LOTUS CAFE & BANH MI SANDWICHES in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/12/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at LOTUS CAFE & BANH MI SANDWICHES during a routine inspection conducted on 04/12/2023.

Situated at 719 W MAXWELL ST, the establishment is part of University Village's active food service sector. The University Village area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation concerned temperature control. Inspectors documented: Proper Hot Holding Temperatures - Comments: Found Hot Tcs Food at Improper Hot Holding Temperature. 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. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.

The second violation concerned temperature control. Inspectors documented: Observed Cooked Rice Inside a Hot Holding Unit at 128f. Instructed Management That All Hot-holding Foods Must Be at 135f or Above at All Times. Food Discarded. Priority Violation 7-38-005. Citation Issued.. 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 third violation concerned thermal management. Inspectors documented: Proper Cold Holding Temperatures - Comments: Found Cold Tcs Foods at Improper Cold Holding Temperatures Inside the 2-door Prep Cooler Across From the Grill. Found Cooked Tofu and Cooked Noodles at Temperatures Ranging From 54f to 55f. Instructed to Discard and Denature Said Tcs Foods and Always Maintain All Cold-holding Tcs Foods at or Below 41f. Priority Violation 7-38-005. Refer to Violation #21 for Citation. Food Discarded.. 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. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.

The fourth violation involved sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Noted the Left Door on the 2-door Prep Cooler Located in the Front Prep Area Broken. Must Repair/reattach the Door to the Cooler 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. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.

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 04/12/2023 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.