FAIL
Risk 1 (High)
TROPIC ISLAND JERK CHICKEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
June 5, 2025
Canvass
License #2762149
17
Total Violations
5
Critical
4
Major
8
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
17
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN REACH-IN COOLER, COOKED CABBAGE (59.4F-57.9F), COOKED PASTA (57.9F), COOKED SPAGHETTI (57.3F). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 50LBS AND $80 OF FOOD. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY AND SERVICE. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
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 #33
MAJOR
Violation Details
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED REACH-IN COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE (60.2F) IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
Why This Matters
Dirty equipment harbors bacteria and attracts pests.
Food Code Requirement
All equipment and utensils must be clean and properly maintained.
Specific Requirements
Equipment clean to sight and touch; Free of food debris and grease; Maintained in good repair; Stored properly when clean.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-601.11
Violation #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP AT BOTTOM OF FRONT AND REAR DOORS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOORS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 200 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER AND STEAM TABLE, ON TABLE NEAR REGISTER, ON ELECTRICAL OUTLETS, PIPING, BULK CONTAINERS, HOLDING UNITS, BOXES OF SEASONING, ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, OFFICE AND FURNACE ROOMS. OBSERVED NUMEROUS FLYING INSECTS IN MEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 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 #38
CRITICAL
Violation Details
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED DEAD MICE AND NUMEROUS DEAD ROACHES ON GLUE BOARDS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL DEAD MICE AND ROACHES.
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 FOOD ITEMS NOT COVERED IN STORAGE AREAS. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COVER AND ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
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 #41
MAJOR
Violation Details
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
Why This Matters
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Food Code Requirement
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Specific Requirements
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.14
Violation #45
MINOR
Violation Details
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AND SERVING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
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: OBSERVED EXPOSED INSULATION AND TOP COVER IN POOR REPAIR ON CHEST FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS.
Why This Matters
Cannot verify sanitization without test strips, risking contaminated equipment.
Food Code Requirement
Warewashing facilities must be properly equipped and supplied.
Specific Requirements
3-compartment sink or dishwasher; Test strips for sanitizer; Thermometers for water temperature; Adequate drainboards; Proper detergents.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-302.14
Violation #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DUST, DIRT AND DEBRIS ON CEILING TILES, CEILING VENTS, LIGHT SHIELDS, WALLS AND FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING VENT COVER IN FRONT SERVING AREA, MISSING/DAMAGED BASEBOARDS, AND OPENINGS IN WALLS, CEILINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS AND AROUND PIPE FITTINGS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND REPLACE MISSING VENT COVERS AND BASEBOARDS IN ALL 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 #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOP HEADS TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
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: OBSERVED INADEQUATE LIGHTING IN WOMEN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
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 #57
MINOR
Violation Details
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINNG FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
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: OBSERVED MISSING FOOD HANDLER TRAINNG FOR EMPLOYEES. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
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