New China Town Restaurant

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 noted no labels for bulk storage containers (flour and sugar). Instructed person in charge all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with contents name.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 noted no labels for bulk storage containers (flour and sugar). Instructed person in charge all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with contents name.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: 4-101.11(b, c, d, e) observed frozen food items in plastic grocery bags in the freezer. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only.

Food wasn’t labeled or wasn’t in its original container.

Inspector’s note: Noted no labels for bulk storage containers (flour and sugar). Instructed person in charge all bulk and working food ingredient containers must be labeled with contents name.

Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

Inspector’s note: Observed food containers stored on the floor in the walk-in cooler, prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to properly store and protect food items from contamination while stored by elevating at least six inches from the floor on raised shelving units.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Observed frozen food items in plastic grocery bags in the freezer. Management instructed to use proper food grade storage bags and containers only.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-204.112(b): observed no ambient air thermometers in the cold holding units in the rear food prep area and the front dining area. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.112: observed a dead roach on top of the container of the flour in the rear food prep area, under the drainbaord of the three compartment sink, and in the dry storage closet in the dining area. Instructed to remove dead roaches and sanitize all affcted surfaces and maintain.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: 4-301.12: observed facility missing two sink stoppers for the warewashing sink. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.11: observed a small opening with a dead roach inside in the wall and floor under the drainboard of the three compartment sink in the food prep area on the maint floor. Instructed to seal said opening and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.13: observed floors in the walk-in cooler with foood debris and animal blood. Instructed to clean and maintain said floors.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Observed no ambient air thermometers in the cold holding units in the rear food prep area and the front dining area. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed a dead roach on top of the container of the flour in the rear food prep area, under the drainbaord of the three compartment sink, and in the dry storage closet in the dining area. Instructed to remove dead roaches and sanitize all affcted surfaces and maintain.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 40 rat droppings in the prep area in the basement. The following areas in the basement were observed with rat droppings on the floor: on the side of the walk-in cooler, near the hot water tank, in the far back of the basement where the floors are not finished. Instructed to remove rat droppings, clean and sanitize affected areas and recommended contacting pest control for a service priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a), citation issued

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Observed facility missing two sink stoppers for the warewashing sink. Instructed to provide and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed a small opening with a dead roach inside in the wall and floor under the drainboard of the three compartment sink in the food prep area on the maint floor. Instructed to seal said opening and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed floors in the walk-in cooler with foood debris and animal blood. Instructed to clean and maintain said floors.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Observed previous core violations not corrected from 05/16/2023, report # 2575945 #49: instructed to clean interior bottom of fryers to remove grease, clean interior of freezer unit. #51: the faucet at the exposed hand sink in the basement prep area is in poor repair; instructed to repair faucet to have running hot (100f) and cold water. (this time area was being used for prepping at the time of the inspection) #55: instructed to clean floors in basement area and in kitchen under and around equipment. Instructed to clean walls in basement and kitchen area to remove splatter. Instructed to clean the window fan above the rear exit door in kitchen to remove dust observed. Instructed to clean vent fans on ceilings of both washrooms to remove dust. #56: vent systems above cooking equipment need cleaning; clean vents. #58: the certified manager has no food allergen certificate; instructed to…

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean interior bottom of fryers to remove grease, clean interior of freezer unit.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: The faucet at the exposed hand sink in the basement prep area is in poor repair; instructed to repair faucet. (area not being used for prepping at this time)

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floors in basement area and in kitchen under and around equipment. Instructed to clean walls in basement and kitchen area to remove splatter. Instructed to clean the window fan above the rear exit door in kitchen to remove dust observed. Instructed to clean vent fans on ceilings of both washrooms to remove dust.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Vent systems above cooking equipment need cleaning; clean vents.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed sponges in prep area that are in need of replacing very often. Instructed to correct and maintain.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: New cutting board needed worn, discolored. Instructed to replace and maintain.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Lights in prep area in need of shields. Instructed to obtain and maintain.

Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: Observed sponges in prep area that are in need of replacing very often. Instructed to correct and maintain.

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: See violation #60

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: New cutting board needed worn, discolored. Instructed to replace and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: See violation #60

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: See violation #60

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: See violation #60

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Lights in prep area in need of shields. Instructed to obtain and maintain.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: The following core violations from 11-15-21 report #2538181 not corrected at this time of inspection. #10 6-301.14 observed no hand washing sign located in the women's toilet room. Instructed to provide. #16 4-602.11(b-e) observed a brownish substance inside the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to clean. #45 4-502.13 observed foods being stored in grocery bags in the freezers, refrigerators, and in the walk-in cooler. Instructed not to store foods in grocery bags and only store all foods in food-grade containers or food-grade bags. #49 4-601.11(c) observed the interior of the fryers with excessive accumulated grease and food debris and the wok station with accumulated food debris. Observed exterior of dry storage containers with accumulated instructed to clean all. Observed rust on the shelves in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to replace or remove rust on the shelves in…

