⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

BABA SHAWARMA INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

BABA SHAWARMA INC. (AKA: BABA SCAWARMA) 6404 N CALIFORNIA AVE, CHICAGO 60645 Restaurant
November 6, 2024 Canvass License #2934768
10
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

10
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS AT ANY HANDSINKS. MUST PROVIDE.
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 #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED TCS FOODS...BRISKET AT 48.0F AND CHEESESTEAK BEEF AT 55F ON PREP TABLE TOP. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 40LBS OF BRISKET AND 5LBS OF CHEESTEAK BEEF VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $225. INSTRUCTED TO STORE TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
Violation #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED IN-USE KNIFE STORED IMPROPERLY. MUST PROVIDE KNIFE RACK.
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 #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO TEST STRIPS FOR TESTING SANITIZING SOLUTION. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. 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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR OF COOLERS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAITNAIN.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN TOILET ROOM. MUST PROVIDE.
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD ON FLOORS BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND ALONG WALLS IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES PREPARING TCS FOODS WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST OBTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES PREPARING TCS FOODS WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING. MUST OBTAIN.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.

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