES FRIED FISH AND CHICKEN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. 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 issues

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-501.11 OBSERVED GASKETS ON SMALL COLD HOLD UNIT NEAR FRYERS TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

4-602.13 OBSERVED BUILD UP ON SHELVES IN COLD HOLD UNITS ACROSS FROM HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN OR REPLACE SHELVES.

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, Oct 22, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 12, 2025

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

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 problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GASKETS ON SMALL COLD HOLD UNIT NEAR FRYERS TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE 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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BUILD UP ON SHELVES IN COLD HOLD UNITS ACROSS FROM HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN OR REPLACE SHELVES.

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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TRASH AROUND DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA 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, Sep 12, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Oct 1, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.13 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE/OFFICE AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, TRASH ETC. MUST REMOVE BUILT-UP ICE ON WALK-IN FREEZER FLOORS AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

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, Oct 1, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Sep 24, 2024

Fail

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE/OFFICE AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, TRASH ETC. MUST REMOVE BUILT UP ICE ON WALK IN FREEZER FLOORS AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.

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 59Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2602656 ON 9/12/24. . OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWINGS AREAS ON, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN WATER HEATER ROOM, UNDER WIRED SHELVING RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, INSIDE OFFICE ON TOP OF DESK, NOTED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP, ON DRIED KITCHENWARE, ON SURFACES OF CARDBOARD BOXES, FRONT PREP AREA WALLS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED SMALL LIVE ACTIVITY INCREASE TO 70 SMALL LIVE FLIES DURING TIME OF REINSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY 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 finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 24, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Sep 12, 2024

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWINGS AREAS ON, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN WATER HEATER ROOM, UNDER WIRED SHELVING RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, INSIDE OFFICE ON TOP OF DESK, NOTED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP, ON DRIED KITCHENWARE, ON SURFACES OF CARDBOARD BOXES, FRONT PREP AREA WALLS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #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 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

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 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TESTING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GREASE TRAP IN POOR REPAIR AND LEAKING AT THE BASE ONTO FLOOR IN REAR DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-025. 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 problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 12, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Sep 10, 2024

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA HANDSINK WITHOUT HOT OR COLD RUNNING WATER DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED PREP AREA IN USE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. 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 problems

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TESTING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

In plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

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 10, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jan 26, 2024

Pass

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 problems

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

4-101.19 OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINING ON SHELVING UNITS IN THE REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-205.15 OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HANDS SLOW DRAINING AND WATER FILLING UP SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEED HANDLING FOOD.

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

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 OSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

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

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH PUDDLED CHICKEN BLOOD THROUGHOUT, FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOORS ALONGSIDE SIDE OF FRYERS IN FRONT PREP, FOOD SPLATTER IN FRONT PREP NEAR 2 DOOR FREEZER NOTED TRASH AND MISCELLANEUS ITEMS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVING RACKS IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SAID FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.

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, Jan 26, 2024 · Original Source

Complaint

Jan 17, 2024

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

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 problems

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE OFFICE, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID AREA, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. PRIORIT FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

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

OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINING ON SHELVING UNITS IN THE REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HANDS SLOW DRAINING AND WATER FILLING UP SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.

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

OBSERVED FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH PUDDLED CHICKEN BLOOD THROUGHOUT, FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOORS ALONGSIDE SIDE OF FRYERS IN FRONT PREP, FOOD SPLATTER IN FRONT PREP NEAR 2 DOOR FREEZER NOTED TRASH AND MISCELLANEUS ITEMS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVING RACKS IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SAID FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.

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

OBSERVED BURNED-OUT LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD AND IN THE CEILING OF THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING.

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

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

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEED HANDLING FOOD.

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 17, 2024 · Original Source