FAIL
Risk 2 (Medium)
ZITALIAN BEEFS Fails Health Inspection - Chicago Restaurant
March 13, 2025
Canvass
License #2978064
11
Total Violations
5
Critical
1
Major
5
Minor
Violations Cited by Chicago Health Inspector
11
Violation #1
CRITICAL
Violation Details
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
Why This Matters
Without knowledgeable supervision, critical food safety practices may be overlooked, significantly increasing risk of foodborne illness outbreaks affecting multiple customers.
Food Code Requirement
The person in charge must be present during all hours of operation, hold valid certification, and demonstrate food safety knowledge.
Specific Requirements
Person in charge must: Be present during all operating hours; Hold valid City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate; Demonstrate knowledge of foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and Code requirements; Ensure employee compliance with food safety practices.
CDPH Food Code: Section 2-102.11, 2-102.12
Violation #2
CRITICAL
Violation Details
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WITH VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE PREPARING AND SERVING CHICKEN, RICE, HAMBURGERS, RICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT LEAST ONE CFM ON SITE WHILE OPEN AND OPERATING. 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 #10
CRITICAL
Violation Details
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK LOCATED AT PREP/DISH AREA DURING TIME OF INPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (C). CITATION ISSUED.
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 #40
MINOR
Violation Details
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
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 #48
CRITICAL
Violation Details
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE FOR TESTING SANITIZER STRENGTH AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
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 INTERIOR SURFACES OF 2 DOOR COOLING CONTAINING EGGROLLS AND CHICKEN WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES.INSTRUC TED TO CLEAN.
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: OBSERVED HANDSINK LOCATED IN PREP AREA SLOW DRAINING AS WELL PIPING UNDERNEATH 3 COMP SINK LEAKING ON TO FLOOR IN REAR PREP/DISH AREA. INSTURCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
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: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY GRILL EQUIPMENT AND FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUIT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN
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 VENTILATION HOOD WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE, DIRT AND DUST BUILDUP ON ALL SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN SYSTEM 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 FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
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 FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
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