FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
AFRO JOE'S COFFEE & TEA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
December 15, 2023
Complaint
License #2917817
17
Total Violations
5
Critical
4
Major
8
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
17
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICIES BY FOOD HANDLERS AND DISH WASHER SUCH AS OBSERVED MALE EMPLOYEE WASHING DIRTY DISHES AND THEN HANDLING CLEAN DISHES WITHOUT HAND WASHING,ANOTHER MALE EMPLOYEE WIPING CUTTING BOARD WITH WIPING CLOTH AND RUNG OUT TOWEL WITH PLASTIC GLOVES ON AND TOOK OFF GLOVES AND PUT ON ANOTHER PAIR WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED LOW COLD & HOT RUNNING WATER PRESSURE AT HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS 1/4LB COOKED SHORT RIB 118.9F.2LBS. COOKED CHICKEN BREAST 94.6F. INSIDE OF HOT HOLDING UNIT.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. APPX. 2 1/4 LBS. $8.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 127.0F WITH TCS READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 135.0F OR ABOVE. MANAGER HAD MADE AN ADJUSTMENT ON DIAL TO MAKE IT HOTTER NOW IT IS AT 147.8F.(COS)(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (SQUEEZE BOTTLES AND SHAKERS) WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SCOOPS STORED INSIDE OF ICE BIN MUST STORE PROPERLY.
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON STORAGE SHELVES.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR WITH HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #46
MAJOR
Violation Details
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: EMPLOYEES ARE NOT WASH HANDS AND CHANGING GLOVES WHEN NEEDED.
Why This Matters
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.15
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LANDING IN BASEMENT UNDER STORAGE SHELVES,COUNTER TOPS UNDER EQUIPMENT IN FRONT PREP AREA,WINDOW SILLS BEHIND EQUIPMENT IN REAR PREP AREA,LID ON CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST PLACE A LID ON SUMP PUMP IN BASEMENT.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SWINING DOOR DAMAGED IN FRONT PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM WALL AT HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS AND BASEMENT.MUST REMOVE WATER AND SPILLAGE FROM FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE BOXES AND OTHER ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS AND BASEMENT.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Health Department Information
Department
Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
Division
Food Protection Program
Report Issues
Call 311 or File Online
More Information
CDPH Food Protection