CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at JERUSALEM GRILL during a routine inspection conducted on 04/10/2023.
The facility operates from 3142 N NARRAGANSETT AVE in Belmont Cragin, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: 4-501.12--observed Cutting Boards on Main Cook Line Covered with Deep Grooves and Dark Stains. Instructed to Repair or Replace and Maintain Smooth, Cleanable Surfaces.. 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. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.
The second violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: 4-501.11--observed a Torn Door Gasket Inside of the Middle Door of the 3 Door Stand-up Cooler.instructed to Replace the Torn Door Gasket 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 third violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Adequate Ventilation & Lighting. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The fourth violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Designated Areas Used - Comments: 4-202.18--instructed to Detail Clean Kitchen Exhaust Hood/filters to Remove Accumulations 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. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
The fifth violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: All Food Employees Have Food Handler Training - Comments: 2-102.13--observed No Food Handler Training Certificates Provided on the Premises.must Show Proof of Training for All Food Handling Employees.. 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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
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 04/10/2023 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.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-501.113// OBSERVED INTERIOR OF REAR ICE MACHINE WITH A SLIGHT BUILD UP OF BROWN SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.12// OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS AT COOKSLINE PREP COOLERS AND STORED ON DRYING RACKS WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING, SEALING, OR REPLACING AND MAINTAINING.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-501.113// OBSERVED INTERIOR OF REAR ICE MACHINE WITH A SLIGHT BUILD UP OF BROWN SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.12// OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS AT COOKSLINE PREP COOLERS AND STORED ON DRYING RACKS WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING, SEALING, OR REPLACING AND MAINTAINING.; PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: 8-404.13 (B:3)**P**--OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIME FRAME ON THE INSPECTION REPORT#2616913 DATED 5/5/2025: (48) 4-302.14 - OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER USED AT 3 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. PERSON IN CHARGE PROVIDED QAC TEST STRIPS FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER THAT IS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE VIOLATION IS NOW CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY ITEM DUE TO PREVIOUS NONCOMPLIANCE. MUST PROVIDE CHLORINE TEST STRIPS FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER OR QAC SANITIZING SOLUTION TO PAIR WITH QAC TEST STRIPS THAT ARE ON SITE BEFORE RE-INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED; SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Comments: 8-304.11(A)**PF**--OBSERVED MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED IN FACILITY. SUMMARY POSTED FROM MAY 13, 2024 AND NOVEMBER 19, 2024. MOST RECENT INSPECTION #2616913 WAS 5/5/25. INSTRUCTED TO POST MOST RECENT INSPECTION SUMMARY REPORT IN PLAIN VIEW AT ALL TIMES. OPERATOR PROVIDED WITH TODAY'S SUMMARY DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED INTERIOR OF REAR ICE MACHINE WITH A SLIGHT BUILD UP OF BROWN SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE AND CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED PEST CONTROL LOG-BOOK WITH NO SERVICE LOGS. LAST RECORDED SERVICE WAS PROVIDED 8/12/2024. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE OF ALL RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS MUST MAINTAIN A LOG-BOOK WITH THE ADDRESS OF THE BUSINESS AND SERVICE REPORTS SHOWING DATES OF INSPECTION AND SHALL BE KEPT FOR TWELVE (12) MONTHS AND INCLUDE A COPY OF THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY?S ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (IDPH) LICENSE NUMBER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS AT COOKSLINE PREP COOLERS AND STORED ON DRYING RACKS WITH DEEP CUTS AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO RESTORE TO A SMOOTH AND EASY TO CLEAN SURFACE BY SANDING, SEALING, OR REPLACING AND MAINTAINING.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER USED AT 3 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(BEEF, HUMMUS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK AT 64F IN MENS TOILET ROOM. MINIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE MUST BE AT 100F OR ABOVE THROUGH A MIXING VALVE OR COMBINATION FAUCET. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11--OBSERVED TORN GASKET AT CHEST FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.11--OBSERVED TWO MISSING CEILING PANELS IN REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST REPAIR.; FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED CONDENSATION DRIPPING ONTO UNCOVERED RAW CHICKEN KABOBS IN FRONT PREP COOLER. EMPLOYEE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED FOOD. FOOD MUST BE PROTECTED FROM ALL SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION. RAW CHICKEN WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS AT A COST OF $50.00. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED FLY TRAP HANGING FROM CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLE IN REAR. MUST REMOVE FLY TRAPS FROM FOOD PREP AREA.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 10 COCKROACHES TRAPPED ON GLUEBOARD UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. EMPLOYEE CORRECTED ON SITE.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PREPARING FOOD FOR CUSTOMERS WITHOUT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR AN EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN PREPARING FOOD.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MINOR GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE OF FRYER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WATER DRIPPING AT PIPE BELOW 3-COMPARTMENT SINK (LEFT SIDE) WHEN WATER IS RUNNING. MUST REPAIR.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK IN TOILET ROOM ADJACENT TO BACK DOOR. MUST REPAIR.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE ON FLOORS MAINLY AROUND FRYER IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED MINOR DUST BUILD UP ON FILTERS (MAINLY MIDDLE) OF HOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT (LEFT SIDE) AT VENTILATION HOOD. MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING AND REPLACE BULB.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.12--OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE MIDDLE DOOR OF THE 3 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND TO MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: 4-202.18--INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN KITCHEN EXHAUST HOOD/FILTERS TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF GREASE BUILD-UP AND TO MAINTAIN.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: 2-102.13--OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON THE PREMISES.MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES..
Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for JERUSALEM GRILL
View Business Profile →