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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Ya Ya Mas

1755 N Sheffield Ave

Last inspected Mar 4, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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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

5 inspections

Complaint

Mar 4, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

7 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

WALL MOUNTED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER IN THE REAR DISH AREA MUST BE MOVED TO BE ACCESSIBLE TO THE HAND WASHING 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 problems
notedCode 21Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS STUFFED SPINACH AND CHEESE PIES UNDER HOT LAMPS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA HELD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF 80.6F AND 104.7F. ALL DISCARDED. REVIEWED PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS OR USING TIME AS A MEANS OF CONTROL. 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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

MUST INSTALL A SPLASH GUARD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.----MUST NOT STORE CLEAN UTENSILS HANGING DIRECTLY ABOVE THE UTILITY MOP SINK. MUST PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN AREA.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS INCLUDING THE EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGS IN THE REAR.

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

MUST NOT USE MILK OR SODA CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS AND INSIDE THE WALK-IN FREEZER.

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

MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER UNDER THE OVEN. MUST BE A SMOOTH, 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

SOILED MOP HEADS MUST BE STORED INVERTED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.

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 4, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Feb 3, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

2-102.13 - OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WORKING AT TIME OF INSPECTION WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING, AND ALL NEW HIRES RECEIVE TRAINING 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, Feb 3, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 27, 2025

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. UPON TURNING THE LEFT HANDLE, NO WATER PRESSURE AVAILABLE. HANDLE TURNS WITHOUT ENGAGING OR TURNING ON. TURNED ON RIGHT HANDLE, AND ONLY COLD WATER WAS AVAILABLE EVEN AFTER RUNNING THE WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HOT WATER IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F. PRIORITY 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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPONENTS IN TO BE HEAVILY SOILED AND COVERED WITH A BLACK AND GREY SUBSTANCE ON INTERNAL COMPONENTS FOR CREATING AND STORING ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANTITIZE, AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. 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 problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXES OF FOOD ITEMS AND DRINKS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK IN FREEZER AND THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE CLEANING.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WORKING AT TIME OF INSPECTION WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES COMPLETE AND MAINTAIN PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING, AND ALL NEW HIRES RECEIVE TRAINING 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, Jan 27, 2025 · Original Source

License Re-Inspection

Feb 5, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

5-204.12--BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT COFFEE ESPRESSO MACHINE. MUST INSTALL SO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 5, 2024 · Original Source

License

Feb 2, 2024

Fail

6 recorded violations

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN EXHAUST HOOD/LARGE OVEN AND SIDE EXHAUST FAN TO REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF HANGING DUSTS 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 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED GAP APPROX: 1 INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM OF REAR EXIT DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN.

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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WATER LEAK AT BASE OF FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER PLUMBING LEAK AND MAINTAIN.

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 52Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED WASTE WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3- COMPARTMENT WHILE DRAINING WATER FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT,WASTE WATER BACKS UP INTO RIGHT AND LEFT COMPARTMENTS OF THE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK AND WATER SLOWLY DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SO THAT WASTE WATERS ARE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C).

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 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. ALLERGEN TRAINING IS REQUIRED FOR ALL EMPLOYEES THAT HAVE A CITY OF 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 issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 2, 2024 · Original Source

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