CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance issues at SHANGHAI INN RESTAURANT in an inspection dated 08/07/2025.
The establishment operates from 4723 N DAMEN AVE in CHICAGO, serving customers in this neighborhood. Regular health inspections ensure food safety standards are maintained across all local establishments.
The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.
The first violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: 3-302.11 (A:3-8) (B)--- ALL FOODS THROUGHOUT COOLER AND FREEZER MUST BE PROPERLY PROTECTED, COVERED, WRAPPED.. 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.
The second violation concerned pest prevention. Inspectors documented: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 80 LBS COOKED TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE OF 8/4/24 INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. BUSINESS HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE 7/29/25 INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS INSIDE THE COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.. 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.
The third violation concerned sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: 3-304.12--- ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER BETWEEN USE.---NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.. 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
The fourth violation involved food storage. Inspectors documented: SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: : 4-903.11(A. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.
The fifth violation concerned food storage. Inspectors documented: C)--- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE FRONT DINING ROOM SERVER STATION MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
The sixth violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19--- MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR . 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.
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.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were documented: FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: 3-302.11 (A:3-8) (B)--- ALL FOODS THROUGHOUT COOLER AND FREEZER MUST BE PROPERLY PROTECTED, COVERED, WRAPPED.; PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION - Comments: NOTED APPROXIMATELY 80 LBS COOKED TCS FOODS SUCH AS CHICKEN WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE OF 8/4/24 INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. BUSINESS HAS BEEN CLOSED SINCE 7/29/25 INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ALL PREPARED TCS FOODS INSIDE THE COOLER. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: 3-304.12--- ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER BETWEEN USE.---NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: : 4-903.11(A; C)--- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE FRONT DINING ROOM SERVER STATION MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: 4-101.19--- MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE BASEMENT BOX FREEZER STORAGE. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING AT ALL TIMES.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(B)--- SOME COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT STILL WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS.----INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS THROUGHOUT WITH FOOD DEBRIS.----EXTERIOR OF ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS INCLUDING BUS PANS USED FOR FOOD. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-602.13--- MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT OR STRING AS SHELVING GUARDS. PROVIDE A EASILY CLEANABLE NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: 5-204.12-- NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE ICE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER ON THE MACHINE OR VERIFY THAT THE METAL DEVICE ON THE REAR OF THE MACHINE IS AN ACTUAL BACKFLOW PREVENTER.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: : 6-201.11--- ALL FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FACILITY WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT, GREASE AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE DISH MACHINE TWO COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE REPLACED.----MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE ALL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS AND MUST NOT STORE UNDER WASTE WATER PIPING IN BASEMENT. REMOVE BUCKETS AND CRATES FROM OUTSIDE REAR OF PREMISES.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: MOLDY WALL CAULKING HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE TWO COMPARTMENT SINK LEAVING OPEN GAPS AND CREVICES IN THE WALL. MUST SMOOTHLY SEAL.; MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE VERIFICATION (SIGNATURES) ALL EMPLOYEES ARE AWARE OF HEALTH POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.; FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED - Comments: ALL FOODS THROUGHOUT COOLER AND FREEZER MUST BE PROPERLY PROTECTED, COVERED, WRAPPED.; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD IN THE KITCHEN TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER AT INADEQUATE TEMPERATURES: SHRIMP AT 47.1F, EGGS AT 45.3F, COOKED CHICKEN AT 47.8F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: KITCHEN TWO DOOR TALL REACH-IN COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE. COOLER NOTED AT 51.6 WITH FOOD SUCH AS SHRIMP AT 47.1. COOLER TAGGED 'HELD FOR INSPECTION' AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 1 DEAD RAT ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT FOOD STORAGE. MUST REMOVE DEAD RODENT AND CLEAN FLOOR.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 100 RAT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN: UNDER THE WOKS LINE, UNDER THE DISH WASHING MACHINE, BEHIND ALL TALL REACH-IN COOLERS, UNDER THE TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND BEHIND THE STEAM TABLE. ALSO NOTED DROPPINGS IN THE BASEMENT BOX FREEZER FOOD STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL DROPPINGS, SANITIZE ALL AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL CO. SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT FOR RODENTS. ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.; IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN CONTAINER BETWEEN USE.---NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED TABLE TOP CAN OPENER. MUST CLEAN AFTER EACH USE.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE FRONT DINING ROOM SERVER STATION MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: MUST NOT USE MILK CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY INCLUDING THE BASEMENT BOX FREEZER STORAGE. FLOORS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR CLEANING AND MONITORING AT ALL TIMES.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS.----INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS THROUGHOUT WITH FOOD DEBRIS.----EXTERIOR OF ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT OR STRING AS SHELVING GUARDS. PROVIDE A EASILY CLEANABLE NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: LEAK FROM DISPENSING CHEMICAL TUBING INTO A PLASTIC CONTAINER ON TOP OF THE DISH MACHINE. MUST REPAIR.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE LOCATED ON THE ICE MACHINE. MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER ON THE MACHINE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: NOTED SOILED MOPS HANGING IN THE REAR OUTDOOR PATIO. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL SOILED MOPS INVERTED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK WHEN NOT IN USE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: ALL FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FACILITY WITH ACCUMULATED DIRT, GREASE AND DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----BLACKENED, MOLDY WALL CAULKING AT THE DISH MACHINE TWO COMPARTMENT SINK MUST BE REPLACED.----MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH CLEANABLE CEILING ABOVE ALL BASEMENT BOX FREEZERS AND MUST NOT STORE UNDER WASTE WATER PIPING IN BASEMENT.; ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING - Comments: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL KITCHEN EMPLOYEES TWO CERTIFICATES NEEDED. MUST PROVIDE.; PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED - Comments: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2604469 ON 10-10-24 NOT CORRECTED. #47- 4-501.11--OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ENCRUSTED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.MUST REMOVE DEBRIS, DETAIL CLEAN INSIDE ICE MACHINE/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN ICE MACHINE AT ALL TIMES.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED LARGE WHITE BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA WITHOUT A LABEL.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THE COMMON NAME ON ALL BULK CONTAINERS TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY ITEM (SALT, SUGAR, FLOUR ETC).; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON THE PREMISES.OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 RODENT (RAT) DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH A METAL STORAGE RACK IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE AND REMOVE RODENT DROPPINGS FROM AFFECTED AREAS.RECCOMEND ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CHIPPED PAINT AND RUST AND REPAINT OR REPLACE THE SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED A TORN DOOR GASKET INSIDE OF THE KITCHEN 2 DOOR STAND-UP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE TORN DOOR GASKET AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED CARDBOARDS ON THE FLOOR UNDERNEATH THE MAIN KITCHEN COOKING EQUIPMENTS.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE CARDBOARDS FROM THE FLOOR.; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED RUSTED STORAGE RACKS IN TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA ---ALSO OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS LINER ON SHELVING UNITS IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND CARDBOARD ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES).; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BASEMENT STORAGE AREA WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ORGANIZE THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED DIRT BUILDUP ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP DISH AREA, AROUND DISH MACHINE, PREP TABLES AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DIRT BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: OBSERVED INOPERATIVE VENTILATION FANS IN BOTH CUSTOMER TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VENTILATION FANS AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED ONE CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITH AN EXPIRED ALLERGEN ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO RENEW EXPIRED ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN..
Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness. Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Chicago Department of Public Health. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Chicago Food Code, FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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