Chicago Health Inspections Reveal Critical Concerns in Week 17

Weekly Inspection Overview

CHICAGO, IL - Three closures last week, and a concerning pattern of health code violations emerged across Chicago's food establishments during Week 17 (April 21-27, 2025), according to the latest data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Analysis by CleanKitchens.org reveals that out of 49 inspections conducted, 13 establishments (26.5%) failed to meet health standards, while several others received conditional passes requiring follow-up inspections.

Most alarming was the widespread evidence of rodent infestations, with multiple schools, restaurants, and food marts showing significant mouse activity. The data indicates a troubling public health situation that spans across various neighborhoods and types of establishments, from upscale West Loop restaurants to elementary schools serving Chicago's children.

The data reveals a concerning trend: while no critical violations were specifically categorized as such in the reporting, numerous serious issues were documented that could directly impact public health, including improper food temperatures, inadequate handwashing facilities, and extensive rodent infestations.

Rodent Infestations: A Widespread Problem

Rodent activity emerged as the most prevalent serious violation across multiple establishments. Halsted's Bar & Grill in Lakeview was cited for approximately 80 mouse droppings scattered throughout its rear prep area and restroom, resulting in a citation under the priority foundation violation code 7-38-020(A).

Even more concerning, Garrett Popcorn Shop at Midway Airport was found with over 100 mice droppings scattered across multiple areas, including the kitchen, storage room, utility closet, staff washroom, and office areas. The inspector instructed management to call an exterminator, clean and sanitize all areas, and issued a citation.

The problem extended to educational facilities as well. Thorp Elementary/Learn Charter failed its inspection with evidence of rodent droppings in multiple locations, along with 18 other violations ranging from unclean surfaces to inadequate pest control measures. Similarly, Roti Modern Mediterranean on 53rd Street had approximately 30 rodent droppings found in three Pre-K classrooms, primarily in cluttered storage closets.

Italian Fiesta Pizzeria on 71st Street failed its inspection with evidence of 80 or more mouse droppings throughout the facility, including the front prep kitchen, rear kitchen, and storage areas. The inspector issued a citation and recommended pest control service prior to reinspection.

These findings indicate a citywide issue with rodent control that spans across different types of establishments and neighborhoods, suggesting a need for more rigorous preventive measures and possibly systemic interventions at the municipal level.

Temperature Control Failures

Improper food temperature control—a critical factor in preventing foodborne illness—was another significant issue identified in multiple establishments. The Goddess West Loop received a conditional pass after inspectors found temperature-sensitive foods held at improper temperatures in the front salad cold holding unit: 7 pounds of chicken at 45.2°F, 10 pounds of chicken salad at 47.8°F, and 7 pounds of pasta salad at 47.4°F—all above the safe maximum of 41°F. The manager discarded 24 pounds of food valued at approximately $300, and the establishment received a citation under priority violation code 7-38-005.

Similarly, Holy Smoques BBQ in Little Village was ordered to close after inspectors found temperature-sensitive foods at unsafe temperatures in the front prep cold holding unit, including eggs at 48.2°F, hamburger at 49.8°F, and cooked bacon at 49.4°F. Management discarded 8 pounds of food valued at approximately $200 and received a citation.

Taurus Express on Western Avenue also failed its inspection due to temperature violations, with 5 pounds of cooked steak found at 91.4°F and 4 pounds of white turkey at 46.8°F in a three-door reach-in cooler. The products, valued at approximately $75, were discarded, and a citation was issued.

Equipment failures were often at the root of these temperature violations. Koto on 31st Street received a conditional pass after inspectors found a deli display case cooler maintaining an improper ambient temperature of 51.0°F. The cooler was tagged and held for inspection, with instructions to repair or replace it.

Similarly, Jeane Kenney YMCA Day Care had its walk-in cooler operating at 49.4°F, well above the safe temperature. Management was instructed to contact a refrigeration repair person and remove all temperature-sensitive foods from the unit.

These temperature control failures represent a significant public health risk, as bacteria can multiply rapidly in foods held at improper temperatures, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. The consistent pattern of equipment failures suggests a need for more regular maintenance and monitoring of refrigeration equipment across Chicago's food establishments.

Handwashing and Sanitation Concerns

Proper handwashing facilities are fundamental to food safety, yet numerous establishments were cited for inadequate or improperly maintained handwashing stations. LIA on Illinois Street failed its inspection due to no hot water at multiple handwashing sinks throughout the facility, with temperatures ranging from 74.0°F to 74.8°F—well below the required minimum of 100°F.

Holy Smoques BBQ was cited for a handwashing sink in the bar prep area not stocked with hand soap, a priority foundation violation under code 7-38-030(C). The establishment was also found to have multiple sinks not maintained with hot water.

Several schools showed concerning handwashing deficiencies. Edward Coles Elementary had a handwashing sink in the first-floor teacher lounge that was not accessible for handwashing and was missing a hot water faucet. Conversely, the kitchen staff washroom had water that was too hot (124.1°F), exceeding the maximum safe temperature of 120°F.

