FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LET'S EAT TO LIVE Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
December 13, 2023
Complaint
License #2863029
20
Total Violations
7
Critical
4
Major
9
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
20
Violation #3
CRITICAL
Violation Details
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT/DIARHHEA CLEAN UP KIT OR POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN POLICY AND KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. KIT MUST BE READILY AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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: OBSERVED NO HAND TOWELS OR ANY OTHER MEANS OF DRYING HANDS AT HAND SINK AT THE DISH MACHINE AREA. HAND DRYING DEVICES MUST BE AT ALL HANDWASH STATIONS AT ALL TIMES TO PROPER WASH AND DRY HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 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 #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. TEMPERATURES ARE RANGING FROM 45-57 DEGREES. MAC N CHEESE PAN, MASHED POTATOES, YELLOW RICE, COOKED BRUSSEL SPROATS, COOKED CHICKEN PATTIES, CHICKEN LEGS, ETC... ALL FOOD ITEMS HAVE BEEN DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. APPROX 50 LBS TOTAL APPROX VALUE $250.00 PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED OR POSTED ON MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT MAYBE CONSUMED UNSER COOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSUMER ADVISORY AND REMINDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO STEM THERMOMETER OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF MEASURING DEVICE ON SITE TO PROPERLY MEASURE TEMPERATURE OF FOOD ITEMS. ALL FOOD THAT IS BEING COOLED AND STORED MUST BE AT PROPER TEMPERATURE FOR STORAGE. 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: REAR EXIT DOOR IN NEED OF RODENT PROOFING. LARGE SPACE BETWEEN FLOOR AND DOOR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: ICE MACHINE ON SITE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SAMITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: RUSTY SHELF AT BOTTOM OF TABLE AT REAR DISH MACHINE AREA IN NEED OF REMOVING OR REPAIRING. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO TEST SANITIZING RINSE SOLUTION AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN STRIPS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP AND GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AREAS OF OOKING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.
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: ALL TABLE LEGS AND WHEELS ON ALL EQUIPMENT WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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: LEAKS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK P-TRAP. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
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: FLOORS AND WALLS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD SPILLS INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN 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: COVING UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. CORRECT 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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN 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 #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: SEE VIOLATION #60
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: SEE VIOLATION #60
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
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