FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
TAI HO YEE FOOD CO Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Grocery store
March 29, 2021
Canvass
License #1271753
16
Total Violations
7
Critical
1
Major
8
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
16
Violation #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Food Code Requirement
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
Specific Requirements
Written procedure must address: Isolating contaminated area; Removing and discarding affected food; Using proper PPE; Cleaning and sanitizing with appropriate concentration; Proper disposal of contaminated materials.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-501.11
Violation #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-202.12(A) OBSERVED ONE OUT OF THREE FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINKS NOT MAINTAINING ADEQUATE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE, AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION THE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE WAS 89F AT THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT SAID HAND WASHING SINK MAINTAINS 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
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: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM AT THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A HAND DRYING PROVISION (SUCH AS PAPER TOWELS) IN THE TOILET ROOM AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C)
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: 6-301.14 OBSERVED HAND WASHING SIGN NEEDED IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 #16
CRITICAL
Violation Details
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACE MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
Food Code Requirement
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Specific Requirements
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. OBSERVED ABOUT 40 LBS OF RAW WHOLE DUCKS AND A RAW WHOLE PIG HANGING (DRYING) ON A RACK IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID FOODS AND TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
Why This Matters
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Food Code Requirement
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(1)
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY. OBSERVED ABOUT 10 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE TOILET ROOM AND ABOUT 10 RODENT DROPPINGS UNDER THE CRATES LOCATED BY THE REAR DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).
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 #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: 4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING REUSE AS A SHELF LINER. INSTRUCTED NOT TO RE-USE CARDBOARD.
Why This Matters
Contaminated single-use items transfer pathogens to food and customers.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use items must be protected from contamination.
Specific Requirements
Store in original packaging; Protect from contamination; Handle by non-contact surfaces; Cannot reuse.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-903.11
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-102.11 OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER; INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE IN REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS.
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: 4-101.17 OBSERVED RAW WOOD BEING USED AS A CHOPPING BLOCK FOR COOKED MEATS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL RAW WOOD OR DO NOT USE RAW WOOD MATERIAL FOR A FOOD CONTACT SURFACE.
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: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE COOKING UNITS LOCATED IN THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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 #53
MAJOR
Violation Details
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD GREASE AND DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS IN THE REAR 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA AND IN THE BASEMENT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOOR AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT IN ALL PREP AREAS.
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: 4-202.18 OBSERVED MISSING VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE 1ST FLOOR REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
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: 6-501.14 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE HOOD FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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: 6-501.14 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE DEBRIS ON THE HOOD FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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