⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

CHOPSTICK EXPRESS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

CHOPSTICK EXPRESS 3237 N HARLEM AVE, CHICAGO 60634 Restaurant
March 3, 2021 Canvass License #2202277
15
Total Violations
3
Critical
2
Major
10
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

15
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010,NO CITATION ISSUED.
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: PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE BUT HAS IN-COMPLETE VOMIT KIT SUPPLIES.MISSING ITEM (APPROPRIATE SANITIZER THAT IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS).MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.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 #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL DRY BULK FOOD CONTAINERS/BINS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROX:30 RODENT(MICE)DROPPINGS ON FLOOR ALONG THE WALLS AND IN CORNERS IN THE REAR CLUTTERED DRY/STORAGE ROOMS.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS;ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NOW RECCOMENDED.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.
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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE GROCERY BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE INSIDE WALK-IN-COOLER.MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE FOLLOWING AREAS INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND PREP COOLERS,STORAGE RACKS IN WALK-IN-COOLER WITH DRIED-UP FOOD DEBRIS SPILLS,INTERIOR BOTTOM COMPARTMENTS OF DEEP FRYERS AND KITCHEN STORAGE SHELFS AND SIDES OF HOT COOKING EQUIPMENTS WITH FOOD DEBRIS/GREASE BUILD-UP.
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 #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMENS WASHROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE REAR DRY/STORAGE ROOMS ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE UNUSED EQUIPMENTS AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENTS INCLUDING ON TOP OF THE WALK-IN-COOLER/FREEZER DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE.ALSO,ELEVATE MOPS,BROOMS CLEANING EQUIPMENTS OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST 6" INCHES FOR EASE IN CLEANING.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREP/COOKING AREA ESPECIALLY UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENTS FULL OF GREASE BUILD-UP.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES/OPENINGS BETWEEN FLOOR/WALLS IN THE REAR DRY/STORAGE ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP AND MAINTAIN.
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: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS IN KITCHEN PREP AREAS AND INSIDE THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
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: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS IN KITCHEN PREP AREAS AND INSIDE THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
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