Yassa African Restaruant

Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

Inspector’s note: Observed frozen chicken in large pot in the kitchen thawing out. Instructed manager to properly thaw inside the cooler or underneath cool running water.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed exterior of cooking equipment dirty. Must clean and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the coolers and freezer dirty. Must clean and maintain.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed a leaky pipe underneath the hand sink in the rear prep area. Must repair and maintain.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the floors under around and behind all kitchen equipment, behind storage shelves, refrigeration units and freezers, under sinks and in closets where hot water tank and furnace located. Instructed to clean the walls in prep areas around and behind kitchen equipment, also clean ceiling vents and light shields where needed in prep areas.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed damaged floor tiles in the rear prep area. Must repair and maintain smooth and easily cleanable.

Staff personal cleanliness was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed food handlers in the food prep area without proper hair restraint. Must provide and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed cutting board in poor repair(deep dark open seems). Must replace and maintain.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must defrost and clean the interior of the small deep freezer in the kitchen.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Floors need detail cleaning through out to remove spills,debris and/or grease.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must replace damaged and dirty ceiling tiles in the kitchen.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION #57 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2586318, DATE: 12-5-23. PREMISES STILL UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE AS REQUIRED. Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: UNABLE TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTICATES FOR FOOD HANDLERS; MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED #7-42-090.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following: interior of ice machine in kitchen (cos), bottoms of all prep tables, interiors of all refrigeration and freezer units, exterior surfaces of all cooking equipment, inside of stove and bottom area of fryers, top area of stove and cutting board at steam table.

Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

Inspector’s note: No covered waste receptacle in womens washroom as required; instructed to provide a covered waste receptacle.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain the following: remove dust on vent fans in washrooms, remove dust on ceiling vents and ceiling fans in dinning area, clean floors under around and behind kitchen equipment, clean walls around and behind kitchen equipment to remove splatter.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vents in the hooded system above cooking equipment.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain the following equipment: exterior surfaces of fryers, grill and stove, interior bottom of fryers, bottoms of prep tables, interiors of refrigeration and freezer units.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the floors under around and behind all kitchen equipment, behind storage shelves, refrigeration units and freezers, under sinks and in closets where hot water tank and furnace located. Instructed to clean the walls in prep areas around and behind kitchen equipment, also clean ceiling vents where needed in prep areas.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain the following equipment: exterior surfaces of fryers, grill and stove, interior bottom of fryers, bottoms of prep tables, interiors of refrigeration and freezer units.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Found the handsink and one comp sink in the rear prep/dishwashing area not maintained in good repair according to law. Instructed to repair and maintain sinks for handwashing and washing vegetables/thawing. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c) issued.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the floors under around and behind all kitchen equipment, behind storage shelves, refrigeration units and freezers, under sinks and in closets where hot water tank and furnace located. Insructed to clean the walls in prep areas around and behind kitchen equipment, also clean ceiling vents where needed in prep areas.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the vents in the hooded system above the cooking equipment.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean all prep table, storage shelving, interior of all coolers and freezers to remove spill and debris.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean walls and floors throughout kitchens and storage area to remove dirt, splatter and droppings. Clean all ceiling vents in kitchen to remove dirt.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed holes and openings into the floors and ceiling. Must seal/ repair and maintain to prevent further entry point for pests.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 35 mice droppings scattered on the floors and shelving on the far side of the front kitchen, noted 45 mice droppings scattered on the floor and shelving in the rear kitchen area by the 2 door coolers. Instructed manager to remove droppings and detail clean affected areas. Also instructed manager to service premises. Priority foundation citation issued #7-38-020(a).

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must detail clean all prep table, storage shelving, interior of all coolers and freezers to remove spill and debris.

Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

Inspector’s note: Must detail exterior of the grease trap.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean walls and floors throughout kitchens and storage area to remove dirt, splatter and droppings. Clean all ceiling vents in kitchen to remove dirt.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Observed holes and openings into the floors and ceiling. Must seal/ repair and maintain to prevent further entry point for pests.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean interior bottom of fryers to remove grease.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking from the first compartment of the three comp sink; must repair leak.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean walls and floors throughout kitchens and storage area to remove dirt, splatter etc. Clean all ceiling vents in kitchen to remove dirt.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of rodents on premises. Found more than 50 mouse droppings on the floor under storage shelves in the hallway behind the kitchen, in both prep areas on the floor and on bottoms of prep tables. Instructed to clean all affected areas and have pest control company service prior to reinspection next week. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a) issued.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean the following: top of stove, exterior of stove, fryer and grill. Interior bottom of fryers to remove grease, prep tables, can opener blade at prep table, interiors of refrigeration and freezer units.

Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

Inspector’s note: Observed leaking from the first compartment of the three comp sink; must repair leak.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean walls and floors throughout kitchens and storage area to remove dirt, splatter etc. Clean all ceiling vents in kitchen to remove dirt.

A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

Inspector’s note: Previous core violation not corrected; must correct. Instructed the person in charge that all city of chicago food service managers must obtain the required food allergen training. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090.

Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following: cutting board on prep table, exterior sides of fryers, stove, exterior of refrigeration units, bottoms of prep tables and bottom area of fryers to remove grease.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean floors under around and behind kitchen equipment and maintain. Clean walls around and behind kitchen equipment where needed. Provide wall coving along the wall in the hall way outside of the kitchen to seal opening and gaps. Clean all ceiling vents in kitchen to remove dust observed.

Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

Inspector’s note: Instructed to remove standing water in the mop bucket when not in use. Organize and maintain kitchen area to avoid clutter; remove unnecessary items.

Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

Inspector’s note: Observed one set of lights in front cooking area without proper shield; must provide.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Multi use utensils not stored inverted for protection from contamination. Must store multi use utensils.

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

Inspector’s note: observed hot holding unit in disrepair knobs missing and damaged. Must repair and maintain.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler missing required food handler training certificates. Must obtain for all food handlers in facility.

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

Inspector’s note: see violation #14

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no City of Chicago certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous food being served and prepared. Person in charge arrived 30 minutes into inspection with certificate; informed person in charge Certified Food manager must be on site during food preparation and serving. Serious Violation 7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: see violation #14

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Multi use utensils not stored inverted for protection from contamination. Must store multi use utensils.

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

Inspector’s note: observed hot holding unit in disrepair knobs missing and damaged. Must repair and maintain.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler missing required food handler training certificates. Must obtain for all food handlers in facility.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 50 plus rodent dropping in prep kitchen near water heater and behind equipment. Must remove all rodent droppings from facility. Pest Control action was performed on 5-30-18 found 11 dead mice and 1 live mouse. Observed condition of accumulation of grease/food debris on floors provide pest/ rodent harborage(stated in Terminix pest service comments) Serious Violation 7-38-020

Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered

Inspector’s note: Observed outside garbage and waste grease storage area not maintained. Refuse receptacle overflowing with garbage (small container for volume), waste grease container as accumulation of grease and food debris on top. Must clean and maintain outside garbage and waste grease area. Serious Violation 7-38-020

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

Inspector’s note: Observed no City of Chicago certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous food being served and prepared. Person in charge arrived 30 minutes into inspection with certificate; informed person in charge Certified Food manager must be on site during food preparation and serving. Serious Violation 7-38-012.

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

Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected for inspection 2049489 performed on 4-28-17. Violation #30 LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA. #32 REPLACE DAMAGED GASKETS ON TWO-DOOR COOLER NEAR TWO DOOR FREEZER IN REAR PREP AREA. #33 CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF STOVE, GRILL, FRYERS, FRYER CABINETS, PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS, ICE MACHINE. #34 CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS, AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE, AND FURNACE AREA. #35 WALLS NEED CLEANING IN PREP AREA BEHIND PREP TABLES, STEAM TABLES, 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, SHELVING UNITS, ETC. REPLACE ALL STAINED AND MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA. CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN VENTILATION HOOD. #36 REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA, REPAIR NON FUNCTIONAL LIGHTS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. #41 REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND ORGANIZE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PE

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

Inspector’s note: Food not in original container through out facility not properly labeled. Must label all food not in original container.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Multi use utensils not stored inverted for protection from contamination. Must store multi use utensils.

