⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

MEI FOOD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

MEI FOOD 220 W 31ST ST, CHICAGO 60616 Restaurant
March 31, 2025 Canvass License #2934540
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
3
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
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.
Violation #38
CRITICAL
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. FOUND MICE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR, SHELF AND CANNED GOODS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET. DROPPINGS WERE FOUND ON THE FLOOR UNDER AND SURROUNING THE COOKING EQUIPMENT UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD AND ON THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE AFFECTED SURFACES. RECOMMEND CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
Pests spread numerous diseases through contamination.
No pests or animals allowed in facility.
No evidence of pests; No live animals except service animals; Effective pest control program.
Violation #40
MINOR
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED 3 FOOD HANDLERS WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS, WHILE IN FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING 1 SINK STOPPER FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. ALSO, THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT FOUND WITH GREASE ENCRUSTED ON THE SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #50
CRITICAL
HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER ON SITE. WAREWASHING SINK WATER, HANDWAHSING SINK IN PREP AREA, AT THE HANDWAHSING SINK IN THE TOILET ROOM TEMPERATURES RANGED 69.4-74.0F. HOT WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS SHALL BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PEAK HOT WATER DEMANDS THROUGHOUT THE RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED
Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.
Adequate hot and cold running water required.
Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED THE DOOR TO THE TOILET ROOM NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
Violation #53
MAJOR
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED THE DOOR TO THE TOILET ROOM NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections