FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
LAUGH FACTORY CHICAGO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
February 16, 2012
License
License #2088981
7
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
7
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. MUST TURN ON PREP COOLER AND FREEZER AND MAINTAIN COOLER BELOW 40F AND FREEZER BELOW 0F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
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 #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME - Comments: LOW TEMPERATURE DISHMACHINE IS NOT INSTALLED AT THIS TIME. MUST MAINTAIN CHEMICAL SANITIZER LEVEL AT 100PPM CHLORINE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #12
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA - Comments: Adequate and convenient hand washing facilities shall be provided for all employees. MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AND SOAP AT THE HANDSINK IN THE KITCHEN AND AT THE BAR HANDSINK AND ALL RESTROOMS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
Why This Matters
Missing supplies prevent proper handwashing, forcing inadequate cleaning that spreads pathogens.
Food Code Requirement
All handwashing sinks must have soap and hand drying provisions.
Specific Requirements
Soap in dispensers at each sink; Paper towels in dispensers or air dryers; Supplies maintained during all hours; Waste receptacles if paper towels used.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-301.11, 6-301.12
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: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED ONSITE. MUST PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY OR A SIGNED CONTRACT FROM A LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
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 #19
MAJOR
Violation Details
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED - Comments: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. OBSERVED LID FOR GARBAGE DUMPSTER UNABLE TO BE CLOSED DUE TO A LARGE CABINET PLACED IN THE DUMPSTER. MUST KEEP GARBAGE LID CLOSED AND HAVE ADEQUATE PICKUP SO THAT GARBAGE IS NOT OVERFLOWING ABOVE THE TOP OF THE DUMPSTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates breeding grounds for disease vectors.
Food Code Requirement
Exterior waste areas must be clean and pest-proof.
Specific Requirements
Dumpsters on cleanable pad; Tight-fitting lids; Area kept clean; Grease containers covered; Regular pickup; No overflow.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111, 5-502.11
Violation #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS FOR THE BAR ICE BINS.
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 #32
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PROVIDE ICE BIN COVERS FOR THE BAR ICE BINS.
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
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