⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

NIU Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

NIU 332 E ILLINOIS ST, CHICAGO 60611 Restaurant
August 19, 2024 Canvass License #1817131
13
Total Violations
4
Critical
1
Major
8
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

13
Violation #10
CRITICAL
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. CART WAS WITH COOKING UTENSILS IN FRONT OF HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
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 #28
CRITICAL
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SEVERAL CANS OF RAID ROACH ARISOL SPRAY, AND RODENT BAIT BEHIND BAR. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DISCONTINUE USE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-15 CITATION ISSUED
Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.
Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.
Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.
Violation #45
MINOR
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS IN WLK IN COOLER AND WALK IN AND FREEZER STORED IN GROCERY BAGS; INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN SUSHI AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN BAR AREA. WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM 2ND SINK BASIN, WATER BACKS UP INTO 1ST AND 3RD SINK BASINS. INSTRUCTED TO USE 3 COMPARMENT SINK AND DISHWASHER IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BEFORE RE-INSPECTION DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
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 #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR QUATS SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE QUAT CONCENTRATION OF QUATS SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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: NOTED TINFOIL BEING USED AS LINER ON EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD, TINFOIL, OR PLASTIC WRAP FOR LINER ON ANY SHELVING OR EQUIPMENT. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE
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 #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED IN REAR PREP HOOD SYSTEM, BURNED LIGHT WITH WIRES EXPOSED AND MELTED, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED PROTECTIVE SHIELDING BROKEN IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: REAR PREP, WALK IN FREEZER AND DRY STORAGE
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED LIGHT BULB IN FOLLOWING AREAS: MAIN PREP HOOD, WALK IN COOLER, WALK IN FREEZER, AND IN SUSHI AREA.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNED LIGHT BULB IN FOLLOWING AREAS: MAIN PREP HOOD, WALK IN COOLER, WALK IN FREEZER, AND IN SUSHI AREA.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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