Art in Motion School received a conditional pass after inspectors found no exposed handwashing sinks in the new kitchen on the high school side of the building. The inspector noted that two sinks were needed in the kitchen—one in the prep area and one in the dishwashing area—though the kitchen was not being used at the time of inspection.

These handwashing violations are particularly concerning given the fundamental role proper hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses. The widespread nature of these violations across different types of establishments suggests a systemic issue with compliance and understanding of basic food safety principles.

School Facilities: A Special Concern

Educational facilities showed a particularly troubling pattern of violations. Haugan Elementary failed its inspection with 10 violations, including inadequate handwashing signage, no written employee health policy, no maintained pest control log book, and plumbing issues with the dishwashing equipment causing wastewater to back up into a sink basin.

Thorp Elementary/Learn Charter had the highest number of violations among all establishments inspected during Week 17, with 19 distinct issues noted. These included rodent droppings, unclean surfaces, inadequate pest control, food items stored on the floor, and plumbing problems including leaking faucets and no running water in some facilities.

Edward Coles Elementary failed its inspection due to handwashing sink issues, excessive hot water temperatures, gaps in exterior doors allowing potential pest entry, and plumbing problems. LIA similarly failed due to inadequate hot water at handwashing sinks, malfunctioning timed faucets, and various plumbing issues throughout the facility.

The pattern of violations in educational facilities is particularly concerning given that these establishments serve vulnerable populations—children who may be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and whose developing bodies may be more severely affected by such illnesses. The consistent failure of school facilities to meet health standards suggests a need for targeted interventions and possibly additional resources to address these issues.

Closures and Conditional Passes

The most severe enforcement actions taken during Week 17 were establishment closures. Butterfly Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine on Madison St was ordered to close despite having only 4 violations, none of which were explicitly categorized as critical. The violations included the need to defrost ice box freezers to remove frost build-up, wall and ceiling issues, and ventilation concerns.

Holy Smoques BBQ in Little Village was closed after inspectors found temperature-sensitive foods at unsafe temperatures and inadequate handwashing facilities. 63rd Street Food Mart was also ordered to close, with violations including inadequate handwashing signage, improper food storage, accumulated grease and food debris, and unclean floors.

Seven establishments received conditional passes, requiring follow-up inspections to ensure violations were addressed. Karolinka Club on Central Avenue received a conditional pass for having no valid City of Chicago sanitation certificate on site and debris build-up under the bar area.

Koto on 31st Street received a conditional pass for having no verifiable employee health policy on site and a deli display case cooler maintaining an improper ambient temperature of 51.0°F. Jewel-Osco #3181 on 87th Street received a conditional pass despite having 12 violations, including no written employee health policy, no ambient air thermometers inside reach-in coolers, unlabeled bulk storage containers, and various cleanliness and maintenance issues.

The pattern of closures and conditional passes suggests that enforcement actions are being taken when necessary, but the high number of establishments with significant violations indicates a need for more proactive measures to ensure compliance with health codes before inspections occur.

Common Violation Patterns

Beyond the major categories already discussed, several common violation patterns emerged across multiple establishments. One frequent issue was improper food labeling. Jewel-Osco #3181, Italian Fiesta Pizzeria, TO Korean Cuisine, and Taurus Express were all cited for unlabeled bulk food containers.

Another common issue was the improper use of non-food-grade materials or makeshift solutions. Roti Modern Mediterranean on Randolph Street was cited for using cardboard as shelving. The Goddess West Loop and Venteux were both cited for using milk crates as shelving. Taurus Express was found using plastic grocery bags for food storage in a reach-in freezer.

Inadequate cleaning and maintenance was perhaps the most widespread issue. Arami/Woodgrain at Midway Airport was cited for "excessive build up of encrusted grease deposits along food- and nonfood-contact surfaces of cooking equipment" throughout the main cook line area. 63rd Street Food Mart had "accumulated grease and food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, shelving units."

Many establishments also lacked required training certifications. Karolinka Club had an expired City of Chicago sanitation certificate. The Goddess West Loop had no valid original City of Chicago sanitation manager certificate on site. Italian Fiesta Pizzeria, Gene's Bistro/Big Bowl/Tall Boy, and 63rd Street Food Mart were all cited for having no allergen training certificates for their certified food managers.

These common violation patterns suggest systemic issues with basic food safety practices and compliance with regulations across a wide range of establishments, indicating a need for better education and training for food service workers and managers.

Successful Inspections

Despite the concerning number of failed inspections, it's worth noting that the majority of establishments (26 out of 49) passed their inspections without conditions. The Chicago Hotel Collection Magnificent Mile on Superior Street passed one inspection with zero violations, though a separate inspection of the same facility found 8 violations.

