PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
KIM'S HOME COOKING Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 17, 2025
Complaint
License #2609714
14
Total Violations
4
Critical
3
Major
7
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on June 17, 2025. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Pass w/ Conditions outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 14 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
14
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND WASHING FACILITIES. FRONT PREP HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE. FRESH TOMATOES AND BEVERAGE BEING STORED INSIDE THE SINK. MANAGER REMOVED. REVIEWED THAT HAND WASHING SINKS ARE FOR HAND WASHING PURPOSES ONLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
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 #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED AN EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH THE SINK SET TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE WITHOUT CHLORINE OR QUATERNARY SANITIZER IN THE FINAL RINSE. MANAGEMENT STATES CHLORINE IS USED. 0 PPM CHLORINE NOTED AT THIS TIME. REVIEWED THE PROPER SANITIZATION LEVEL REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY SET THE SINK AND RE-WASH ALL DISHES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
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 #20
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER COOLING OF COOKED BEEF. NOTED A LARGE, DEEP POT OF COOKED BEEF ON THE FLAT TOP GRILL AT 112.6F THAT THE MANAGER STATED WAS COOLING AND COOKED AT 11 AM. REVIEWED PROPER COOLING TIME AND TEMPERATURES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REHEAT BEEF BACK UP TO 165F THEN THE BEGIN THE COOLING PROCESS AGAIN USING SHALLOW PANS, ICE BATHS, QUICK FREEZER CHILLS ETC.TO ACHIEVE 70F WITHIN 2 HOURS THEN TO 41F WITHIN 4 ADDITIONAL HOURS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Slow cooling allows spore-forming bacteria like C. perfringens to germinate and multiply to dangerous levels.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be rapidly cooled to safe temperatures.
Specific Requirements
Cool from 135°F to 70°F within 2 hours, then to 41°F within 4 additional hours; Use shallow pans, ice baths, cooling wands, or blast chillers; Monitor with thermometer.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.14
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED A PAN OF FISH CAKES COVERED WITH PLASTIC WRAP ON TOP OF A CHEST FREEZER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 85.7F. APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #20 FOR CITATION.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON THE COOKS LINE INCLUDING SPICES MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: ALL FOOD HANDLERS/PREPARERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED IN-USE COOKS LINE RICE SCOOPS BEING STORED IN A CONTAINER OF WATER AT A TEMPERATURE OF 80.9F. IF STORED IN HOT WATER, MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 135F OR STORE ON/IN A CLEAN SURFACE/CONTAINER AND WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AS NEED OR EVERY 4 HOURS.
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT PREP AND THE HALLWAY STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL RAW WOODEN SHELVING IN THE FRONT AND REAR KITCHEN MUST BE PAINTED, SEALED AND NON-ABSORBENT.----MUST NOT USE PAPER TOWELS, CARDBOARD OR TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR SHELVING OR EQUIPMENT. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.----NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON THE METAL FRONT DOOR OF THE DEEP FRYER. MUST REMOVE PEELING PLASTIC.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS MATTING FOR FLOORS.
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: MISSING TILE COVING UNDER AND BEHIND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK GREASE TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
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: SOILED MOP HEADS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK INVERTED.
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: SOILED MOP HEADS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK INVERTED.
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
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