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NOODLES AND COMPANY in CHICAGO, IL Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/15/25

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CHICAGO, IL - Health inspectors documented violations at NOODLES AND COMPANY during a routine inspection conducted on 08/15/2025.

Located at 47 S CLARK ST in the The Loop area, the establishment serves the local community. The The Loop neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 2 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: 55. Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: 6-501.11: Observed Missing Grout in Between Floor Tiles in Rear Prep Area and Dishwashing Area. Observed Missing Grout in Areas Such As in Rear Prep Near Handwashing Sink and Two Compartment Sink and Dishwashing Area Near Three Compartment Sink. Instructed to Smoothly Regrout in Between Floor Tiles Where Grout Is Missing in Rear Prep Area and in Dishwashing Area for Ease of Cleanability.. 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 second violation concerned temperature control. Inspectors documented: 55. Physical Facilities Installed, Maintained & Clean - Comments: 6-501.12: Observed Buildup on Interior of Floor Drains Underneath Three Compartment Sink and High Temperature Dish Machine. Instructed to Clean Interior of Floor Drains Underneath Three Compartment Sink and High Temperature Dish Machine.. 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. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.

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 08/15/2025 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: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.11: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN AREAS SUCH AS IN REAR PREP NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISHWASHING AREA NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN REAR PREP AREA AND IN DISHWASHING AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12: OBSERVED BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE.; PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS - Comments: OBSERVED ALL NECESSARY ITEMS NOT ON PREMISES FOR COMPLYING WITH PROCEDURE AVAILABLE ON SITE WHEN EMPLOYEES RESPOND TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO FOLLOW WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITTING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED; PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 46.6F. OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS, TWO CONTAINERS OF NOODLES HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 46.6F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 41F OR BELOW. CORRECTED ON SITE MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD VALUED AT $4 WEIGHING 10LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL - Comments: OBSERVED SMALL TWO DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 52.2F. INSTRUCTED ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW. HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON SMALL TWO DRAWER COLD HOLDING UNIT IN FRONT PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 SMALL FLIES IN FACILITY. OBSERVED SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN AREAS SUCH AS DISHWASHING AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY IN FACILITY AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS, RECOMMENDED LICENSED PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE FACILITY ON OR AFTER 6/25/2025. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED BUILDUP ON INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND DISHWASHING AREA. OBSERVED MISSING GROUT IN AREAS SUCH AS IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR COOKLINE, SHELVING UNIT AND HANDWASHING SINK, REAR PREP NEAR HANDWASHING SINK AND TWO COMPARTMENT SINK AND DISHWASHING AREA NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY REGROUT IN BETWEEN FLOOR TILES WHERE GROUT IS MISSING IN FRONT PREP AREA, REAR PREP AREA AND IN DISHWASHING AREA FOR EASE OF CLEANABILITY.; WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED - Comments: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED KEEP WIPING CLOTHS IN PROPER SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.; FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED - Comments: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.; PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES - Comments: OBSERVED WATER COMING FROM PIPE UNDERNEATH HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED AT THE END OF COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.; ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED - Comments: OBSERVED EXPIRED AND INCOMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGERS MUST RENEW OR COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND KEEP CERTIFICATE ON SITE.; PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.; CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE - Comments: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A MINOR BROWNISH SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE INTERIOR ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: 4-904.11 OBSERVED TO GO CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED BY THE CUSTOMER DRINK/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT THE TO GO CONTAINERS IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN REFRIGERATION UNITS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD, DIRT AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.; MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING - Comments: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE THAT RELATES TO FOODBORNE ILLNESSES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.; FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED - Comments: 4-602.11(B-E) OBSERVED A MINOR BROWNISH SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED BY THE INTERIOR ICE MAKER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.; FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER - Comments: 3-302.12 OBSERVED DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS.; INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT - Comments: 6-501.111 OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE INSECT ACTIVITY ON SITE. OBSERVED ABOUT 75 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE CEILING IN THE REAR DISH WASHING/FOOD PREP AREA AND ABOUT 10 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND THE BSMT PREP/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE SMALL FLIES ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A).; PERSONAL CLEANLINESS - Comments: 2-402.11 OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT BEARD GUARDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.; SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED - Comments: 4-904.11 OBSERVED TO GO CONTAINERS NOT INVERTED BY THE CUSTOMER DRINK/SERVICE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT THE TO GO CONTAINERS IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.; NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN - Comments: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS IN BETWEEN REFRIGERATION UNITS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.; PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: 6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE 1ST FLOOR FOOD PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD, DIRT AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN..

Why are these violations concerning?

The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.

Important Health Information

Data Sources

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.

Complete Inspection History

View all health inspections, pass rates, and violation history for NOODLES AND COMPANY

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