⚠️ Recent Failed Inspections ⚠️
PASS W/ CONDITIONS Risk 2 (Medium)

WHALE FISH & CHICKEN Gets Conditional Pass on Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant

WHALE FISH & CHICKEN 5650 W DIVISION ST, CHICAGO 60651
April 11, 2025 Complaint License #2881903
11
Total Violations
3
Major
8
Minor

Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector

11
Violation #35
MINOR
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING; A BOX OF CHICKEN AND A BOX OF FISH THAWING AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW PROPERLY.
Damaged surfaces cannot be properly cleaned and may harbor pests.
Walls and ceilings must be smooth, cleanable, and in good repair.
Smooth, washable surfaces in food areas; Light colored; No holes or cracks; Clean and maintained.
Violation #37
MAJOR
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AND DRY STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS.
Missing allergen labeling can cause severe allergic reactions.
All food properly labeled with required information.
Common name; Ingredients; Allergen declarations; Date marking; Manufacturer info; Net quantity.
Violation #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND CARDBOARD BEING USED AS LINER ON SHELVING UNIT IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
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 #47
MINOR
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS (CHEESE) BEING STORED IMPROPERLY IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY USING FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
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 #54
MAJOR
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE IN SURROUNDING AREA OF OUTSIDE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
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: OBSERVED UNUSED/BROKEN EQUIPMENT BEHIND THE DISPLAY COOLER NEAR THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND IN THE DRY STRORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
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: OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILE AND WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE 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 #56
MINOR
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED LIGHTBULB OUT AT THE OVERHEAD HOOD AT THE GRILL/FRYER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
Poor ventilation causes condensation and grease buildup; inadequate lighting hides contamination.
Proper ventilation and lighting required throughout.
Ventilation prevents condensation; Adequate lighting for operations; Fixtures shielded; Hoods over cooking equipment.
Violation #57
MINOR
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS ON DUTY WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
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