FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
HAROLD'S CHICKEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 16, 2025
Complaint
License #2966138
7
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Major
3
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: CLEAN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA, PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES AND DEEP FRYERS.
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 #50
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: NO HOT WATER PROVIDED THROUGHTOUT THE PREMISES. THE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WAS AT 70F. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND ABOVE 100F AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate hot and cold running water required.
Specific Requirements
Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-103.11
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES FOR ANY OF THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
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