PASS W/ CONDITIONS
Risk 2 (Medium)
TOP TAO TEA Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
October 1, 2025
Complaint
License #2863482
8
Total Violations
5
Critical
1
Major
2
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
8
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE TCS FOODS (BUBBA TEA, MELONS, MILK,ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. 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 #5
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT/DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT OR WRITTEN PROCEDURES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE CUSTOMER RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS FOR HANDWASHING SINK. -COS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030-(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
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: OBSERVED BOTH HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS UNACCESSIBLE WITH FOLDERS, BOXES, PAPERS, AND OTHER ITEMS INSIDE OF THE HANDWASHING SINKS DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAKE HANDWASHING SINKS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES TO ALLOW FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. MANAGER REMOVED ITEMS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINKS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING CLEANSER FOR ALL HANDWASHING SINKS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. MANAGER PROVIDED HANDWASHING CLEANSER AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. -COS.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030-(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST REPAIR AND SEAL ALL OPEN HOLES IN THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND DRY STORAGE AREA.
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 #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. ANY FOOD EMPLOYEE WHO IS HANDLING FOOD ITEMS AND IS NOT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
Violation #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES DURING INSPECTION. ANY FOOD EMPLOYEE WHO IS HANDLING FOOD ITEMS AND IS NOT A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST PROVIDE AND KEEP CERTIFICATES ON SITE.
Why This Matters
Smoking contaminates hands and food with nicotine and tar residues.
Food Code Requirement
Smoking prohibited in food establishments.
Specific Requirements
No smoking in any part of establishment; Designated areas away from food; Proper signage posted.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-401.11
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