Health Inspection Report
SEAFOOD PARADISE ON JEFFERY in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/13/25
CHICAGO, IL
Published: August 21, 2025
CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at SEAFOOD PARADISE ON JEFFERY during a routine inspection conducted on 08/13/2025.
Located at 9529 S JEFFERY AVE, the facility is part of CHICAGO's diverse food service industry. Routine inspections help maintain consistent safety standards throughout the city's dining 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 management. Inspectors documented: 39. Contamination Prevented During Food Preparation, Storage & Display - Comments: All Reach in Cooler Sliding Glass Door Tracks with an Over Abundance of Food Debris. Instructed to Detail Clean and Maintain. 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 related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: 41. Wiping Cloths: Properly Used & Stored - Comments: All Cloths After Soaking in Bleach Sanitizer Must Be Air Dried. Instructed to Correct 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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.
The third violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: 47. Food & Non-food Contact Surfaces Cleanable, Properly Designed, Constructed & Used - Comments: All Cutting Boards Must Be Replaced. All Worn Discolored with Deep Cuts. Instructed to Correct 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 fourth violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: 49. Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: All Cooking Equipment in Need of Detail Cleaning to Remove All Food Build Up and Grease. Instructed to Detail 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. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
The fifth violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: 49. Non-food/food Contact Surfaces Clean - Comments: All Exterior of All Equipment and All Contact Surfaces in Need of Cleaning to Remove All Build Up. Instructed to Detail 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
The sixth violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. Inspectors documented: 53. Toilet Facilities: Properly Constructed, Supplied, & Cleaned - Comme. 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.
Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were documented: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 20-30 MICE DROPPINGS ALONG WALL BASES IN REAR STORAGE AREA. 10-12 DROPPINGS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL ARES. CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED; CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY - Comments: ALL REACH IN COOLER SLIDING GLASS DOOR TRACKS WITH AN OVER ABUNDANCE OF FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: ALL CLOTHS AFTER SOAKING IN BLEACH SANITIZER MUST BE AIR DRIED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: ALL CUTTING BOARDS MUST BE REPLACED. ALL WORN DISCOLORED WITH DEEP CUTS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: ALL EXTERIOR OF ALL EQUIPMENT AND ALL CONTACT SURFACES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECTED AND MAINTAIN; TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED - Comments: TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF WASTE CAN WITH LID INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE BUILD UP.; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: HOOD VENTS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED - Comments: ALL AIR CONDITIONING VENTS IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED THERMOMETERS MISSING IN REACH-IN AND PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN FRONT PREP AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINERS ON PREP TABLES AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS, PREP TABLES, PREP COOLERS, FREEZERS, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVIN UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, BEVERAGE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED DRAINLINES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED TO FLOOR DRAIN IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN.; THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE - Comments: OBSERVED THERMOMETERS MISSING IN REACH-IN AND PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE THERMOMETERS AND MAINTAIN.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED OVER 60 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS, NEAR WATER HEATER AND SHELVING UNITS IN REAR STORAGE AREA, LIVE ROACH CRAWLING ON PAPER TOWELS IN FRONT PREP AREA, LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY IN PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN FRONT PREP AREA AND STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINERS ON PREP TABLES AND SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED NO STOPPERS FOR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE STOPPERS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS ON PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP, FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYER CABINETS, PREP TABLES, PREP COOLERS, FREEZERS, BULK CONTAINERS, SHELVIN UNITS, HOLDING UNITS, BEVERAGE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED DRAINLINES NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED TO FLOOR DRAIN IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED OPENINGS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS, ALONG BASEBOARDS IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENINGS AND MAINTAIN..
Why are these violations concerning?
Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.