FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
LOTUS CAFE & BANH MI SANDWICHES Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
July 1, 2025
Canvass
License #2184200
4
Total Violations
2
Critical
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
4
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU FOR FOODS THAT ARE SERVED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED (SUNNY SIDE UP EGGS AS A SIDE AND ON SUNNY SIDE BEEF SANDWICH). MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE OR DESCRIBE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE ITEMS TO A REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENU BOARD AND ORDERING KIOSK. MUST ADD THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE BEFORE THE REMINDER STATEMENT:"THESE FOODS CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED OR MAY CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS." PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED DIRTY DISHES IN THE LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK AND SANITIZER (200 PPM QAC) IN THE RIGHT COMPARTMENT OF THE 2-COMPARTMENT SINK. THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE USED TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL UTENSILS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025. 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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: THE COLD WATER HANDLE FOR THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS NOT OPERATIONAL. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: THE COLD WATER HANDLE FOR THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK NEXT TO THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS NOT OPERATIONAL. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE HANDLE.
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
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