NICK'S ON NORTH in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/11/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at NICK'S ON NORTH in an inspection dated 04/11/2023.

Situated at 3323 W NORTH AVE, the establishment is part of Humboldt Park's active food service sector. The Humboldt Park area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 4 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 pest management. Inspectors documented: Thermometers Provided & Accurate - Comments: No Thermometer Inside Soda/salad Reach in Cooler. Must Provide a Working Thermometer Inside Said Cooler.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

The second violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Observed Food Debris Build Up Inside Prep Area Reach in Coolers/freezers Door Rubber Gaskets. Must Clean Interior of Prep Area Coolers/freezers and 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 involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Plumbing Installed. Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The fourth violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Proper Backflow Devices - Comments: Prep Area Handwash Sink Pipe Draining Slowly. Instructed Manager Said Hanwash Sink Must Drain Quickly.. 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 04/11/2023 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.