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

Inspector’s note: observed hot holding unit in disrepair knobs missing and damaged. Must repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Microwaves through out facility has accumulation of food debris on and inside. Must clean and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Floor throughout facility heavily scored with food debris, grease and bare cement not smooth, non porous, easily cleanable. Must clean and repair floor for smooth, non porous, easily cleanable. Coving in disrepair through out facility in food prep/ storage areas. Must repair and maintain.

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

Inspector’s note: Wall above fryers are heavily scored with accumulation of grease and food debris. Must clean and maintain.

Food handler requirements met

Inspector’s note: Food handler missing required food handler training certificates. Must obtain for all food handlers in facility.

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers in prep area.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Invert all carryout containers to protect from dust, dirt, contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged gaskets on two-door cooler near two door freezer in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of stove, grill, fryers, fryer cabinets, prep tables, steam tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, ice machine.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under all equipment, along walls, and in all corners in prep, storage, and furnace area.

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

Inspector’s note: Walls need cleaning in prep area behind prep tables, steam tables, 3-compartment sink, shelving units, etc. Replace all stained and missing ceiling tiles in rear prep area. Clean light shields in ventilation hood.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged light shield in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking drainpipe under exposed sink in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Remove all unused equipment and organize prep and storage areas to prevent pest harborage.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution at the proper ppm.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed 30 mice droppings scattered on dry food storage shelving unit, 20 mice droppings on table under ice machine, 20 mice droppings on floor in corner near utensil shelving unit, 20 mice droppings on floor along walls and corners in furnace room. Instructed manager to call an exterminator for service, clean and sanitize all areas. Observed open bait on floor along walls in furnace room. All bail shall be enclosed in proper containers. Front door not rodent proofed, 1/4" gap on bottom of front door. Instructed manager to seal all outer openings on door to prevent pest entry. Serious violation 7-38-020

Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock

Inspector’s note: No sanitizer test strips available during inspection. Instructed manger to provide test strips for proper sanitizer concentration. Serious violation 7-38-030

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

Inspector’s note: Label all bulk containers in prep area.

Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

Inspector’s note: Invert all carryout containers to protect from dust, dirt, contamination.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged gaskets on two-door cooler near two door freezer in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean interior and exterior of stove, grill, fryers, fryer cabinets, prep tables, steam tables, coolers, freezers, shelving units, ice machine.

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

Inspector’s note: Clean floors under all equipment, along walls, and in all corners in prep, storage, and furnace area.

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

Inspector’s note: Walls need cleaning in prep area behind prep tables, steam tables, 3-compartment sink, shelving units, etc. Replace all stained and missing ceiling tiles in rear prep area. Clean light shields in ventilation hood.

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

Inspector’s note: Replace damaged light shield in rear prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Repair leaking drainpipe under exposed sink in rear prep area.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Store wash cloths in sanitizing solution at the proper ppm.

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

Inspector’s note: The rubber gaskets at the two door refrigeration and freezer units are worn; must repair or replace gaskets at both units.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain the following: bottoms of prep tables, exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, interior bottom of fryers, interiors of refrigeration and freezer units etc.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain floors throughout under around and behind all kitchen equipment to remove dirt and grease.

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

Inspector’s note: Must clean walls around and behind cooking equipment to remove dirt. Must clean inside of light shields to remove dust and other debris. Must clean the vents on the ceilings of the washrooms to remove dust observed. Must replace water stained ceiling tile where needed in kitchen and prep area.

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

Inspector’s note: Wet mops improperly stored in corner area by mop sink; instructed to store with mop heads upward to dry properly. Recommended installing a mop rack to hang mops and brooms.

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

Inspector’s note: Bulk food containers not labeled. Instructed to label.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed splash guards needed on exposed handsink in downstairs kitchen in between 3 compartment sink and 1 compartment sink. Install and maintain splashguards.

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

Inspector’s note: Observed torn gaskets on reach in refrigerator and reach in freezer. Repair or replace torn gaskets.

Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored

Inspector’s note: Observed clean dry container needed for to hold ice scoop.