FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LEE WING WAH Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
March 30, 2021
Canvass
License #2202688
18
Total Violations
9
Critical
2
Major
7
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
18
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION WRITTEN UNDER VIOLATION #2.
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER NOR VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
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 #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
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 #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AT THE FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT THE HAND WASHING SINK AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
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 #14
CRITICAL
Violation Details
REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments: 3-202.18(A) OBSERVED NO SHELLSTOCK IDENTIFICATION TAGS FOR CLAMS LOCATED IN THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SHELLSTOCK IDENTIFICATION TAGS AT ALL TIMES FOR SHELLFISH. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID SHELLFISH. EMPLOYEE DISCARDED SHELLFISH DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Uncorrected violations continue posing health risks and often worsen over time.
Food Code Requirement
Previous critical violations must be corrected.
Specific Requirements
All previous violations corrected within required timeframes; Critical violations corrected immediately; Documentation of corrections maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 8-401.10
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL.
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 #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (COOKED BEEF, COOKED CHICKEN) HELD IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL TCS RTE FOODS THAT ARE HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO PROPERLY TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 OBSERVED BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED; MUST PROVIDE LABELS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE NAME OF PRODUCT STORED INSIDE OF CONTAINER. OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR SALT SUGAR AND MSG CONTAINERS LOCATED BY THE WOK STATION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE RODENT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 40 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED IN A DRY STORAGE ROOM AND ABOUT 15 RODENT DROPPINGS LOCATED BY THE KITCHEN DOOR IN THE DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A).
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: 2-402.11 OBSERVED FEMALE FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS ON THE ENTIRE WOK STATION, INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, ON ALL REFRIGERATION UNIT DOOR HANDLES, EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS AND ON ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED ICE DEBRIS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE ALL OF THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS. 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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED ON FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. SOME GREASE OBSERVED ON WALLS FROM HOOD VENTS, DUST OBSERVED ON CEILING VENTS; CLEAN WALLS AND VENTS.
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: 6-501.11 OBSERVED A BUSTED SEAM AT THE TOP RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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: 6-501.14 OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT; CLEAN TO REMOVE GREASE.
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: 6-501.14 OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP FROM VENTILATION SYSTEM ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT; CLEAN TO REMOVE GREASE.
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