Health Inspection Report
RJ GRUNTS in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/07/23
CHICAGO, IL
Published: August 21, 2025
CHICAGO, IL - RJ GRUNTS received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/07/2023.
Situated at 11601 W TOUHY AVE, the establishment is part of Edison Park's active food service sector. The Edison Park area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation involved temperature control. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Instructed to Detail Clean the Grease Build-up Inside of the Deep Fryer and Interior of Hot Holding with Spilled Food Debris.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
The second violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Instructed to Detail Clean and Maintain Floors Along the Walls and in All Corners in Front Prep/service Line.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
The third violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Adequate Ventilation & Lighting. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The fourth violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Designated Areas Used - Comments: Instructed to Detail Clean Exhaust Hood/filters to Remove Accumulation of Grease Build-up and to Maintain.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The fifth violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: All Food Employees Have Food Handler Training - Comments: Observed Some Expired Food Handler Certificates on Site.must Provide and Maintain Current Food Handler Certificates.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.
Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.
This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/07/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were documented: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED FOOD RESIDUE AND SPILLAGE ON INTERIORS OF COLD HOLD DRAWERS. OBSERVED BUILDUP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVING INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: 4-202.18 OBSERVED BUILDUP OF GREASE ON FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED PINK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE ON INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE COMPONENTS SUBMERGED IN WATER FOR ICE (ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DISCARD ALL ICE, REMOVE MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE AND SANITIZE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD RESIDIE AND SPILLAGE ON INTERIORS OF COLD HOLD DRAWERS. OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBIRS ON SHELVING INSIDE OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON FILTERS IN HOOD SYSTEM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN..
Why are these violations concerning?
Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.