FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
CEDARS MEDITHERRANEAN KITCHEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
CEDARS MEDITHERRANEAN KITCHEN
(AKA: CEDARS MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN)
1206 E 53RD ST, CHICAGO 60615
Restaurant
October 20, 2017
Complaint
License #1382730
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
3
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON ROLLING CART NEAR REAR DOOR, PREP TABLE NEAR CONVEYOR BELT, LADDER ALONG CONVEYOR BELT, SHELVING UNIT ALONG WEST WALL IN SECOND FLOOR PREP AREA ON FLOOR NEAR WATER HEATER IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE, ON RICE BOXES, CANNED GOODS AND EQUIPMENT ON SHELVING UNITS IN SECOND FLOOR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AND EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #30
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED - Comments: LABEL AND DAE ALL PREPARED FOOD IN WALK-IN COOLERS.
Why This Matters
Improper methods result in slow cooling that allows bacterial growth.
Food Code Requirement
Approved cooling methods must be used.
Specific Requirements
Use shallow pans, ice baths, rapid chill units, ice wands; Cut large items into smaller portions; Stir frequently; Leave uncovered during cooling.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.15
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: REPLACE DAMAGED GASKET ON PREP COOLER DOOR IN FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN ALL AREAS.
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN DISH WASHING AREA. REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS NEAR STAIRWAY. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN STORAGE AREAS.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN DISH WASHING AREA. REPLACE MISSING BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS NEAR STAIRWAY. SEAL ALL OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS IN STORAGE AREAS.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
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