FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
NOODLES AND COMPANY Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 25, 2025
Canvass
License #2152299
6
Total Violations
3
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
6
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL NECESSARY ITEMS NOT ON PREMISES FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN EMPLOYEES RESPOND TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO FOLLOW WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #22
CORRECTED
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 46.6F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, TWO CONTAINERS OF NOODLES HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 46.6F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $4 WEIGHING 10LBS. 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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
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 SMALL TWO DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 52.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON SMALL TWO DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 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 APPROXIMATELY 20 SMALL FLIES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN AREAS SUCH AS DISHWASHING AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 6/25/2025. 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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN AREAS SUCH AS IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR COOKLINE, SHELVING UNIT AND HANDWASHING SINK, REAR PREP NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISHWASHING AREA NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND IN DISHWASHING AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
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 MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN AREAS SUCH AS IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR COOKLINE, SHELVING UNIT AND HANDWASHING SINK, REAR PREP NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISHWASHING AREA NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND IN DISHWASHING AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.
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