CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at COCULA RESTAURANT during a routine inspection conducted on 04/13/2023.
Situated at 5241 S PULASKI RD, the establishment is part of Archer Heights's active food service sector. The Archer Heights area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 3 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Hands Clean & Properly Washed - Comments: Observed Food Handler with Gloves Wiping Countertop with Sanitized Cloth and Then Immediately Handling Ready to Eat Foods (tomatoes and Lettuce) with Same Gloves and Not Washing Hands. Instructed to Wash Hands and Change Gloves After Changing Tasks. Priority Violation #7-38-010. Citation Issued.�. 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 second violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed Handsink in Rear Prep/ Dishwash Area Not Stocked with Hand Soap. Informed Person in Charge That Hand Soap Must Be Available at Handsinks at All Times. Food Handler Obtained Hand Soap for Hand Sink During Time of Inspection. Priority Foundation Violation #7-38-030(c). Citation Issued.. 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 third violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Consumer Advisory Provided for Raw/undercooked Food - Comments: "observed No Disclosure and Reminder on the Printed Menu for Food Products That Can Be Ordered Raw or Undercooked. Instructed to Provide a Disclosure on the Menu for All Items (eggs Any Style, Steak, Oysters) That Can Be Ordered Undercooked or Raw. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
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 04/13/2023 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: INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE WITH RESIDUE. INSTD TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: COMMON NAME MISSING ON SPICE CONTAINERS. INSTD TO LABEL WITH COMMON NAME AND MAINTAIN; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: FOOD STORAGE ON FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES ON PROPER SHELVING AND MAINTAIN; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: CONDENSOR LINE LEAKING IN PREP COOLER CAUSING WATER ACCUMULATION ON BOTTOM OF COOLER. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: ONE BURNER STOVE NOT UNDER VENTILATION HOOD. INSTD TO HAVE COMPLETELY UNDER VENTILATION HOOD OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.11(B, C, D, E): CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS ON SITE. INSTD TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD FREE OR LEAD SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON SITE; OR REMOVE CUPS FROM PREMISES; CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE FOR CONSUMER ADVISORY ON MENU. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (EGGS ANY STYLE, STEAK, OYSTERS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS: *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.; TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED - Comments: EMPLOYEE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IMPROPERLY STORED WITH DRY STORAGE ITEMS. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: CONTAINER OF LIMES AND CONTAINER OF SEALED CHERRIES STORED ON FLOOR IN BAR. INSTD TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS 6 ITEMS AND MAINTAIN; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: CERAMIC/CLAY DRINKING CUPS ON SITE. INSTD TO ENSURE CUPS ARE LEAD FREE OR LEAD SAFE LEVELS AND MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF SUCH ON SITE; OR REMOVE CUPS FROM PREMISES; SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED - Comments: WASTE WATER BACKING UP FROM FLOOR DRAIN UNDERNEATH 1-COMPARTMENT SCRAPE SINK AT WAREWASHING AREA WHEN DRAINING/RUNNNG SINK. INSTD TO REPAIR AND HAVE PROPERLY DRAINING. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATION ON SITE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AS WELL AS THE CERTFIED MANAGER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: 6-301.13 OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGN AT BAR AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: 3-307.11 OBSERVED BOWL USED AS SCOOP IN VARIOUS DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO PREVENT BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH DRY FOOD WHEN SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: 3-304.12 OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SCOOP AND STORE WITH FOOD-CONTACT SURFACE OF UTENSIL STORED DIRECTLY IN THE FOOD ITEM TO AVOID BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD WHEN HANDLING THE UTENSIL AND MAINTAIN; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19 OBSERVED GASKETS AT FRONT KITCHEN AREA COOLERS IN POOR REPAIR AND SOILED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE OR REPLACE GASKETS WITH A CLEAN, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE MODEL; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-202.16 OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES (FOOD STORAGE SHELVES) THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREAS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED TO LINE DRY STORAGE SHELVES IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND CARDBOARD AND USE A SURFACE THAT IS SMOOTH, FREE FROM SHARP EDGES, AND EASILY CLEANABLE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(B) OBSERVED SOIL AND DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR CAVITY OF THE 3-DOOR COOLER ALONG THE MAIN KITCHEN LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILDUP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-205.15 OBSERVED SMALL LEAKS AT BAR AREA HANDWASHING SINK AND FRONT KITCHEN AREA HANDWASHING SINK DRAIN PLUMBING. OBSERVED DISH MACHINE AREA HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET FIXTURE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE PLUMBING FIXTURES AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR AT ALL TIMES.