CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at WHITE CASTLE #25 during a routine inspection conducted on 04/17/2023.
Located at 5618 W NORTH AVE in the Belmont Cragin area, the establishment serves the local community. The Belmont Cragin neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 4 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.
The first violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate - Comments: No Certified Food Manager on Site While Tcs Foods Were Being Prepared and Served (burgers). Instructed to Have a Certified Food Manager on Site at All Times While Tcs Foods Are Being Prepared and Served. Priority Foundation Violation. 7-38-012. Citation Issued.. 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 second violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Procedures for Responding to Vomiting and Diarrheal Events - Comments: No Vomit and Diarrhea Clean Up Kit on Site. Instructed to Provide All Necessary Supplies As Outlined in Policy. Priority Foundation Violation. 7-38-005. Citation Issued.. 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.
The third violation related to hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: Observed Inadequate Hand Drying Provision in Women's Toilet Room Located on Main Floor. Hand Dryer in Women's Toilet Room Was Broken Which Employees Were Unable to Dry Hands. Priority Foundation Violation. 7-38-030(c). Citation Issued. Employee Provided Roll of Paper Towels at End of Inspection.. 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 concerned cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Observed Grease Spills on Side of. 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 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 04/17/2023 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: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON SIDE OF COOKING FRYER AND HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE OF COOKING FRYERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: : FOUND A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, GREASE, AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER, ON THE COOKS LINE, AND UNDERNEATH THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN AREAS AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FRYER AND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH SHELVES, ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN BASEMENT RENDERED INACCESSIBLE DUE TO IT CLOGGED AND LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP AVAILABLE AT HANDSINK IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDSOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C) CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20-30 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT THE BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREA. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 10/12/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED7-38-020(A); CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER OIL FILTERING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON SIDE OF COOKING FRYER AND HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE OF COOKING FRYERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS AROUND DUMSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FRYER AND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH SHELVES, ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FOUND A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF DIRT, GREASE, AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS UNDERNEATH THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK, INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER, ON THE COOKS LINE, AND UNDERNEATH THE FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN AREAS AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED BUILDUP AROUND NOZZLE OF FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR OF SMALL ONE DOOR COOLER UNDERNEATH COFFEE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DRIED CHEESE ON OUTSIDE OF CHEESE DISPENSER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: 5-501.17: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.11: OBSERVED LEAK IN BASEMENT ON WESTSIDE NEAR TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FRYER AND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH SHELVES, ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO POST HANDWSHING SIGNAGE AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HANDWASHING SINK NEAR UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED SOAP SHALL BE PROVIDED AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. COREECTED ON SITE MANAGER PROVIDED SOAP FOR SAID HANDWASHING SINK BEFORE INSPECTION COMPLETION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C); ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED PAPER TOWELS NOT DISPENSING IN MEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED HAND DRYING PROVISIONS SHALL BE PROVIDED AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER REPAIRED SAID PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER BEFORE COMPLETION OF INPSECTION, PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER WORKING BEFORE COMPLETION OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, CONSOLIDATED WITH VIOLATION ABOVE. 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL FLIES IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREA. RECOMMENDED PEST CONTROL SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 10/12/2023. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED7-38-020(A); FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE NEAR DRIVE THRU. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILDUP AROUND NOZZLE OF FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SPILLAGE ON INTERIOR OF SMALL ONE DOOR COOLER UNDERNEATH COFFEE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DRIED CHEESE ON OUTSIDE OF CHEESE DISPENSER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT IT SHALL BE EASILY LOCATED AND SERVICED.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM.; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: OBSERVED BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF FRONT PREP HANDWSAHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR AND MAINTAIN.; GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED - Comments: OBSERVED DEBRIS ON GROUND SURROUNDING DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN GROUND SURROUNDING DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FRYER AND ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD AND DEBRIS UNDERNEATH SHELVES, ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS ON FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SPILLAGE ON WALKIN COOLER FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED LEAK IN BASEMENT ON WESTSIDE NEAR TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED LEAK FROM UNDERNEATH FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED DUST ON EXTERIOR OF HOODS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AND DUST ON FILTERS OF FRONT HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Comments: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY REPORT POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED SUMMARY REPORT SHALL BE DISPLAYED VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(B) CITATION ISSUED.; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED (BURGERS). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.; PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES AS OUTLINED IN POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.; ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HAND DRYING PROVISION IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LOCATED ON MAIN FLOOR. HAND DRYER IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM WAS BROKEN WHICH EMPLOYEES WERE UNABLE TO DRY HANDS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED ROLL OF PAPER TOWELS AT END OF INSPECTION.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE SPILLS ON SIDE OF COOKING FRYER AND HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE OF COOKING FRYERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN..
Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
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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