⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 1 (High)

CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT MEAT Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT MEAT 1368 1/2 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO 60615 Restaurant
May 30, 2025 Canvass License #2657727
7
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE WITH CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDAITON
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: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 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 #6
CRITICAL
PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE - Comments: OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF BEVERAGE ON SHELF ABOVE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLOSED LID CONTAINERS FOR EMPLOYEE BEVERAGES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
Hands are #1 vehicle for pathogen transfer. Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods causes majority of foodborne outbreaks.
Proper handwashing and no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water; Use utensils, deli tissue, or gloves for ready-to-eat foods; Wash hands after restroom, handling raw foods, touching face/hair, and between tasks.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
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 #45
MINOR
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AREA.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN PREP AREA.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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