CHICAGO, IL - City health officials cited Seafood Junction for health violations during an inspection on 07/23/2025.
Seafood Junction is positioned at 5401 S Wentworth Avenue Ste 5W Chicago Illinois in the Bronzeville area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
Health department documentation states: "33. Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control - comments: observed walk in cooler at improper temperatures during time of inspection. 005." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.
Among the findings were infractions involving sanitation, a key component of food safety protocols.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive sanitation practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Proper sanitation practices prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food preparation environments. The Food Safety Modernization Act offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. Per FDA Pest Control Guidelines, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
Among the findings were infractions involving hand washing, a key component of food safety protocols.
Hand washing violations directly impact food safety and customer health protection According to FDA Hand Washing Standards, Federal guidelines require food service workers to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and warm water. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
Health department officials noted violations related to temperature control, which require attention for public health compliance.
Industry research indicates that improper food temperatures can allow dangerous bacteria to multiply rapidly Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. The USDA Safe Temperature Standards provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
These compliance issues require correction to maintain proper standards for the restaurant and public health. Food safety professionals indicate that addressing non-compliance helps ensure customer safety standards.
Under current regulations, Seafood Junction faces additional penalties if violations are not promptly corrected. The health department maintains detailed records of all inspection results for public transparency.
The broader restaurant industry can learn valuable lessons from such cases, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance to food safety standards. Consumer awareness remains a crucial component in maintaining community food safety.
| Inspection ID | 2621165 |
| DBA Name | SEAFOOD JUNCTION |
| AKA Name | SEAFOOD JUNCTION |
| License # | 2835293 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 5401 S WENTWORTH AVE STE 5W |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60609 |
| Inspection Date | 07/23/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED WALK IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NO TCS FOODS STORED INSIDE COOLER AT THIS TIME. (WHOLE POTATOES |
| WHOLE FRUIT (LEMONS). INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR UNIT TO 41F OR BELOW AS REQUIRED. UNIT TAGGED.INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO USE ADDITIONAL 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT IN MAIN PREP AREA FOR TCS FOODS UNTIL UNIT IS REPAIRED. PRIORITY VIOLATION.# 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. | 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments | OBSERVED FOOD HAMDLER WITHOUT EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED BOXES AND OTHER MISCELLANEUS ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR. | 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: INSTRUCTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN ON SITE FOR REVIEW. |
| Latitude | 41.796234875219376 |
| Longitude | -87.63040492438661 |
| Location | (41.796234875219376 |
This inspection was conducted on July 23, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing, temperature-control.
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.
All inspection data for this report is sourced directly from the Chicago Department of Public Health . View the original data source .
Food safety standards referenced in this report are based on:
Important Note: This article is based on official inspection reports at the time of inspection. Current conditions may differ. Always check the most recent inspection results before dining. Establishments have the opportunity to correct violations and request re-inspection.
