FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
MEI FOOD Fails Health Inspection - Chicago 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
Violation Details
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.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
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.
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: 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.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING 1 SINK STOPPER FOR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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: 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.
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 #50
CRITICAL
Violation Details
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
Why This Matters
Without proper water temperatures, cannot sanitize or clean properly.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate hot and cold running water required.
Specific Requirements
Hot water 120°F minimum at fixtures; Cold water available; Sufficient pressure; From approved source.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-103.11
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
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.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
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.
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
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