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.114 OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS BEHIND THE SODA MACHINE IN SERVER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES AND MAINTAIN AN AREA FREE OF ITEMS NOT NECESSARY FOR FOOD OPERATION; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING HANDWASHING SIGN AT BAR AREA HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE TO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED MANUAL WAREWASHING SETUP AT BAR AREA 3-COMPARTMENT SINK WITHOUT ADEQUATE SANITIZER SOLUTION(0PPM) IN BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE APPROVED SANITIZING CHEMICAL AT ADEQUATE CONCENTRATION TO SANITIZE FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES TO ALL MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES IN WHICH WAREWASHING IS PERFORMED. PERSON-IN-CHARGE ADDED ADEQUATE SANITIZER SOLUTION TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK ON-SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 70 RODENT DROPPINGS IN AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY: ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE SODA MACHINE IN THE SERVER AREA AND BENEATH THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FRONT KITCHEN AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED BOWL USED AS SCOOP IN VARIOUS DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE BOWL AND REPLACE WITH UTENSILS WITH HANDLES TO PREVENT BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH DRY FOOD WHEN SCOOPING AND MAINTAIN.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED ICE SCOOP STORED DIRECTLY IN ICE AT ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE SCOOP AND STORE WITH FOOD-CONTACT SURFACE OF UTENSIL STORED DIRECTLY IN THE FOOD ITEM TO AVOID BARE-HAND CONTACT WITH FOOD WHEN HANDLING THE UTENSIL AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED GASKETS AT FRONT KITCHEN AREA COOLERS IN POOR REPAIR AND SOILED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE OR REPLACE GASKETS WITH A CLEAN, SMOOTH, AND EASILY CLEANABLE MODEL.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED ALUMINUM FOIL USED TO LINE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES (FOOD STORAGE SHELVES) THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREAS. OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED TO LINE DRY STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALUMINUM FOIL AND CARDBOARD AND USE SURFACE THAT IS SMOOTH, FREE FROM SHARP EDGES, AND EASILY-CLEANABLE.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED SOIL AND DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR CAVITY OF THE 3-DOOR COOLER ALONG THE MAIN KITCHEN LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILDUP OF SOIL AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED SMALL LEAKS AT BAR AREA HANDWASHING SINK AND FRONT KITCHEN AREA HANDWASHING SINK DRAIN PLUMBING. OBSERVED DISH MACHINE AREA HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET FIXTURE IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE PLUMBING FIXTURES AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING FIXTURES IN GOOD REPAIR AT ALL TIMES.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ITEMS BEHIND THE SODA MACHINE IN SERVER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM THE PREMISES AND MAINTAIN AREA FREE OF ITEMS NOT NECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATION.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12-OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-201.16- NOTED UNFINISHED CONCRETE FLOORS IN THE DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT FLOORS SHALL BE FINISHED AND SEALED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH, NONABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL UNFINISHED FLOORS.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: 2-102.13- OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.; HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH GLOVES WIPING COUNTERTOP WITH SANITIZED CLOTH AND THEN IMMEDIATELY HANDLING READY TO EAT FOODS (TOMATOES AND LETTUCE) WITH SAME GLOVES AND NOT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO WASH HANDS AND CHANGE GLOVES AFTER CHANGING TASKS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.�; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN REAR PREP/ DISHWASH AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.; CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD - Comments: "OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE AND REMINDER ON THE PRINTED MENU FOR FOOD PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE ORDERED RAW OR UNDERCOOKED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS (EGGS ANY STYLE, STEAK, OYSTERS) THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW AND ADD A REMINDER ON THE MENU THAT READS: *THESE ITEMS CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. CONSUMING UNDERCOOKED OR RAW FOODS CAN INCREASE YOUR RISK OF FOODBORNE ILLNESS. (REFER TO CDPH CONSUMER ADVISORY HANDOUT) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT CONTAINERS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED UNFINISHED CONCRETE FLOORS IN THE DISHWASH AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT FLOORS SHALL BE FINISHED AND SEALED TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH, NONABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL UNFINISHED FLOORS.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT..
Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food. 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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