FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
PUFFY CAKES Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
November 21, 2025
Canvass Re-Inspection
License #2952342
11
Total Violations
5
Critical
2
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on November 21, 2025. The inspection type was "Canvass Re-Inspection" 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 11 violations during this inspection, including 5 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ONSITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED ALONG WITH THE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS ARE STORED. FACILITY IS NOT OPEN AND OPERATING AT TIME OF RE-INSPECTION NO-CITATION ISSUED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
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 #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGE OF SQUEEZE BOTTLES, 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: 2-402.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: -301.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED UTENSILS (BOWLS,BAKING PANS,ETC) TO LARGE TO BE SUBMERGED INTO 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE SMALLER UTENSILS OR A LARGER SINK.
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: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STORAGE CABINETS,PREP COOLERS.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE TO BE SEEN FOR SERVICING MUST PROVIDE 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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE ARTICLES FROM INSIDE OF MOPSINK BASIN AND ON FLOOR UNDER DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING UNITS AND STORE OFF OF FLOOR.
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 #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
Violation #58
MAJOR
Violation Details
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food Code Requirement
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Specific Requirements
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-103.11
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