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed foods being stored in grocery bags in the freezers, refrigerators, and in the walk-in cooler. Instructed not to store foods in grocery bags and only store all foods in food-grade containers or food-grade bags.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed the interior of the fryers with excessive accumulated grease and food debris and the wok station with accumulated food debris. Observed exterior of dry storage containers with accumulated instructed to clean all. Observed rust on the shelves in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to replace or remove rust on the shelves in the walk-in cooler.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the backflow prevention device on the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to locate or provide.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed floors with accumulated grease and food debris under all cooking equipment and minor dirt debris behind and under refrigeration units. Observed accumulated grease debris between cooking equipment. Observed accumulated dust debris on the vents located in the toilet rooms. Instructed to clean all.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: 4-302.12 observed no metal stem thermometer on-site to properly take temperatures of cold and hot tcs foods. Instructed to provide. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.111 observed no up-to-date pest control service report on site. The manager produced a pest control service report for january of 2020. Instructed to obtain a pest control service and provide a pest control service report for 2021. Priority foundation 7-38-020(c).

Single-use items weren’t stored or used properly.

Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed foods being stored in grocery bags in the freezers, refrigerators, and in the walk-in cooler. Instructed not to store foods in grocery bags and only store all foods in food-grade containers or food-grade bags.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed the interior of the fryers with excessive accumulated grease and food debris and the wok station with accumulated food debris. Observed exterior of dry storage containers with accumulated instructed to clean all. Observed rust on the shelves in the walk-in cooler. Instructed to replace or remove rust on the shelves in the walk-in cooler.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: 5-204.12 unable to locate the backflow prevention device on the ice machine located in the basement. Instructed to locate or provide.

Garbage wasn’t handled or stored properly.

Inspector’s note: 5-501.15 observed accumulated grease debris on the lid of the outside grease dumpster. Instructed to clean. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-020(b).

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed floors with accumulated grease and food debris under all cooking equipment and minor dirt debris behind and under refrigeration units. Observed accumulated grease debris between cooking equipment. Observed accumulated dust debris on the vents located in the toilet rooms. Instructed to clean all.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following: wok area surfaces, stove, bottoms of fryers, interiors of refrigeration units and prep tables.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors in the kitchen under and around equipment in need of cleaning. Also clean floor in basement area.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed a section of the ceiling in the kitchen with peeling paint; remove peeling paint from ceiling.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed the vents and the hooded system above the cooking equipment in need of cleaning; clean vents and hooded system.

Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

Inspector’s note: Found no thermometer for measuring temperatures on premises; instructed to pic to provide a thermometer.

Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

Inspector’s note: Observed rodent activity on premises. Found 70 or more rat droppings on premises in the basement area on the floor around and behind equipment and stairs. Instructed to clean all affected areas and have smithereen service prior to reinspection next week. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) issued.

Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

Inspector’s note: Found no sink stoppers for the three comp sinks for proper set up to wash rinse and santize dishes and utensils. Instructed the pic to provide an adequate amount of sink stoppers.

Dishwashing equipment wasn’t set up, maintained, or used correctly.

Inspector’s note: Found no chemical test strips on premises. Instructed the pic to provide and maintain chemical test strips for testing the strength of the chemical sanitizer when wash rinse and sanitizing dishes and utensils. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 issued.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following: wok area surfaces, stove, bottoms of fryers, interiors of refrigeration units and prep tables.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found the pipe underneath the three comp sink in the basement leaking; instructed to repair leaking pipe under the sink.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed a section of the ceiling in the kitchen with peeling paint; remove peeling paint from ceiling.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the floors in the kitchen under and around equipment in need of cleaning. Also clean floor in basement area.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed the vents and the hooded system above the cooking equipment in need of cleaning; clean vents and hooded system.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean interior bottom of fryers to remove grease and food particles, clean interiors of refrigeration units, shelves inside of the walk-in cooler in the basement, prep tables, exterior surfaces of cooking equipment.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Detail clean floor throughout kitchen area of food spills and debris.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Excessive clutter in rear of basement; instructed to remove unnecessary items to avoid clutter.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean exterior surfaces of cooking equipment (fryers, woks). Clean shelves inside of walk-in cooler.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under and around equipment in kitchen and basement.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Clean wall fan above the rear exit door in the kitchen to remove grease and dirt.

Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

Inspector’s note: Found the exposed handsink and the three comp sink in the basement not draining properly. Instructed to have sinks fixed so they are draining properly as required. (an additional handsink and three comp sink are on premises in the kitchen). Owner called a plumber who stated he would be out in an hour to repair. Serious violation 7-38-030 issued.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean exterior surfaces of cooking equipment (fryers, woks). Clean shelves inside of walk-in cooler.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under and around equipment in kitchen and basement.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Clean wall fan above the rear exit door in the kitchen to remove grease and dirt.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: #38 a garden hose attached to a water supply line in basement without a backflow prevention device; instructed to install.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Continue to clean floors around and behind all kitchen equipment and in basement area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must clean vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment. Must clean vent fans in the washrooms to remove heavy dust build up.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: The exposed handsink in the basement is leaking at the elbow when water is running at the sink; the pipe is detached from the elbow; must repair.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Found unnecessary items in basement; instructed to remove items to avoid clutter.

* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

Inspector’s note: No city of chicago food service manager on duty as required while preparing and handling potentially hazardous foods. Owner on duty has a state of illinois certificate issued august 21, 2015. Instructed to obtain a city of chicago food sanitation certificate. Serious violation issued 7-38-012.

* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers

Inspector’s note: The inspection summary report from the previous inspection dated june 8, 2015 was not posted in plain view of customers as required. Report was filed away with the inspection report. Instructed that the summary must be posted at all times. Serious violation 7-42-010(b) issued.

Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violations not corrected from june 8, 2015 as described: #45 food handlers requirements not met #33 exterior of prep coolers and cooking equipment not clean, meat slicer in basement not clean, food shelves throughout not clean, food debris noted. Instructed to clean and maintain. #34 floors in basement prep area in poor repair cracks and peeling paint. Instructed to celan and maintain. #35 inadequate lighting in basement rear storage room; instructed to provide. #38 a garden hose attached to a water supply line in basement without a backflow prevention device; instructed to install. #43 ice machine around door not clean in basement area; instructed to clean and maintain. Serious violation 7-42-090 issued.

Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

Inspector’s note: Found grocery bags being used for food storage in refrigeration units and freezers; instructed to use food grade bags for food storage.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following: exterior surfaces of cooking equipment (woks, stove, fryers), clean bottoms of prep tables, interiors of refrigeration units.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floors need detail cleaning under around and behind all kitchen equipment and in basement area.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following attached equipment: walls around and behind cooking equipment, vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment, vent fans in washrooms to remove heavy dust build up, the fan above the rear kitchen door to remove grease and build up.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: The exposed handsink in the basement is leaking at the elbow when water is running at the sink; the pipe is detached from the elbow; must repair.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Found unnecessary items in basement; instructed to remove items to avoid clutter.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Exterior of prep coolers and cooking equipment not celan, meat slicer in basement not clean, food shelves throuth out not clean, food debris noted . Instructed to clean and maintain.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Floors in basement prep area inpoor repair, cracks and peeing paint, standing water. Instructed to repair and maintain.

Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded

Inspector’s note: Inadequate lighting at basement rear storage room, instructe dto provide.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: A garden hose attached to a water supply line in basement without a backflow prevention device. Instructed to install.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Ice machine around door not clean in basement area, instructed to clean and maintain.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handlers requirments not met.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must clean fan guard cover inside of the two door refrigeration unit in the kitchen and provide a cover for one fan where missing.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean interior bottom of fryers to remove grease and food particles, clean interiors of refrigeration units, shelves inside of the walk-in cooler in the basement, prep tables, exterior surfaces of cooking equipment.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain floors under the cooking equipment to remove grease, clean around other kitchen equipment and in basement under and around stored equipment.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must remove heavy dust observed on ventilation fans on ceilings of both washrooms. Clean attached wall equipment in kitchen to remove dust observed. Some sections of ceiling in basement in poor repair; repair where needed.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: The ventilation hood over the grill and small stove is not working; must repair. The utility sink being used in the basement has no hot running water; must provide a hot water line to the sink.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Excessive clutter in rear of basement; instructed to remove unnecessary items to avoid clutter.

No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

Inspector’s note: A large opening above the rear door inside of the kitchen is not insect proofed; must close large hole in door to prevent insects or birds from entering kitchen. No log book on premises; establishment only has a receipt from smithereen dated 9/22/14 with the company's state of illinois license number on it; instructed to obtain a book from the company. Serious violation 7-38-020.

Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

Inspector’s note: Must clean fan guard cover inside of the two door refrigeration unit in the kitchen and provide a cover for one fan where missing.

Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

Inspector’s note: Must clean interior bottom of fryers to remove grease and food particles, clean interiors of refrigeration units, shelves inside of the walk-in cooler in the basement, prep tables, exterior surfaces of cooking equipment.

Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain floors under the cooking equipment to remove grease, clean around other kitchen equipment and in basement under and around stored equipment.

Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

Inspector’s note: Must remove heavy dust observed on ventilation fans on ceilings of both washrooms. Clean attached wall equipment in kitchen to remove dust observed. Some sections of ceiling in basement in poor repair; repair where needed.

Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

Inspector’s note: The ventilation hood over the grill and small stove is not working; must repair. The utility sink being used in the basement has no hot running water; must provide a hot water line to the sink.

Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

Inspector’s note: Excessive clutter in rear of basement; instructed to remove unnecessary items to avoid clutter.