⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

SHAWARMA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

SHAWARMA (AKA: SHAWARMA INN) 5523 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO 60625 Restaurant
May 27, 2025 Canvass License #1997591
12
Total Violations
1
Critical
3
Major
8
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

12
Violation #15
MAJOR
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS BEING STORED IMPROPERLY INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. RAW BEEF BEING STORED ON TOP SHELVING DIRECTLY ABOVE PREPARED SAUCES. RAW EGGS ON SHELVING DIRECTLY ABOVE FRESH LETTUCE AND CILANTRO. SOME EGGS NOTED CRACKED. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD PROTECTION DURING STORAGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Improper storage allows contamination from dripping, pests, and cross-contamination between foods.
Food must be protected from contamination during storage and display.
Store 6 inches off floor; Cover all food; Separate raw from ready-to-eat; Proper storage order; Protect from overhead contamination; Use sneeze guards.
Violation #23
CRITICAL
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: OBSERVED ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND REACH-IN COOLER SUCH AS HUMMUS, COOKED BEANS, CHICKEN, SOUP ETC NOT DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE. NO LABELS OR DATES OF ANY KIND ON FOODS. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
Inadequate reheating fails to kill bacteria that grew during storage.
Foods must be reheated to 165°F within 2 hours.
Reheat to 165°F within 2 hours; Use proper equipment (not hot holding units); Discard if not reaching temperature in time.
Violation #40
MINOR
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: NOTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD PREPARER'S/FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
Violation #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #43
MINOR
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: NOTED A BOWL INSIDE SALAD AS A FOOD SCOOP. MUST USE A SCOOP WITH A HANDLE AND IF STORED IN FOODS STORED INVERTED.
Improper storage contaminates utensils between uses.
In-use utensils must be properly stored between uses.
Store in food with handle out; On clean surface; In running water; In water at 135°F or above.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: TO GO FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE STORED INVERTED AT THE PREP COOLER.
Clutter harbors pests and prevents proper cleaning.
Facility must be free of unnecessary items and litter.
Remove unnecessary equipment; No litter; Organized storage; No living quarters; Personal items in designated areas.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY.
Poor design creates areas that harbor bacteria.
All surfaces must be designed to be easily cleanable.
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Free of cracks and crevices; Easily disassembled; Accessible for cleaning.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL, CARDBOARD OR RAW WOOD AS LINER FOR EQUIPMENT OR SHELVING THROUGHOUT.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED MISSING BASEBOARD COVING THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE PREP BOX FREEZER. MUST REPLACE.
Deteriorated facilities harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning.
Building must be maintained in good condition.
No holes in walls/ceilings; Doors and windows intact; Fixtures functional; No water damage; Surfaces intact.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INOPERABLE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: INOPERABLE MECHANICAL VENTILATION INSIDE THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.

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
Data sourced from Chicago Open Data Portal - Chicago Department of Public Health inspections