⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 1 (High)

THE NEW CONGRESS PIZZA Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

THE NEW CONGRESS PIZZA 3737 W GRAND AVE, CHICAGO 60651 Restaurant
October 6, 2021 License License #2812759
7
Total Violations
4
Critical
2
Major
1
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

7
Violation #3
CRITICAL
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: OBSERVED 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. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-010. NO 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 #5
CRITICAL
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES TO CLEAN UP VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MUST PROVIDE SUPPLIES OR BODY FLUID SPILL KIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Vomit and diarrhea contain millions of viral particles. One incident can contaminate entire facility and cause outbreak affecting dozens.
Written procedures required for cleaning bodily fluid events to prevent disease transmission.
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.
Violation #33
MAJOR
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE OF 52.8F AND PREP COOLER IN FRONT PIZZA PREP AREA MAINTAINING TEMPERATURE OF 47.1F. ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
Violation #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER TO MEASURE HOT AND COLD FOOD TEMPERATURES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO 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 #48
CRITICAL
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS FOR QUATERNARY AMMONIUM SANITIZER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED SINK IN REGISTER AREA SLOW DRAINING. MUST 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 #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED SINK IN REGISTER AREA SLOW DRAINING. MUST 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.

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