FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
ROMA'S RESTAURANT Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
March 10, 2023
Complaint
License #2289197
23
Total Violations
9
Critical
5
Major
9
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
23
Violation #9
CRITICAL
Violation Details
NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH RTE FOOD OR A PRE-APPROVED ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE PROPERLY ALLOWED - Comments: OBSERVED BARE HAND CONTACT WITH (TCS)READY TO EAT FOODS SUCH AS (PANCAKES AND BACON)OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER PICK UP BACON FROM NAPKIN AND PLACED HANDS ON TOP OF PANCAKES THAT WERE BEING REMOVED FROM GRIDDLE AND PLACED IN STYROFOAM CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO USE GLOVES,DELI PAPER OR TONGS TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOODS.PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY MANAGER.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED)
Why This Matters
Contaminated water spreads waterborne diseases. Insufficient hot water prevents proper sanitization.
Food Code Requirement
Potable water supply must be adequate, protected, and properly heated.
Specific Requirements
Water from approved public system; Sufficient pressure for all operations; Hot water minimum 120°F at fixtures, 180°F for high-temp dishwashers; Backflow prevention installed; No cross-connections.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-101.11, 5-103.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN BAR AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE.OBSERVED A PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH PLASTIC BAGS STORED INSIDE OF HAND SINK BASIN.ARTICLES WERE REMOVED DURING INSPECTION.MUST KEEP ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICE AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA. PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN BAR AREA. SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION)
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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK AT BAR HAND SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #25
MINOR
Violation Details
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY REMINDER ON MENU OF CONSUMING RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)
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 #28
CRITICAL
Violation Details
TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TOXIC ITEMS STORED WITH AND NEAR FOODS SUCH AS A SPRAY BOTTLE WITH WATER AND BLEACH INSIDE A PAN NEAR HOT HOLDING UNIT,A CAN OF ROACH SPRAY AND WD- 40 ON SHELVING UNIT NEXT AND IN BETWEEN SEASONINGS ON DRY FOOD STORAGE AREA. ITEMS WERE REMOVED DURING STORAGE.MUST KEEP SEPERATED FROM FOOD AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Why This Matters
Unpasteurized products can contain dangerous pathogens.
Food Code Requirement
Only pasteurized dairy and eggs in certain situations; no prohibited foods.
Specific Requirements
Pasteurized eggs for recipes not fully cooked; Pasteurized dairy products; No home-prepared foods.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-401.11
Violation #37
MAJOR
Violation Details
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
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: OBSERVED AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 50 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON TOP AND IN CREVICES OF DISH MACHINE,ON WHEEL BASES OF 2 & 3 DOOR REACH IN COOLERS AND DOOR GASKET OF 2- DOOR PREP COOLER,OVERHEAD SHELVING UNIT ABOVE 3- COMPARTMENT SINK,IN BETWEEN CRACKS AND CREVICES OF WOOD ON UNDERSIDE OF BAR AREA AS WELL AS SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES.ALSO,AN INFESTATION OF APPX. 300 OR MORE RAT DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH BOOTH SEATS IN BAR AREA,UNDER ICE MACHINE AT SERVICE STATION AND SCATTERED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREP AREA UNDER ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES CRAWLING ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN BAR SIDE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILET ROOMS.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 3/10/23.(PRIORITY 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF RESTAURANT FRONT DOOR AND BAR SIDE ENTRY DOOR NOT ABLE TO CLOSE TIGHTLY.MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.
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 #44
MINOR
Violation Details
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES AND PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT.
Why This Matters
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Food Code Requirement
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Specific Requirements
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-501.114
Violation #46
MAJOR
Violation Details
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLER HANDLING FOODS WITH BARE HAND CONTACT.
Why This Matters
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.15
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON 2- DOOR PREP COOLER AT WAIT STATION AREA,TORN BOOTH SEATS IN DINING 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 #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SOILED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM USED AND UNUSED COOLERS THROUGHOUT,MEAT SLICER,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT,PREP TABLES,FRYER CABINETS,WHEEL BASES AND LEGS OF ALL EQUIPMENT,OVENS AND STOVE,DEAD INSECTS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN,INTERIOR OF DISH MACHINE DELIME.MUST DEFROST CHEST FREEZER.
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: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT HAND SINK IN WOMEN'S BAR AREA TOILET ROOM .
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO GARBAGE CAN WITH LID IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM BAR AREA.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED A STRONG SMELL OF URINE IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM ON BAR SIDE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate facilities lead to poor hygiene and contamination.
Food Code Requirement
Toilet rooms must be properly equipped and maintained.
Specific Requirements
Self-closing doors; Toilet paper; Covered waste receptacles; Handwashing supplies; Cleaned regularly; Proper ventilation.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-302.11
Violation #54
MAJOR
Violation Details
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED A BOX BEING USED FOR GARBAGE IN MAIN PREP AREA MUST ELIMINATE BOX AND PROVIDE A GARBAGE CAN.
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: MUST CLEAN WALLS IN KITCHEN FROM FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP.
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: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FLOOR MATS IN PREP AREAS,FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
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: MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,HOLES AND OPENINGS UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA,GAP ALONG WALL BASES IN DINING AREA,DOOR FRAMES AND TRIM LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN BAR AREA(SEATING ,HALL WAY, POOL TABLE),KITCHEN,VESTIBULE LOOSE WALL BASES,SERVICE COUNTER GAPS IN WOOD 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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,HOLES AND OPENINGS UNDER 3- COMPARTMENT SINK IN MAIN PREP AREA,GAP ALONG WALL BASES IN DINING AREA,DOOR FRAMES AND TRIM LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED AND BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN BAR AREA(SEATING ,HALL WAY, POOL TABLE),KITCHEN,VESTIBULE LOOSE WALL BASES,SERVICE COUNTER GAPS IN WOOD 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
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