FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
NOODLES & COMPANY #673 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
January 4, 2018
Canvass
License #2308660
8
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
2
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on January 4, 2018. The inspection type was "Canvass" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 1 (High), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 8 violations during this inspection, including 4 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE - Comments: OBSERVED A PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AT AN IMPROPER TEMPERATURE, 60.1F, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL COOLERS MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). THE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD INSIDE COOLER WAS AT PROPER TEMPERATURE, (36F) FOOD WAS MOVED TO ANOTHER PREP COOLER NEAR BY.
Why This Matters
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Food Code Requirement
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Specific Requirements
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11
Violation #18
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS, CEILING, AND EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FLIES. CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
Why This Matters
Unprotected openings allow pest entry, leading to contamination of food and surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Building openings must be protected against pest entry.
Specific Requirements
Doors tight-fitting and self-closing; Windows screened; Openings sealed; Pest control log maintained; Regular monitoring; Professional service when needed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-202.15, 6-501.111
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED - Comments: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; NOODLES, CHICKEN, ETC., ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS - Comments: MUST CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FRONT WINDOW SILLS.
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 #34
MINOR
Violation Details
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED - Comments: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT & REAR PREP AREAS, AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND MOP SINK. ALSO, CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER & FREEZER.
Why This Matters
Damaged floors harbor bacteria and create safety hazards.
Food Code Requirement
Floors must be smooth, cleanable, and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains; Coving at wall junctures; Kept clean; Good repair.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.13
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS - Comments: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM HOOD AND FILTERS.
Why This Matters
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Food Code Requirement
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Specific Requirements
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-201.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF ICE MACHINE.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED - Comments: MUST REPAIR LEAKY PIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF ICE MACHINE.
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
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