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

GREAT BUFFET Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

GREAT BUFFET 2531 W CERMAK RD, CHICAGO 60608 Restaurant
September 19, 2024 Canvass Re-Inspection License #2068788
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSONS IN CHARGE MUST OBTAIN A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE, MUST POST SAID CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
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: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, SHRIMP) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
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 #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11 OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARD ATTACHED TO A PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STAINS OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD.
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 #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 OBSERVED SPICES OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING IN CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAMES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN AND INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS, FRYERS AND WOK STATION. OBSERVED RUST ON THE SHELVES IN A 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REMOVE RUST.
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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: 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING BY THE WOK STATION IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING INTENSITY 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: 6-303.11 OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING BY THE WOK STATION IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING INTENSITY 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.

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