FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
HAPPY CAFE OF CHICAGO, INC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
January 10, 2024
Canvass
License #2575269
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
3
Major
2
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COOKED PORK STORED AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF THE A 27 GALLON TOTE STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE PORK WAS 87.8F. MANAGER DENATURED AND DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 200LBS AT $450 WORTH PRODUCT. MUST COMPLY WITH THE HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT OF 135F OR ABOVE AND INSIDE ADEQUATE HOT HOLDING UNITS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS. OBSERVED RAW PORK IN A 27 GALLON TOTE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AT 67.5F. ALSO OBSERVED PORK (49.7-50.7F), 10 EGGS (51.2F), CHICKEN GARLIC (48.9F) STORED INSIDE A PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE VENTILATION HOOD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROX. 10 LBS AT $40 PRODUCT. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. APPROX. 10 LBS AT $40 PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION #21
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF FOOD ITEMS NOT LABELED UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS ON ALL FOOD ITEMS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED POTATOES AND ONIONS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PIPES OF THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE FOOD ITEMS AND REFRAIN FROM STORING FOOD ITEMS UNDER PIPES OF EQUIPMENT.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: OBSERVED CLEAN PLATES STORED UNDER ON THE EXPEDITOR TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA NOT WITH FOOD RESIDUE AND NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT SAID PLATES IN ORDER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATING THE PLATES.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DRIED UP LIQUID SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DRIED UP LIQUID SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID FLOORS.
Why This Matters
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.13
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