FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
SMOOTHIE KING Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
September 22, 2026
Complaint
License #3036838
5
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
Inspection Summary
This restaurant was inspected by the Chicago Department of Public Health on September 22, 2026. The inspection type was "Complaint" and resulted in a Fail outcome.
This establishment is classified as Risk 2 (Medium), which determines the inspection frequency and focus areas.
The inspector documented 5 violations during this inspection, including 2 critical violations that required immediate attention.
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
5
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AFTER THE WALK THROUGH OF FACILITY AND PROVIDED SERVSAFE FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE WITH EXAMINATION DATE IN 2025. INSTRUCTED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. 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 #36
MINOR
Violation Details
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN THE MINI REFRIGERATOR CLOSEST TO THE REGISTER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Food Code Requirement
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
Specific Requirements
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
CDPH Food Code: Section 6-303.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 OR MORE SMALL FLIES ON SITE. SMALL FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON CLEAN FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, ON SHELVES IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA, ON THE CEILINGS IN THE REAR AND FRONT AREAS, IN THE BOXES WHERE DISPOSABLE CUPS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 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 #39
MAJOR
Violation Details
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED ICE CONTAINER AT FRONT SERVING LINE NOT COVERED WHILE NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO COVER TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMIANTION.
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 ICE CONTAINER AT FRONT SERVING LINE NOT COVERED WHILE NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO COVER TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMIANTION.
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
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