⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

ATHENA RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

ATHENA RESTAURANT 212 S HALSTED ST, CHICAGO 60661 Restaurant
October 14, 2020 Complaint License #2437279
14
Total Violations
6
Critical
3
Major
5
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

14
Violation #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT PROCEDURE AND INCOMPLETE SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE A COMPLETED POLICY REFLECTING THE SUPPLIES INCLUDED IN ON-SITE SPILL KITS. MUST ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF BOTH A COMPLETED POLICY ALL SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEA TO PROPERLY HANDLE BODILY FLUID SPILLS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT EMPLOYEE BATHROOM HAND WASH SINK AND THE REAR FOOD PREP AHND SINK. THE TEMPERATURE OF WATER WAS 70.0 AND 64.5F AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BROWNISH AND PINK SLIMY SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON INSIDE THE INTERIOR PANEL OF BOTH ICE MACHINE AND DRIPPING ONTO ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMTION. MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005) CITATION ISSUED.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #25
MINOR
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENUS ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENUS REGARDING RAW OR UNDER COOKED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED. (REFER TO HANDOUT)
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR BULK CORN STRACH AND FLOUR STORAGE CONTAINER STORED ON THE DRY STORAGE SEASONING RACK. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP IN THE MIDDLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH HANGING ON THE CUTTING BOARDS AND PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOPE BEING STORED IN A UNCOVERED CONTAINER MOUNTED TO THE WALL NEXT TO THE ICE BIN. INSTRUCTED ON HOW TO PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP BETWEEN USES.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE DOOR PREP COOLER WHERE THE FRIED FOODS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED A BROKEN TEMPERATURE MEASURING GAUGE FOR THE WASH AND SANITIZING CYCLES OF RESIDENTIAL HIGH TEMPERATURE GRADE WAREWASHING MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED. DISH COMPANY REP ARRIVED DURING THE INSPECTION AND FIXED THE DISH MACHINE GAUGE. COS
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: FACILITY USES HI TEMPERATURE SANITIZING DISH MACHINE AND DOESN'T HAVE PROPER TEMPERATURE MEASURING IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR THAT SHALL BE PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections