PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 1 (High)
LOTUS CAFE & BANH MI SANDWICHES Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
April 12, 2023
Canvass
License #2184200
3
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
3
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND HOT TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE; OBSERVED COOKED RICE INSIDE A HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 128F. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HOT-HOLDING FOODS MUST BE AT 135F OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. FOOD DISCARDED. 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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL. FOUND COOKED TOFU AND COOKED NOODLES AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 54F TO 55F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. REFER TO VIOLATION #21 FOR CITATION. FOOD DISCARDED.
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 #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: FOUND COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES INSIDE THE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER ACROSS FROM THE GRILL. FOUND COOKED TOFU AND COOKED NOODLES AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 54F TO 55F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD-HOLDING TCS FOODS AT OR BELOW 41F. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. REFER TO VIOLATION #21 FOR CITATION. FOOD DISCARDED.
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)
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