CHICAGO, IL - City health officials cited Vajra for health violations during an inspection on 07/31/2025.
Vajra is positioned at 2039-2041 W North Avenue Chicago Illinois in the Wicker Park area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
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Inspectors documented: "1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties - comments: observed person in charge without proof of food safety management training during time of inspection. Observed facility food handlers preparing and handling�time ..." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
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 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.
Health department officials noted violations related to pest control, which require attention for public health compliance.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients According to HACCP Prevention Guidelines, Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
The examination revealed violations related to hand washing, which need to be addressed for proper 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 FDA Hand Washing Standards offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
Health department officials noted violations related to temperature control, which require attention for public health compliance.
Food safety professionals regularly stress the essential nature of adequate temperature control procedures. As outlined in USDA Safe Temperature Standards, Maintaining proper food temperatures is the most effective method for preventing bacterial growth and foodborne illness. These federal guidelines guarantee that restaurants adhere to strict health requirements.
Beyond regulatory requirements, such infractions may affect the restaurant's standing and customer relationships. Local food safety organizations monitor inspection results to provide information to the public.
Under current regulations, Vajra 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.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| Inspection ID | 2621574 |
| DBA Name | VAJRA |
| AKA Name | VAJRA |
| License # | 2906674 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 2039-2041 W NORTH AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60647 |
| Inspection Date | 07/31/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Pass w/ Conditions |
| Violations | 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT |
| AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments | OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT PROOF OF FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE. | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND HANDLING�TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY(TCS) FOODS WITHOUT ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AND CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST REMAIN POSTED ON SITE AND CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING TCS FOOD PREP |
| SERVING AND OPERATING HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED. | 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments | OBSERVED FACILITY WITH USE A BODILY FLUID SPILL KIT FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS WITHOUT PROPER SANITIZER TO DISINFECT NOROVIRUS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO OBTAIN A CLEAN-UP APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES (INCLUDING SANITIZER EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS) ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY CLEAN UP ANY VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE WASHROOM AT THE WASHBOWL SINK |
| NOR THE HAND-SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLERS OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments | OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP / DISH 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 COMBINED WITH THE ABOVE VIOLATION | 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED THE ICE BIN INTERIOR IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ICE |
| CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. | 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments | NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF THE FOLLOWING TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE THE COLD-HOLDING COOLER TO BE IMPROPER: CHICKEN RANGING FROM 69.6F-87.8F |
| COOKED CAULIFLOWER AT 87.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 15 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $250.00 THROUGH THE DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. | 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments | OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS ELEVATION THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH AREA LEAKING FROM PIPES |
| INSTRCUTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN | 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments | OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES. | 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC - Comments: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED. |
| Latitude | 41.91034561901541 |
| Longitude | -87.67906657744264 |
| Location | (41.91034561901541 |
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.