CHICAGO, IL - A routine inspection at Kai Zan on 08/04/2025 resulted in citations for health code violations.
Situated at 2557 W Chicago Avenue in Ukrainian Village, the restaurant serves a diverse clientele in one of Chicago's bustling districts.
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Inspectors documented: "Observed no hand washing sinks in front bar area and rear tea closet prep areas. Observed no hand washing signs at hand sinks in rear large toilet room,hand sink in kitchen on line and dining room drink station must provide and maintain." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
Among the findings were infractions involving hand washing, a key component of food safety protocols.
Public health officials identify poor hand hygiene as a primary factor in foodborne illness transmission Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Proper hand hygiene represents the single most effective method for preventing cross-contamination in food service. The FDA Hand Washing Standards provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The inspection identified violations related to pest control, an important area of food safety.
Health experts emphasize that pest activity can rapidly contaminate food preparation surfaces and stored ingredients Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Federal food safety regulations require all food service establishments to maintain comprehensive pest exclusion programs. The HACCP Prevention Guidelines provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Industry best practices require establishments to maintain rigorous cleaning schedules and equipment maintenance Data compiled by food safety institutions reveals that Federal regulators use FDA sanitation guidelines as the benchmark for evaluating food service establishment compliance. Per Food Safety Modernization Act, such standards maintain that dining facilities comply with comprehensive protection measures.
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.
Local regulatory authorities have ordered that Kai Zan swiftly remediate the documented deficiencies before reopening to customers. Additional review is planned to confirm remediation.
This inspection emphasizes the fundamental necessity of strict regulatory adherence in dining establishments. Area customers have the right to access compliance documentation when selecting food service establishments.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| Inspection ID | 2621635 |
| DBA Name | KAI ZAN |
| AKA Name | KAI ZAN |
| License # | 2156904 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 2557 W CHICAGO AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60622 |
| Inspection Date | 08/04/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT BAR AREA AND REAR TEA CLOSET PREP AREAS.MUST INSTALL A HAND SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER |
| SOAP & TOWELS AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments | OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT HAND SINKS IN REAR LARGE TOILET ROOM |
| HAND SINK IN KITCHEN ON LINE AND DINING ROOM DRINK STATION MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 14. REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE | SHELLSTOCK TAGS |
| PARASITE DESTRUCTION - Comments | OBSERVED NO 90-DAY SHELLFISH TAG WITH 2.5LBS. OYSTERS AND NO SIGNED AND DATE ON TAG OF WHEN LAST ITEM WAS SERVED OR SOLD. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.APPX. 2.5LBS. $75.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(COS)(CITATION ISSUED) | 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE. | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF REAR DOOR NEAR TOILET ROOMS MUST MAKE TIGHT FITTING. | 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION |
| STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments | MUST ELEVATE FOOD ITEMS OFF OF FLOOR IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKET ON DESSERT COOLER. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST DELIME DISH MACHINE.MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON INTERIOR PARTS OF ICE MACHINE. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM TROUGH FLOOR DRAIN. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: MUST PLACE TABLE TOP FRYER UNDER VENTILATION HOOD. |
| Latitude | 41.89559157280934 |
| Longitude | -87.69163313910478 |
| Location | (41.89559157280934 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 4, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were found: hand-washing, pest-control, sanitation.
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.