FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
PIE CAFE, LLC Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
May 19, 2022
Canvass
License #2002759
10
Total Violations
2
Critical
3
Major
5
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
10
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INFRONT COFFEE PREP/SERVING AREA.
Why This Matters
Blocked or unsupplied sinks force employees to skip handwashing, spreading fecal bacteria and viruses to food.
Food Code Requirement
Handwashing sinks must be accessible, properly supplied, and used only for handwashing.
Specific Requirements
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.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.12, 6-301.11
Violation #35
MINOR
Violation Details
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE ON FROZEN MEAT. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAINS THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS (IN REAR PREP AREA) IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (FLOUR, SUGAR ETC)
Why This Matters
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
All food properly labeled with required information.
Specific Requirements
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-202.18
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST REACH IN FREEZER (ACROSS 2 COMPARTMENT SINK) WITH EXCESSIVE ICE BUILDUP IN REAR PREP AREA.
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: FOUND NO SANITIZING TEST STRIPS (FOR QUATS/CHLORINE) AVAILABLE FOR DETERMINING SANITIZING CONCENTRATION AT 3 COMPARTMENT SANITIZING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE RACKS (FOR MULTI USE UTENSILS- PANS, POTS, FOOD CONTAINERS ETC) WITH GREASE AND DUST ACCUMULATION IN REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
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 #52
MAJOR
Violation Details
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: FOUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED WASTEWATER BACKING UP FROM ONE COMPARTMENT INTO ANOTHER COMPARTMENT WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM ONE COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED TO FIX. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION ISSUED
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS SPILLAGE BEHIND REAR PREP TABLE IN REAR PREP AREA.
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: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
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: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING LIGHTSHIELD ABOVE REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
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