FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
ELLEN'S KITCHEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 8, 2010
License
License #2021278
6
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
1
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on June 8, 2010. The inspection type was "License" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 6 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F.
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE - Comments: All food establishments shall be provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold water under pressure properly connected to the city water supply.
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
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: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
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