FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
PHO VIETNAM Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 5, 2026
License
License #3100513
14
Total Violations
5
Critical
6
Major
3
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on October 5, 2026. The inspection type was "License" 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 14 violations during this inspection, including 5 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
14
Violation #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL SANITIZER ON PREMISES USED TO SANITIZE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. INSTRUCTED CHEMICAL SANITIZER SHALL BE PROVIDED AND AVAILABLE FOR USE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORIOTY VIOLATION.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER WITH NO ASTERISK IDENTIFYING THEM AS SUCH. INSTRUCTED TO ADD AN ASTERISK TO ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT CAN BE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. INSTRUCTED TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED UNDERCOOKED OR COOKED TO ORDER. OBSERVED NO REMINDER STATEMENT ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO ADD REMINDER STATEMENT TO MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
Why This Matters
Dirty surfaces attract pests and can contaminate food indirectly.
Food Code Requirement
Non-food contact surfaces must be kept clean.
Specific Requirements
Clean as often as necessary; Remove grease and debris; Maintain equipment exteriors; Keep walls, ceilings, floors clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11(C)
Violation #33
CORRECTED
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED TWO REACH IN DISPLAY COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN OF 61.7-66.4F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE HELD FOR INSPECTION TAGS PLACED ON TWO REACH IN DISPLAY COLD HOLDING UNITS IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION
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.
Status
This violation was corrected during the inspection.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OPENINGS IN MIDDLE OF DRIVE THRU DOORS, MIDDLE OF LARGE REAR EXIT DOORS ON SAME SIDE AS DRIVE THRU, BASE OF WESTSIDE REAR EXIT DOOR AND OBSERVED LOWER AREA OF MIDDLE REAR EXIT DOOR DAMAGED CREATING OPENING. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE
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: OBSERVED NO BARRIER TO PREVENT CUSTOMERS FROM ENTERING INTO FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BARRIER TO PROTECT FRONT FOOD PREP AREA FROM CONTAMINATION BY PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA INSTALLED ABOVE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE AND REINSTALL PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER SO THAT IT SHALL NOT CONTAMINATE FOOD, UTENSILS OR EQUIPMENT IN ONE COMPARTMENT SINK IN MIDDLE PREP AREA.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO SANITIZING SOLUTION TEST KIT ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE SO THAT IT SHALL BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO HOT AND COLD WATER PRESSURE AT UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE HOT AND COLD WATER PRESSURE TO UTILITY SINK. OBSERVED LEAKING MIDDLE FAUCET AT THREE COMPARMENT SINK NEAR ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE OF WASH COMPARTMENT OF THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NEAR ICE MACHINE. 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 #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GREASE TRAPS INSTALLED ON TWO THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREAS OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GREASE TRAPS ON TWO THREE COMPARTMENT SINKS IN FACILITY SO THAT THEY SHALL BE LOCATED TO BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING.
Why This Matters
Improper disposal contaminates environment and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All waste water must be properly disposed.
Specific Requirements
Discharge to approved sewer; No dumping outside; Grease trap maintained; No floor draining to exterior.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-402.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED OPENING IN REAR OF OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER LID. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER LID AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING LID ON OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
Why This Matters
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Food Code Requirement
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Specific Requirements
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-501.111
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING VENT COVERS ON VENT IN FRONT PREP AREA ABOVE PREP TABLES NEAR COLD HOLDING UNITS AND IN SOUTHSIDE CUSTOMER ALL GENDER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING CEILING VENT COVERS IN SAID AREAS 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 #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENT COVERS OUTSIDE OF HOOD NEAR COOKLINE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
Violation #56
MINOR
Violation Details
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENT COVERS OUTSIDE OF HOOD NEAR COOKLINE IN MIDDLE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Specific Requirements
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11, 6-304.11
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