⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
FAIL Risk 2 (Medium)

WHALE FISH AND CHICKEN Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

WHALE FISH AND CHICKEN 4955 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO 60644 Restaurant
September 28, 2020 Complaint License #1356889
8
Total Violations
2
Critical
1
Major
5
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

8
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 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 #36
MINOR
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS. 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 #41
MAJOR
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTH LANYING ON THE PREP COUNTERS. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
Contaminated cloths spread bacteria across multiple surfaces.
Wiping cloths must be properly sanitized and stored.
Store in sanitizer between uses (200ppm quat or 50-100ppm chlorine); Separate cloths for food and non-food surfaces; Test sanitizer concentration.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLERS NEAR THE FRIERS. INSTRUCTED TO 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 #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, SURROUNDING FLOORS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE KITCHEN/PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #49
MINOR
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
Accumulated soil attracts pests and harbors bacteria.
All surfaces must be kept clean.
Clean equipment interiors and exteriors; Walls, ceilings, floors clean; Remove grease and debris; Clean as often as necessary.
Violation #51
CRITICAL
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO HAVE A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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 THE FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO HAVE A LEAK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
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