FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
HOUSE OF CHICKEN, INC. Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 4, 2016
License
License #2446260
11
Total Violations
5
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on February 4, 2016. The inspection type was "License" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 11 violations during this inspection, including 5 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: INADEQUATE REFRIGERATION. NOTED ONE REACH IN COOLER ON SITE NOT ON AND OPERATING. ALSO NO OTHER REFRIGERATION ON SITE AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE MORE ADEQUATE REFRIGERATION. ALL UNITS MUST BE ON SITE TO VERIFY THAT THEY WORK PROPERLY.
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 #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION - Comments: NOTED MISSING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE FRONT COUNTER CREATING AN OPENING TO THE CUSTOMER WAITING AREA. MUST FINISH COUNTER OR PROPERLY INSTALL MISSING EQUIPMENT TO PROVIDE A CLEAR SEPARATION BETWEEN THE CUSTOMER AREA AND THE PREPARATION AREA.
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 #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: MUST RODENT PROOF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR ALONG THE BOTTOM AND THE LEFT SIDE. MUST PROPERLY SEAL ENTIRE DOOR.
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: MUST PROVIDE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE OR VALID PROOF OF ENROLLMENT.
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 #24
MAJOR
Violation Details
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED - Comments: THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IS BACKING UP WASTE WATER FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE 1ST AND 3RD COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER TURNED ON IN THE SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities prevent proper cleaning and sanitization of equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must meet design and operational requirements.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink with drainboards; Mechanical dishwasher with proper temperatures; Test strips; Thermometers; Adequate size.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-301.11, 4-501.14
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REMOVE RUST ON THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALSO REMOVE RUST ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP.
Why This Matters
Unapproved processes may lack critical safety controls.
Food Code Requirement
Variance required before conducting specialized food processes.
Specific Requirements
Submit application to CDPH; Include HACCP plan; Await approval before starting; Maintain all required records.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-103.12
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS, SINKS AND THE REACH IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST ALSO CLEAN THE VENT ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THE VENT IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. MUST ALSO REPAIR BROKEN TILES ALONG THE FRONT COUNTER.
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE CUSTOMER WAITING AREA. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
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 #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED IN THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED - Comments: REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS WHERE NEEDED IN THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
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