PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 2 (Medium)
BUFFALO SAM Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
April 24, 2025
Complaint
License #2918214
7
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE WHILE PREAPRING AND SERVING, CHICKEN, FISH, SHRIMP, BURGERS, SLICED TOMATOES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE POSTED OR NECESSARY ITEMS OUTLINED IN THE POLICY AVAILABLE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN OCCUR IN THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED 3 FOOD HANDLERS WASHING HANDS IMPROPERLY IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL ONLY WASH HANDS IN THE HANDWASHING SINK ONLY AS REQUIRED, NOT WHERE FOOD PREP OR WAREWASHING TAKES PLACE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
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 NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK LOCATED IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 APPROXIMATELY 35 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN WINGS AND FISH FILETS STORED IN BULK CONTAINERS ON PREP TABLE SHELF DURING TIME OF INSPECTION AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 70�F-82�F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO HOLD ALL TCS HOT FOODS AT 135�F OR HIGHER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. THE PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD ITEM AT THIS TIME. TOTAL COST OF DICARDED FOOD @$100.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL FOOD HANDLERS OPERATING WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
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