⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

THE GREEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THE GREEN 2131 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO 60614 Restaurant
July 1, 2024 Canvass License #2845744
17
Total Violations
7
Critical
3
Major
7
Minor
1
Corrected On Site

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

17
Violation #1
CRITICAL
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: NOTED PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
Violation #2
CRITICAL
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES AT TIME OF INSPECTION AND WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING HANDLED. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP, COOKING, SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
Lack of certification indicates potential gaps in food safety knowledge, increasing risk of improper food handling and foodborne illness.
Valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate required and must be posted.
Certificate must be: Current and valid; Posted conspicuously in public view; Held by person in charge during all operating hours; Renewed before expiration date.
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NOTED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED
Ill food workers cause 70% of foodborne outbreaks. Proper reporting prevents transmission of Norovirus, Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and other serious diseases.
All food employees must understand and follow health reporting requirements and food safety responsibilities.
Employees must: Report illness symptoms and exposures; Be excluded/restricted when ill; Understand their role in preventing foodborne illness; Follow proper hygiene practices; Have signed health policy on file.
Violation #16
CRITICAL
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: NOTED ICE BIN NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
Dirty equipment harbors and spreads pathogens, causing cross-contamination and illness.
All food contact surfaces must be properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash, rinse, sanitize after each use; Clean between different raw foods; Every 4 hours for continuous use; When contaminated; Proper procedures and chemicals.
Violation #21
CRITICAL
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD CHEESE SAUCE AND BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP IN HOT HOLDING UNIT AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 103.6 F - 106.5 F. APPROXIMATELY 2 LBS VALUED $25 DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
Violation #22
CRITICAL
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD CHEESE SAUCE AT 64.9 F STORED IN REACH-IN COOLER. APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS VALUED $25 DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
Temperatures below 135°F allow bacteria to multiply, especially spore-formers that survive cooking.
Hot foods must be held at 135°F or above.
Maintain 135°F or above; Check temperatures regularly; Proper hot holding equipment; Cannot reheat in hot holding units.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NOTED NO WORKING METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF COOKED, DELIVERED AND SERVED TCS FOODS. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
Inadequate lighting prevents detection of contamination and pests.
Adequate protected lighting required in all areas.
50 foot-candles at prep surfaces; 20 foot-candles at 30 inches in storage; Shielded bulbs over exposed food; Clean fixtures.
Violation #44
MINOR
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED - Comments: NOTED DISHWARE THROUGHOUT KITCHEN STORED RIGHTSIDE UP. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.
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: NOTED CUTTING BOARDS AT DELI COOLER AND PREP AREA WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE OR REPLACE.
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 #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NOTED LOOSE HOT WATER HANDLE AT DUMP SINK TO THE LEFT OF KITCHEN HANDWASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
Violation #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: NOTED SHARED ENCLOSED REFUSE AREA WITH LARGE BOXES AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ALONG THE WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO DISCUSS MAINTENANCE WITH BUILDING OWNER. FACILITIES NOT MAINTAINED IS A SOURCE FOR PEST HARBOAGE.
Poor waste management attracts pests and creates contamination sources.
Refuse must be properly contained and removed.
Leak-proof, pest-proof containers; Tight-fitting lids; Clean storage areas; Frequent removal; Containers cleaned.
Violation #55
MINOR
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON DOOR AT GUEST RESTROOOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
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 VENTS IN ALL BATHROOMS (GUEST AND EMPLOYEE) WITH ACCUMUALTED DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 CLUTTER ON THE FLOORS, IN BETWEEN DRY FOOD STORAGE RACKS AND ICE MACHINE, AND IN FOOD "OVERFLOW"/ LIQUOR CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS. ELEVATE ANY KEPT ITEMS A MINIMUM OF 6 INCHES OFF THE GROUND.
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 #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NOTED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAININGN AND MUST MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON SITE.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.
Violation #58
MAJOR
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAININGN AND MUST MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION ON SITE.
Inadequate allergen knowledge can cause life-threatening allergic reactions.
Food allergen training required for certified managers.
Certified managers must complete allergen training; Staff must understand major allergens; Prevent cross-contact; Respond to customer inquiries.

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