PANDA EXPRESS #2456 in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/14/23

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at PANDA EXPRESS #2456 in an inspection dated 04/14/2023.

Located at 2949 W ADDISON AVE in the Irving Park area, the establishment serves the local community. The Irving Park neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 5 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Instructed Manager Not to Use Soda Crates for Food Storage. Must Properly Use Storage Shelves 6" Off the Floor for Easy Access on Cleaning.. 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.

The second violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: Observed 2 Door/reach-in Cooler Not Properly Closing Behind Front Service Line. Instructed to Replace Rubber Gasket Around (right Side) Door.. 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.

The third violation related to cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Instructed to Clean and Maintain Interior of Storage Cabinet Underneath Soda/beverage Dispenser Unit.. 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 fourth violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Instructed to Clean and Maintain Ceiling Vent Cover with Dust Accumulation Inside Men and Women's Washroom.. 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.

The fifth violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: Instructed to Seal Opening/gap Around Mopsink (between Wall and Sink) in Rear Area.. 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 04/14/2023 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.