CHICAGO, IL - An inspection conducted at Jerk It Iz on 08/06/2025 identified food safety violations.
The dining establishment functions from 8239 S Cottage Grove Avenue Chicago Illinois in Chatham, a well-trafficked section of Chicago recognized for its restaurant culture.
The inspection details: "37. Food properly labeled; original container - comments: observed bulk containers not labeled in prep area. 38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present - comments: observed several roaches crawling on walls, floor, and inside rodenticide bag in p..." These circumstances require correction according to industry standards.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving hand washing, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Hand washing violations directly impact food safety and customer health protection 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 Chicago Health Department Requirements provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
The examination revealed violations related to pest control, which need to be addressed for proper compliance.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive pest control practices. Studies from public health organizations show that The FDA Food Code mandates that food storage areas remain free from pest contamination at all times. The HACCP Prevention Guidelines offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
The inspection found infractions involving sanitation, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Food safety experts emphasize that consistent sanitation practices prevent the accumulation of harmful bacteria According to FDA Sanitation Standards, The FDA Food Code establishes comprehensive sanitation requirements that form the foundation of safe food service operations. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
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 USDA Safe Temperature Standards, 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.
These types of violations require attention to maintain compliance standards for the establishment and its customers. Health officials note that addressing such conditions helps maintain public confidence in food service establishments.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has mandated that Jerk It Iz immediately address all identified violations before resuming normal operations. A follow-up inspection has been scheduled to verify compliance.
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 | 2621805 |
| DBA Name | JERK IT IZ |
| AKA Name | JERK IT IZ |
| License # | 2757167 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 8239 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60619 |
| Inspection Date | 08/06/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Complaint |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD. | 38. INSECTS |
| & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments | OBSERVED NUMEROUS DEAD ROACHES ON GLUE BOARD INSIDE OFFICE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS AND MAINTAIN. | 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILUDP ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS |
| BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments | OBSERVED LEAK UNDER VANITY SINK |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED MOP STORED INSIDE SOILED WATER IN MOP PAIL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOP TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE AND SMOKE BUILUDP ON FILTERS INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN | 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED VENTILATION FAN NOT OPERABLE INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2614301 ON 3-21-25:10- REAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA HAS NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AND MAINTAIN.36-REACH IN 2-DOOR COOLER BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT OUTER THERMOMETER IS BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE OR PROVIDE AN INTERNAL THERMOMETER. MAINTAIN SAME. 47-RUBBER GASKET ON 2-DOOR REACH IN COOLER BY COOKING EQUIPMENT IS IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.49-THE LOWER SURFACE OF THE REACH IN COOLERS/FREEZERS WITH FOOD AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.55- REAR BACK WALL BY TOILET ROOM IS MISSING THE BASEBOARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. 55-MOP NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE MOP HANGING UP FOR PROPER AIR DRYING WHEN NOT IN USE. FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE HEAVY EQUPMENT WITH DIRT |
| Latitude | 41.744630715329514 |
| Longitude | -87.60490519818548 |
| Location | (41.744630715329514 |
This inspection was conducted on August 6, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: hand-washing, pest-control, sanitation, 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.
