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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Zalmans

2931 W Touhy Ave

Last inspected Feb 25, 2026 · 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

3 inspections

Canvass

Feb 25, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

9 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO 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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED, AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) 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 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. 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

NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS 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 problems
notedCode 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

NOTED A VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE AND ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE COOLER VACUUM PACKAGED WITH NO PROOF OF HACCP OR VARIANCE PER HEALTH CODE REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT DISCONTINUE THE VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS UNTIL A VARIANCE AND HACCP ARE APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS THAT WERE VACUUM PACKAGED WERE ALSO TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION PASTRAMI AND TURKEY APPROXIMATELY 8LBS OF PRODUCTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 32Other

Official wording

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

Inspector’s notes

NOTED A VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE ON SITE AND ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE COOLER VACUUM PACKAGED WITH NO PROOF OF HACCP OR VARIANCE PER HEALTH CODE REQUIREMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT DISCONTINUE THE VACUUM PACKAGING PROCESS UNTIL A VARIANCE AND HACCP ARE APPROVED BY THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.THE FOOD ITEMS THAT WAS VACUUM PACKAGED WAS ALSO TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION PASTRAMI AND TURKEY ABOUT 8LBS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION#7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION #29.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NOTED HEAVY LEAKAGE AT THE U-JOINT OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR 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 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.

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

NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #58 RULE #PA-100-0367 FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2610976 DATED 1/23/2025 NOT CORRECTED. NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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, Feb 25, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Jan 23, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

15 recorded violations

notedCode 1Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.

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 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

PERSON IN CHARGE DURING THE INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING 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 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 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 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

NOTED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS READY TO EAT TCS PASTRAMI AND TURKEY PREPARED AND PACKAGED ONSITE IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT 38 F WITH NO PRODUCT LABEL, PRODUCTION DATE OR TIME. MANAGER STATES R.O.P FOODS ARE NOT HELD LONGER THAN 48 HOURS. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED THE ABOVE MEATS. REVIEWED R.O.P. LABELING AND HACCP REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS, INCLUDING BULK SALT CONTAINER IN FRONT PREP, MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

NOTED CLEAN UTENSILS HANGING ABOVE THE DIRTY DISH AREA AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CLEAN UTENSIL FROM THE DIRTY DISH SIDE.

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

ALL FOOD PREPARERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS INCLUDING BEARD 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 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, INCLUDING THE BASEMENT STORAGE MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.

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 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INTERIOR OF THE FRONT PREP HAND WASHING SINK WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. MUST 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 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

LEAK UNDER THE DISH AREA 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

FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH DIRT, DEBRIS AND GREASE UNDER SHELVING AND COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----NOTED MISSING CEILING TILES IN SEVERAL AREAS THROUGHOUT THE REAR KITCHEN. MUST REPLACE.----NOTED MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVERS THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT STORAGE. MUST PROVIDE.----OBSERVED POOLING WATER IN SEVERAL AREAS IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE POOLING LIQUID AND REPAIR ANY LEAKS/DRIPS FROM PIPING/SOURCE.

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

NOTED EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING STORED IN DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUST PROVIDE A DESIGNATED NON-FOOD CONTACT AREA FOR EMPLOYEES PERSONAL BELONGINGS.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST 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
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATE FOR THE SANITATION CERTIFICATE NOTED ON THE PREMISES. MUST 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

License

Mar 1, 2024

Pass

2 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN BASEMENT REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND FLOORS INSIDE WATER CLOSET (BY THE STAIRCASE) IN THE BASEMENT.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 1, 2024 · Original Source

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