Venteux on Michigan Avenue passed with just one violation related to the use of milk crates as shelving. Babas Halal on Damen Avenue passed with only two minor violations: slight grease droplets on the ventilation hood and no allergen training certificate for the certified food manager.

Sharks Fish-Chicken on 35th Street passed with three minor violations related to food-contact surfaces, food labeling, and cleaning of storage racks. Shekinah Glory, LLC on Central Avenue also passed with just three violations, including packaged snacks stored in the bathroom, issues with single-use articles, and a plumbing problem with a sink faucet.

These successful inspections demonstrate that it is possible for establishments to maintain high standards of food safety and compliance with health codes. The contrast between these establishments and those with numerous violations suggests that proper management practices, staff training, and regular maintenance can make a significant difference in inspection outcomes.

Geographic Distribution of Violations

The inspection data reveals that health code violations were distributed across various neighborhoods in Chicago, with no clear concentration in any particular area. Failed inspections occurred in neighborhoods ranging from the West Loop to South Shore, and from Lakeview to Little Village.

Schools with significant violations were found in diverse areas, including Haugan Elementary in Albany Park, Thorp Elementary/Learn Charter in South Chicago, Art in Motion School in South Shore, and Edward Coles Elementary in South Chicago.

Rodent infestations were documented in establishments across the city, from Halsted's Bar & Grill in Lakeview to Italian Fiesta Pizzeria on 71st Street, and from Maplewood Brewing Company in Logan Square to Garrett Popcorn Shop at Midway Airport.

Similarly, temperature control violations were found in establishments throughout the city, including The Goddess West Loop in the West Loop, Holy Smoques BBQ in Little Village, and Taurus Express on Western Avenue.

The widespread distribution of violations across different neighborhoods suggests that food safety issues are not confined to any particular area of the city but represent a broader challenge that affects establishments regardless of location or socioeconomic factors.

Implications for Public Health

The pattern of violations documented during Week 17 has significant implications for public health in Chicago. The prevalence of rodent infestations is particularly concerning, as rodents can transmit various diseases to humans through contaminated food or surfaces. The widespread nature of these infestations suggests a potential citywide issue with rodent control that may require coordinated intervention at the municipal level.

Temperature control violations represent another serious public health concern. Bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses can multiply rapidly in foods held at improper temperatures. The consistent pattern of equipment failures and improper cold holding temperatures across multiple establishments suggests a need for better monitoring and maintenance of refrigeration equipment, as well as better training for food service workers on the importance of temperature control.

The inadequate handwashing facilities documented in multiple establishments present another significant risk factor. Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, and the lack of proper facilities or supplies can directly contribute to food contamination. The widespread nature of these violations suggests a need for better education on the importance of handwashing and more rigorous enforcement of regulations related to handwashing facilities.

The violations in school facilities are particularly concerning from a public health perspective, as children may be more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. The consistent failure of school facilities to meet health standards suggests a need for targeted interventions and possibly additional resources to address these issues.

Overall, the pattern of violations documented during Week 17 suggests a need for more proactive measures to ensure compliance with health codes, including better education and training for food service workers and managers, more regular maintenance of equipment, and possibly more frequent inspections to catch issues before they become serious public health concerns.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Week 17 health inspection data from the Chicago Department of Public Health reveals significant concerns across a range of food establishments in the city. With 26.5% of inspected establishments failing to meet health standards and many others receiving conditional passes, there is clear evidence of systemic issues with food safety compliance that could potentially impact public health.

The most pressing concerns identified include widespread rodent infestations, improper temperature control of food, inadequate handwashing facilities, and various maintenance and cleanliness issues. These violations were found across different types of establishments and neighborhoods, suggesting that food safety challenges are not confined to any particular area or type of establishment but represent a broader issue affecting the entire city.

Based on these findings, several recommendations can be made to improve food safety in Chicago:

1. Enhanced Pest Control: A citywide initiative to address rodent infestations in food establishments, possibly including coordinated efforts between the Department of Public Health and other city agencies responsible for rodent control.
2. Equipment Maintenance Programs: Guidance and possibly incentives for establishments to implement regular monitoring and maintenance of refrigeration equipment to prevent temperature control violations.
3. Expanded Training Programs: More accessible and comprehensive training on food safety for food service workers and managers, with a particular focus on the importance of handwashing, temperature control, and pest prevention.
4. Targeted Interventions for Schools: Given the consistent pattern of violations in educational facilities, targeted interventions and possibly additional resources to address food safety issues in schools.
5. More Frequent Preventive Inspections: Consideration of more frequent inspections, particularly for establishments with a history of violations, to catch issues before they become serious public health concerns.

By addressing these issues proactively, Chicago can work toward ensuring that all food establishments in the city maintain high standards of food safety, protecting public health and providing consumers with confidence in the establishments where they choose to dine.

For more information on food establishment inspections in Chicago and to check the inspection history of specific establishments, visit CleanKitchens.org. Follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/cleankitchenschicago for updates when we post new stories.

Data Source: City of Chicago Data Portal