CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at YOLK in an inspection dated 04/10/2023.
The facility operates from 1120 S MICHIGAN AVE in South Loop, 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. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.
The first violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: 6-301.14 Observed No Hand Washing Signs at the Rear Dish Area Hand Washing Sink and Prep Area Hand Washing Sink By the Cooking Equipment. Instructed Provide.. 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The second violation involved supervisory requirements. Inspectors documented: Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw/undercooked Food - Comments: 3-603.11 Observed No Consumer Advisory Sign Posted for Public View. Instructed to Provide. Manager Posted a Consumer Advisory During the Inspection. Priority Foundation 7-38-005.. The FDA Food Code mandates that at least one employee with supervisory responsibility be a certified food protection manager to ensure active managerial control. For more information, see FDA certified food protection manager requirements. Lack of knowledge about allergen management can result in allergic reactions.
The third violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Wiping Cloths: Properly Used & Stored - Comments: 3-304.14 Observed Wiping Cloths Not Stored in a Sanitizing Solution. Instructed to Store All Wiping Cloths in a Sanitizing Solution.. 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The fourth violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Single-use/single-service Articles: Properly Stored & Used - Comments: 4-502.13 Observed Cardboard Being Re-used As a Shelf Liner in the Front Food Prep Area. Instructed to Not Re-use Cardboard, All Surfaces Must Be Smooth and Easily Cleanable.. 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 concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: 4-601.11(c) Observed Accumulated Food Debris on the Handles of the. 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.
The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.
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: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN BETWEEN DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 5-203.11: OBSERVED EXPOSED SINK FOR HANDWASHING LOCATED IN DISHWASHING AREA REMOVED. OBSERVED EXPOSED SINK FOR HANDWASHING THAT HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN DISHWASHING AREA DURING PREVIOUS INSPECTIONS REMOVED FROM WALL IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA FOR CONVENIENT USE BY EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN BETWEEN DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.; CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: 3-603.11: OBSERVED NO ASTERISK ON MENU IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE ON MENU STATING THAT ASTERISKED ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO ADD ASTERISK IDENTIFYING ALL ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS THAT ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS AND TO ADD DISCLOSURE TO MENU STATING THAT ANIMAL DERIVED FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK ARE SERVED RAW, UNDERCOOKED, COOKED TO ORDER OR CONTAIN RAW OR UNDERCOOKED INGREDIENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111: OBSERVED OVER 30 SMALL FLIES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT FACILITY ON WALLS AND CEILING. SOME OF THE AREAS AFFECTED INCLUDE REAR PREP AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND EXPO LINE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 3/20/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-202.15: OBSERVED OPENING IN BETWEEN DOUBLE ENTRANCE FRONT DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRANCE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.; FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE HANDLE READY-TO-EAT SANDWICH WITH GLOVES COATED IN RAW LIQUID EGGS FROM PREVIOUS TASK. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD READY-TO-EAT FOOD, DISPOSE OF GLOVES AND WASH HANDS BEFORE RETURNING TO TASK. DISCUSSED PROPER READY-TO-EAT HANDLING AND SEPARATION PROCEDURES WITH EMPLOYEE AND PERSON-IN-CHARGE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED READY-TO-EAT FOOD AND EMPLOYEE WASHED HANDS PRIOR TO DONNING NEW GLOVES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COOKED POTATOES ON COUNTER AT THE MAIN COOK LINE AT 74.5F, IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR HOT-HOLDING TCS FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD TCS FOOD ITEM. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED POTATOES ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS AT THE SERVER AREA LINE COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE FOR COLD HOLDING: MILK AT 51.2F, CHOCOLATE MILK AT 50.1F. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD TCS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DISCARDED AND DENATURED ALL TCS FOOD ITEMS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.; THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER PROVIDED IN SERVER AREA 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER IN A CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY-VIEWABLE LOCATION IN ALL COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT USED TO STORE TCS FOODS AND MAINTAIN.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED MULTI-USE BOWL USED AS A SCOOP IN SEVERAL FOOD CONTAINERS: COOKED POTATOES AT THE MAIN COOK LINE, CORNMEAL CONTAINER IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA, MARGARINE CONTAINER IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWLS AND REPLACE WITH UTENSIL WITH A HANDLE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE MAIN COOK LINE (SMALL GRILL/GRIDDLE). INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY-CLEANABLE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE MAIN COOK LINE (SMALL GRILL, LARGE GRIDDLE) TO BE SOILED WITH ENCRUSTED GREASE DEPOSITS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FOOD- AND NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF GREASE DEPOSITS AND MAINTAIN.; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE A CITY CERTIFICATION OR DOCUMENTATION OF PENDING CITY CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS RAW EGGS COOKED AND SERVED ON-SITE. NO OTHER ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY. NO VALID DOCCUMENTATION ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN FOOD IS COOKED AND SERVED ON SITE. - CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER ARRIVED ON SITE AT APPROXIMATELY 9:30AM. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: A SIGN OR POSTER THAT NOTIFIES FOOD EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS IS NOT PROVIDED AT DISH AREA HANDWASHING SINK USED BY FOOD EMPLOYEES. PROVIDE A CLEARLY VISIBLE HANDWASHING SIGN AT EACH HAND SINK.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: MEASURED RAW EGGS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. RAW EGGS MEASURED AT 59.8F IN PREP-LINE UNIT LOCATED BELOW EXPEDITE STATION. APPROXIMATELY 2LBS AT AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $15.00 DISCARDED ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: DID NOT OBSERVE ANY EXPIRATION/DISCARD DATE LABELS ON PREPPARED BEEF, CHICKEN, AND MAC & CHEESE CONTAINERS IN WALK-IN COOLER. FOODS SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED IF THE FOOD IS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS, TO INDICATE THE DATE OR DAY BY WHICH THE FOOD SHALL BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES, SOLD, OR DISCARDED WHEN HELD AT A TEMPRATURE OF 41F OR BELOW FOR A MAXIMUM OF 7DAYS. THE MANAGER PROVIDED PROPER DATE LABELS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED - Comments: FROZEN RAW FISH HAS BEEN THAWED WHILE STILL COMMERCIALLY WRAPPED IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING (ROP). PACKAGING MUST BE REMOVED FROM FISH IN ROP PRIOR TO THAWING UNDER REFRIGERATION OR RUNNING WATER.; THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: THERMOMETERS IS NOT PROVIDED IN SMALL COOLER COFFEE STATION. COLD/HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT USED FOR TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY SHALL HAVE AT LEAST ONE THERMOMETER IN AN EASILY VIEWED LOCATION.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: CONTAINERS OF FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: IN-USE WIPING CLOTHS ARE NOT STORED PROPERLY. FOUND COFFEE STATION COUNTER TOPS CLOTHS USED TO WIPE SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT SHALL BE HELD IN A PROPER SANITIZER SOLUTION. CLOTHS IN-USE FOR WIPING SURFACES IN CONTACT WITH RAW ANIMAL FOODS SHALL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM CLOTHS USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES. IN-USE CLOTHS MUST BE LAUNDERED DAILIY.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED BOXES OF SINGLE USE ARTICLES STORED ON THE GROUND IN THE STORAGE CLOSET. FACILITY MUST ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: CRATES USED AS ELEVATION FOR FOOD/DISHWARE STORAGE. FACILITY MUST REPLACE WITH SHELVING THAT IS EASY TO MONITOR DEBRIS UNDERNEATH AND SHELVING THAT IS SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT.; WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments: DRAIN STOPPER AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN IN DISH AREA IS NOT PROVIDED. OBSERVED DISPOSABLE PAPER TOWELS USED AS A DRAIN STOPPER IN SANITIZER BASIN. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO ALLOW FOR PROPER WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZER SET UP.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMILATED DUST ON WALK-IN COOLER FAN GUARDS. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: EMPLOYEE DRINKS FOUND ON FOOD STORAGE SHELF AND INSIDE WAIT STATION COOLER. OBSERVED BACKPACKS STORED ON FOOD STORAGE AREAS. AREAS DESIGNATED FOR EMPLOYEES TO STORE PERSONAL BELONGINGS, TO EAT, DRINK, AND USE TOBACCO SHALL BE LOCATED SO THAT FOOD, EQUIPMENT, LINENS, AND SINGLE-SERVICE AND SINGLE-USE ARTICLES ARE PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: CURRENT PENDING/CITY CERTIFIED MANAGER DOES NOT HAVE AN ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION. ALL PENDING/CITY CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN A VALID FOOD ALLERGEN CERTIFICATION AND PRESENT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES..
Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Lack of knowledge about allergen management can result in allergic reactions. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.
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.
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