CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors discovered violations during an inspection of the Worm Hole on 07/31/2025.
The establishment operates from 1462 N Milwaukee Avenue Chicago Illinois in Wicker Park, a busy area of Chicago known for its dining scene.
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The inspection report documents: "No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( steaming milk ) instructed to obtain. 012.. 10." Health officials note that these violations need attention to maintain proper compliance.
The examination revealed violations related to sanitation, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive sanitation practices. Studies from public health organizations show that The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. The FDA Sanitation Standards offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving pest control, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients According to HACCP Prevention Guidelines, The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
Health department officials noted violations related to hand washing, which require attention for public health compliance.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive hand washing practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Proper hand hygiene represents the single most effective method for preventing cross-contamination in food service. The Chicago Health Department Requirements offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
Among the findings were infractions involving temperature control, a key component of food safety protocols.
Temperature control violations pose immediate risks to public health and food safety According to FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines, Temperature abuse remains the leading cause of foodborne illness outbreaks in restaurant settings. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
Such infractions require attention for the business to maintain compliance with community safety standards. Public health officials note that addressing these violations helps maintain trust in dining establishments.
Health department officials will conduct a comprehensive re-inspection to ensure that all violations have been properly addressed. The establishment must demonstrate full compliance before the matter can be considered resolved.
Regular health inspections serve as critical safeguards for public health in Chicago's dining landscape. Transparency in reporting inspection findings ensures that community members can make informed decisions about their dining options.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| Inspection ID | 2621547 |
| DBA Name | THE WORM HOLE |
| AKA Name | WH |
| License # | 2021937 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 2 (Medium) |
| Address | 1462 N MILWAUKEE AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60622 |
| Inspection Date | 07/31/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: No certified food service manager on site while handling and serving TCS foods ( steaming milk ) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012. | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: No hands washing signs in staff restrooms |
| Instructed To Provide. | 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES | CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: Low temp dish washing machine not sanitizing at final rinse |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | No proof of pest control service |
| STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments | Customers have access to dry food/spices storage room and clean utensils |
| Instructed Manager To Prevent Access. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments | Ice scoop stored in unclean scoop holder |
| Water Pooling At Bottom Of Scoop. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments | Unable to locate backflow prevention device at basement's ice maker |
| Latitude | 41.90837835089753 |
| Longitude | -87.67456920778488 |
| Location | (41.90837835089753 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on July 31, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were found: sanitation, pest-control, hand-washing, temperature-control.
Why are these violations concerning?
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.