CHICAGO, IL - Health department officials identified compliance problems at Sharks Fish & Chicken during an inspection on 08/14/2025.
Situated at 400 E 87Th Street Chicago Illinois in Chatham, the restaurant serves a diverse clientele in one of Chicago's bustling districts.
Inspectors documented: "1. Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties - comments: observed no person in charge with valid chicago food sanitation certificate. Observed no chicago food sanitation manager on site when TCS food prepared and served." This finding indicates a need for compliance with established food safety protocols.
Health department officials noted violations related to sanitation, which require attention for public health compliance.
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.
The inspection identified violations related to temperature control, an important area of food safety.
Industry research indicates that improper food temperatures can allow dangerous bacteria to multiply rapidly Research conducted by federal health agencies demonstrates that Maintaining proper food temperatures is the most effective method for preventing bacterial growth and foodborne illness. The FDA Temperature Safety Guidelines provides comprehensive guidance for preventing such violations.
Health department officials noted violations related to hand washing, which require attention for public health compliance.
Industry experts consistently emphasize the critical importance of proper hand washing protocols. The CDC Hand Hygiene Guidelines clearly states that Federal guidelines require food service workers to wash hands for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and warm water.
The inspection found infractions involving pest control, a fundamental aspect of food service operations.
Restaurant industry studies show that pest-related violations often correlate with other sanitation deficiencies According to FDA Food Code Standards, Effective pest control is considered a critical control point in preventing foodborne illness outbreaks. This regulatory framework ensures that food service establishments meet rigorous safety standards.
In addition to regulatory requirements, these issues may affect the business's standing and public trust. Community health organizations track health department findings to provide education to local residents.
Health department officials will conduct a comprehensive re-inspection to ensure that all violations have been properly addressed. The establishment must demonstrate full compliance before the matter can be considered resolved.
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 | 2622308 |
| DBA Name | SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN |
| AKA Name | SHARKS FISH & CHICKEN |
| License # | 2771670 |
| Facility Type | Restaurant |
| Risk | Risk 1 (High) |
| Address | 400 E 87TH ST |
| City | CHICAGO |
| State | IL |
| Zip | 60619 |
| Inspection Date | 08/14/2025 |
| Inspection Type | Canvass |
| Results | Fail |
| Violations | 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT |
| AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments | OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION | 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-12 CITATION ISSUED | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK INSIDE WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE SOAP AT HAND WASHING SINK FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED | 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE - Comments: OBSERVED CONTAINERS AND UTENSILS STORED INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. HAND WASHING SINK SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) | 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES. | 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED - Comments: OBSERVED HANDLE OF SPOON LAYING INSIDE SEASONING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS AND STORE HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. | 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE |
| CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments | OBSERVED POP CRATES USED AS SHELVING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. | 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS - Comments | OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED | 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT |
| SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. | 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments | OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. | 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED |
| MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments | OBSERVED MOP HEAD STORED INSIDE SOILED WATER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY HANG MOP TO DRY TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING. |
| Latitude | 41.73661396743665 |
| Longitude | -87.61444973049697 |
| Location | (41.73661396743665 |
This inspection was conducted on August 14, 2025.
Chicago Department of Public Health
The following violations were found: sanitation, temperature-control, hand-washing, pest-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.
