FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
MOLE VILLAGE RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
July 24, 2025
Canvass
License #2646241
11
Total Violations
5
Critical
3
Major
3
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER HAND CLEANING PROCEDURE. OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER RINSE HAND WITHOUT USING SOAP AND DRIED HANDS ON A WIPING CLOTH. OBSERVED ANOTHER FOOD HANDLER RINSE HANDS WITH GLOVES ON AND ON ANOTHER OCCASION RINSED HANDS WITHOUT SOAP AND USED A WIPING CLOTH FOR A HAND DRYING PROVISION. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY WASH BARE HANDS WITH SOAP AND USE AN ADEQUATE HAND DRYING PROVISION. PRIORITY 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FOOD PREP AREA. HANDWASHING SINK FOUND NOT BEING USED; FOOD HANDLERS WERE OBSERVED USING THE SERVICE SINK, UNTIL REPAIRED, PER MANAGER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR HANDWASHING SINK, SO THAT IT HAS HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL TIMES AND MAINTAINED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C), 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: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS ON SITE. FOUND IN A REFRIGERATOR RAW, WHOLE CHICKENS AT 51.8�F. TWO CONTAINERS OF RICE (53.4�F), RAW SHRIMP (53.0�F), PORK STEW (53.7�F), TWO CARTONS OF HALF AND HALF (59.8�F), SOUR CREAM (52.5�F), DICED TOMATOES (50.4�F), ALL FOUND IN THE LARGE PREP COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING FOODS MUST BE 41�F OR BELOW. APPROXIMATELY 85LBS OF PRODUCT WERE DISCARDED AT $197 WORTH OF PRODUCT. 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 #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF PREP COOLER AT 55.0F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE. A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG WAS PLACED ON THE UNIT. PLEASE REVIEW COMMENTS FOR TAG REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41.0�F OR BELOW. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE COLD HOLDING UNITS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES FROM FACILITY 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 #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED THROUGHOUT FACILITY FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE 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 #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED TONGS STORED ON THE HANDLE OF THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE TO AVOID POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
Why This Matters
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
Food Code Requirement
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Specific Requirements
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.12
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED BOWLS BEING USED AS SINK STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THREE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS. 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 PREP TABLE NEXT TO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WITH SLIGHT BUILD UP OF FOOD. ALSO, THE LOWER COMPARTMENTS UNDER THE FLAT TOP GRILL WITH BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD. 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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE BASEMENT, IN THE ENTIRE REAR PREP AREA (ESPECIALLY BEHIND COLD HOLDING UNITS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALSO THE WALLS NEAR THE PREP COOLERS AND HANDWASHING SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP 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: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE BASEMENT, IN THE ENTIRE REAR PREP AREA (ESPECIALLY BEHIND COLD HOLDING UNITS AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. ALSO THE WALLS NEAR THE PREP COOLERS AND HANDWASHING SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEEP 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
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