JJ FISH in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/07/25

CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at JJ FISH in an inspection dated 08/07/2025.

Situated at 411 S KEDZIE AVE, the establishment is part of Near West Side's active food service sector. The Near West Side area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 8 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation related to hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Personal Cleanliness - Comments: Observed the Food Handler in the Prep Area Without Proper Hair Restraint. Must Provide and Maintain at All Times in the Food Prep Areas.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.

The second violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: Must Clean the Plastic Storage Shelves in the Walk-in Cooler, the Exterior of the Bulk Storage Containers and Interior of the Reach in Coolers to Remove Spills And/or Debris.. FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

The third violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Plumbing Installed. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The fourth violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Proper Backflow Devices - Comments: Observed a Leak at the 3 Comp Sink Faucet Neck. Must Repair and Maintain.. According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The fifth violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Garbage & Refuse Properly Disposed. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The sixth violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Facilities Maintained - Comments: Must Detail Clean the Area Around the Outside Dumpster and Grease Container. Must Maintain to Prevent Harborage for Pests.. The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The seventh violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Garbage & Refuse Properly Disposed. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The eighth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Facilities Maintained - Comments: Observed the Outside Dumpster in Poor Repair (missing Lids). Must Provide and Maintain to Prevent Access to Possible Food Source. Priority Foundation Violation #7-38-020(b).. Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/07/2025 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Chicago Department of Public Health. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Chicago Food Service Sanitation Rules. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.