⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

CAFE HABIBI Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CAFE HABIBI 5445 W DIVERSEY AVE, CHICAGO 60639 Restaurant
July 14, 2025 License License #2997227
12
Total Violations
9
Critical
2
Major
1
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

12
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NOTED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE.
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NOTED NO PROOF OF VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE HOLDER ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH A CURRENT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES AND A VALID CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE WHENEVER TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED, HANDLED AND/OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: "OBSERVED BLANK COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN POLICY WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. "
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 #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NOTED NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT AND NO CORRESPONDING CLEAN UP PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP A CLEAN-UP PROCEDURE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES THAT CORRESPOND WITH PLAN ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO 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: NOTED NO HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDSINKS IN KITCHEN AND AT FRONT BAR/COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 SELF-SERVE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN DINING AREA WITH A BUILD-UP OF BLACK SLIME SUBSTANCE, DRIPPING ONTO ICE CUBES STORED BELOW THE ICE BIN.ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. ALSO BLACK SLIME AT THE EXTERIOR OF THE UNIT BETWEEN THE ICE BIN AND THE TOP PART OF THE UNIT. INTERIOR PLATE OF ICE BIN WITH EXCESS RUST; WHITE SLIME AT ICE DISPENSER NOZZLE OF SAME UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO 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 #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED LOW TEMPERATURE WAREWASHING MACHINE (NOT IN USE) LOCATED IN THE DISH AREA WITH NO CONNECTION FROM SANITIZING SOLUTION TO MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE MACHINE SERVICED TO ENSURE PROPER CONNECTIONS AND DISPENSE OF SANITIZING FOR PROPER USE OF MACHINES SANITIZING CYCLE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. NO 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 #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR QUAT SANITIZER USED AT KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK OR FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER USED IN WAREWASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION FOR ALL CHEMICAL SANITIZERS. 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 #50
CRITICAL
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED A TRICKLE OF HOT WATER AT LEFT FAUCET OF KITCHEN THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. WATER IS NOT SUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO MEET THE PEAK WATER DEMANDS.INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE FACILITY MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED
Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.
Adequate hot and cold running water required.
Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER WITH LID NOT CLOSED DUE TO TRASH OVERFLOW. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TO ENSURE TIGHT FITTING LIDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(B). NO CITATION ISSUED.
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
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 NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
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