FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
J & J FISH Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 9, 2025
Complaint
License #1305900
16
Total Violations
7
Critical
9
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
16
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FOOD EMPLOYEES SHALL BE INFORMED IN A VERIFIABLE MANNER OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT TO THE PERSON IN CHARGE INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
Food Code Requirement
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Specific Requirements
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-201.11 - 2-201.13
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SOAP AND DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS FOR DRYING HANDS INSTALLED AT UTILITY SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HANDWASHING SOAP AND DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS FOR DRYING HANDS AT UTILITY SINK, A SINK USED FOR DISPOSAL OF MOP WATER MAY NOT BE PROVIDED WITH HANDWASHING AIDS AND DEVICES.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
Each sink needs: Warm water (100°F minimum); Soap in dispensers; Paper towels or air dryers; Waste receptacles; Signage; Clear access; Used only for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #21
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED HOT TCS FOOD(FRIED CHICKEN) HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 69.6-78.4F. INSTRUCTED ALL HOT TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 135F OR ABOVE. OBSERVED THREE CONTAINERS OF FRIED STORED ON SHELF ACROSS FROM FRYER. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $100 WEIGHING 30LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON PREMISES TO ENSURE ATTAINMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 20 LARGE FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED LARGE FLY ACTIVITY IN AREAS SUCH AS DINING AREA, PREP AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LARGE FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 9/9/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON PREMISES, CONTAINING RECORD OF VISITS, CONTRACT WITH LICENSED EXTERMINATOR AND COPY OF SERVICE TICKET THAT SETS FORTH THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY'S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH LICENSE NUMBER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON PREMISES PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C) CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OPENING AT BASE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.
Why This Matters
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
Food Code Requirement
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
Specific Requirements
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.111
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SODA CRATES STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT CASHIER ENCLOSURE AND REAR ON FLOOR OUTSIDE OF WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF OF FLOOR.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON INTERIOR CABINET AND EXTERIOR OF FRYER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF FRYER TO PREVENT ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS AND SOIL ACCUMULATIONS.
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 GREASE, FLOUR AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP ON SHELF TO THE LEFT OF FRYER AND TWO SHELF ROLLING BLACK CART IN PREP AREA AND ON ROLLING BASE UNDERNEATH BLUE BARREL ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SHELF TO LEFT OF FRYER, TWO SHELF ROLLING BLACK CART IN PREP AREA AND ROLLING BASE UNDERNEATH BLUE BARREL ACROSS FROM THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED UNABLE TO VERIFY EXISTENCE OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON UTILITY SINK SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE BEVERAGE COOLERS AND IN FRONT DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL STAINED CEILING TILES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. OBSERVED BROKEN SWINGING DOOR LEADING LEADING INTO CASHIER ENCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN SWINGING DOOR LEADING INTO CASHIER ENCLOSURE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BLACK BUILDUP ON FLOORS AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND AROUND GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS IN DISHWASHING AREA ON FLOORS AND ALONG BASES OF WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND AROUND GREASE TRAP AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MOP DRYING IN INTERIOR OF MOP BUCKET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL MOP DRYING RACK FOR PROPER DRAINING AND DRYING OF MOPS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
Why This Matters
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Building must be maintained in good condition.
Specific Requirements
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHTS IN DINING AREA AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL NION WORKING LIGHTS TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN DINING AREA AND PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED NON WORKING LIGHTS IN DINING AREA AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE ALL NION WORKING LIGHTS TO INCREASE LIGHT INTENSITY IN DINING AREA AND PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
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
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