⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

CHINA CAFE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CHINA CAFE 2300-2302 S WENTWORTH AVE, CHICAGO 60616 Restaurant
March 18, 2025 Complaint License #2671259
8
Total Violations
5
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #8
CRITICAL
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER RINSE HANDS IN THE SERVICE SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER TO WASH HANDS AT NEAREST HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
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.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED LOW-TEMPERATURE DISHWASHING MACHINE (NOT IN USE) NOT PROPERLY SANITIZING. SANITIZING STRENGTH OF SANITIZER (CHLORINE) AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WAS 0 PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED FOR MAINTENANCE 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 #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT SETTING IT UP TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE AS REQUIRED BY THE CODE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT ALWAYS TO SET UP THE SINK WHEN WASHING EQUIPMENT. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEE SET UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO WASH RINSE AND SANITIZE USING THE CHLORINE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, 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 #35
MINOR
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED WHOLE DUCK BEING THAWED IN A BOWL OF WATER IN THE SERVICE SINK IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/ FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER THAWING METHODS AND MAINTAIN.
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THE AQUARIUM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 DIRT BUILD UP ON THE HAND SOAP DISPENSERS IN NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP ON THE HAND SOAP DISPENSERS IN NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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.

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