FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
NEW ZAIQA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 2, 2025
Complaint
License #2796771
15
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
8
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
15
Violation #15
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: NOTED RAW CHICKEN STORED ABOVE COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOOD (YOGURT) INSIDE REFRIGERATIONS AT THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS STORE COOKED AND READY TO EAT FOODS ABOVE THE UNCOOKED (RAW) FOODS. FOOD MUST ALSO BE COVERED AND PROTECTED. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
Why This Matters
Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.
Food Code Requirement
Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.
Specific Requirements
Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-305.11, 3-302.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE SERVICE COOLERS TO BE IMPROPER:-EGGS 57.9F, RICE 50.9F, CHICKEN 55.7F, POTATOES IN SAUCE 46F, FRIED ONIONS 75.2F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 51 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $400.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005
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 #23
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS, BUT NO MORE THAT 7 DAYS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT WITHOUT THE DISCARD DATE. SUCH FOOD SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED TO INDICATE THE DAY OR DATE BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISE.INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005(A). CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
Why This Matters
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Food Code Requirement
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Specific Requirements
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-403.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 NOTED OVER 15 LIVE ROACHES AND OVER 20 FLYING INSECTS ON WALL, SHELVES, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND REAR STORAGE FOOD STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS, ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT WITH PEST CONTROL COMPANY AND HAVE PREMISES TREATED. 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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATE USED FOR SCOOPING AND SERVING FOOD (RICE) FROM THE HOT HOLDING POT AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TONGS, SERVING SPOONS, OR LADLE FOR SCOOPING FOOD.
Why This Matters
Contamination during preparation is a leading cause of foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Prevent contamination during all food handling.
Specific Requirements
Minimize bare hand contact; Prevent cross-contamination; Use clean equipment; Proper employee hygiene.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-307.11
Violation #43
MINOR
Violation Details
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND FRONT WAITERS STATION NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINNING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
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 #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: NOTED CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS STORED ON THE FLOOR BETWEEN CHEST FREEZER AND 2 DOOR REFREIGERATION UNIT AT THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND CLEAN UTENSILS AT A STORAGE RACK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED ASSORTED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLERS AND REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS FOOD STORED INSIDE GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS INSIDE APPROVED FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED UNFINISHED WOOD USED FOR SHELVING AT THE REAR FOOD/DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SHELVES WITH NON POROUS WOOD THAT ARE EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAINED.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: NOTED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
Why This Matters
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
Food Code Requirement
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-101.11
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: NOTED A LARGE POTS ON PREMISE UNABLE TO FIT INSIDE THE DISH WASHING MACHINE FOR PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING OF EQUIPMENT OR REMOVE EQUIPMENT.
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 FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE AT INTERIOR BASE OF TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT NEAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR BASE OF TWO DOOR COLD HOLDING UNIT NEAR DISHWASHING AREA AND WHERE EVER NEEDED.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGH OUT AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE AND FRYERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, FLOORS AT THE DISH WASHING AREA, SINK OF THE BASEMENT PREP AREA, FLOORS INSIDE THE BATHROOM FLOORS, FLOORS AT THE REAR FOOD DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ESPECIALLY AREAS WITH ROACH AND FLY ACTIVITIES. MUST UPGRADE HOUSE KEEPING.
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: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS THROUGH OUT AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:- FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOKING STOVE AND FRYERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR PREP AREA, FLOORS AT THE DISH WASHING AREA, SINK OF THE BASEMENT PREP AREA, FLOORS INSIDE THE BATHROOM FLOORS, FLOORS AT THE REAR FOOD DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ESPECIALLY AREAS WITH ROACH AND FLY ACTIVITIES. MUST UPGRADE HOUSE KEEPING.
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