FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
WHITE CASTLE #53 Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
November 21, 2024
Canvass
License #28479
12
Total Violations
5
Critical
3
Major
4
Minor
1
Corrected On Site
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
12
Violation #8
CRITICAL
Violation Details
HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTIES BY BOTH FEMALE FOOD HANDLERS.OBSERVED THEM HANDLING MONEY AND RINGING THE REGISTER, THEN PUTTING ON PLASTIC GLOVES AND HANDLING BUNS AND SAUSAGES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.MUST WASH HANDS.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Why This Matters
Improper sanitization fails to kill pathogens, allowing contaminated equipment to spread illness throughout facility.
Food Code Requirement
Sanitizing solutions and rinse water must meet specific requirements for effectiveness.
Specific Requirements
Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds or 180°F at dish surface; Test strips required; Proper contact time.
CDPH Food Code: Section 4-501.114, 4-702.11
Violation #21
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 2.5 OZ. SLOPPY JOE RANGES FROM 80.2F-84.7F IN HOT HOLDING UNITS. PRODUCTS WERE DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER. MUST HAVE HOT HOLDING FOODS AT 135.0F OR ABOVE.APPX. 2.5 OZ.$5.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
Why This Matters
Temperatures above 41°F allow rapid bacterial multiplication, doubling every 20 minutes.
Food Code Requirement
Cold foods must be held at 41°F or below.
Specific Requirements
Maintain 41°F or below; Check temperatures regularly; Properly functioning refrigeration; Thermometers in all units; Keep doors closed.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
Violation #22
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOODS SUCH AS 1 DOZEN SHELLED EGGS AT 62.1F ON COUNTERTOP. 2LBS. 1921 HAMBURGERS AT 47.8F.THE PRODUCT WAS DISCARDED BY THE MANAGER. MUST HAVE COLD-HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW.APPX.3LBS.$24.(PRIORITY 7-38-005)(COS)(CONSOLIDATED VIOLATION.
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 IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 1921 HAMBURGER REACH IN COOLER AT 45.7F WITH TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG HAS BEEN PLACED ON UNIT. ONCE REPAIRED, EMAIL:FOOD@CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG.MUST HAVE A COLD HOLDING UNIT AT 41.0F OR BELOW. (PRIORITY 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)(COS)
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 A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT SOUTH ENTRY DOOR MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAIR RESTRAINTS WORN BY FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
Why This Matters
Poor personal hygiene transfers contaminants to food.
Food Code Requirement
Food handlers must maintain personal cleanliness.
Specific Requirements
Clean outer clothing; Hair restraints; Short, clean fingernails; No jewelry except plain ring; Clean hands and arms.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-303.11
Violation #46
MAJOR
Violation Details
GLOVES USED PROPERLY - Comments: OBSERVED GLOVES BEING USED IMPROPERLY DURING FOOD PREPARATION AND HANDLING OF MONEY AT THIS TIME.
Why This Matters
Improper glove use spreads contamination worse than bare hands.
Food Code Requirement
Single-use gloves must be used correctly.
Specific Requirements
Wash hands before donning; Change when contaminated; Change between tasks; Single use only; Not a substitute for handwashing.
CDPH Food Code: Section 3-304.15
Violation #47
MINOR
Violation Details
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLER,SODA STORAGE AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
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 #49
MINOR
Violation Details
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS & GREASE BUILD UP FROM EXTERIOR OF GARBAGE CANS,CONDIMENT BINS,WIRES AND PLUGS,DISH RACK.
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 #51
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE IN WALL IN BASEMENT UNUSED TOILET ROOMS,OVERHEAD PIPES IN CEILING IN BASEMENT.
Why This Matters
Backflow can contaminate entire water supply with sewage or chemicals.
Food Code Requirement
Plumbing must be properly installed with backflow prevention.
Specific Requirements
Air gaps at fixtures; Backflow preventers on connections; No cross-connections; Annual testing of devices; Proper drainage.
CDPH Food Code: Section 5-202.13
Violation #55
MINOR
Violation Details
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MUST GROUT FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND GRILL.
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: MUST GROUT FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND GRILL.
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
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