OKINI BUFFET HIBACHI, INC. in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/13/25

CHICAGO, IL - OKINI BUFFET HIBACHI, INC. received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 08/13/2025.

Situated at 6560 W FULLERTON AVE, the establishment is part of Belmont Cragin's active food service sector. The Belmont Cragin area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: 10. Adequate Handwashing Sinks Properly Supplied and Accessible - Comments: 6-301.14: Observed the Handwashing Sink in the Front Hibachi Prep Area Without a Handwashing Sign. Instructed to Provide 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.

The second violation concerned food temperatures. Inspectors documented: 39. Contamination Prevented During Food Preparation, Storage & Display - Comments: 3-307.11: Observed Ice Scoop Stored on Top of the Ice Machine. Instructed to Provide an Ice Scoop Holding Unit and Maintain.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: 51. Plumbing Installed; Proper Backflow Devices - Comments: 5-205.15: Observed a Leak at the Pipe Under the Three-compartment Sink in the Rear Dishwashing Area. Instructed to 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. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.

The fourth violation related to thermal management. Inspectors documented: 55. Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: 6-501.11: Observed the Rear Electrical/ Hot Water Tank Storage Closet Not Maintained. Instructed to Organize and Maintain.. The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The fifth violation related to sanitization. Inspectors documented: 56. Adequate Ventilation & Lighting; Designated Areas Used - Comments: 4-202.18: Observed Spider Webs on the Ventilaton Filters Above the Wok Cooking Equipment. Instructed to Clean and Maintain.. 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 sixth violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: 56. Adequate Ve. Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Chicago Department of Public Health. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/13/2025 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.