Pass

Wen Cai Chinese

2334 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

Restaurant ZIP 60608 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Jul 14, 2025

Wen Cai Chinese was last inspected on July 14, 2025 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 9 violations, including signs of pests.

Latest inspection

July 14, 2025 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

9 general
  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Spices by the wok station out of the original packaging and in containers without a label with the product names. Instructed to label all dry spices out of the original packaging.

    Official wording (code 37)

    Food properly labeled; original container

  • GeneralPests

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

    Inspector’s note: Fly strip hanging by rear hand washing sink. Instructed to remove fly strip and to use only in non food prep areas. Maintain same.

    Official wording (code 38)

    Insects, rodents, & animals not present

  • GeneralFood handling

    In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

    Inspector’s note: Plastic containers used to scoop tcs foods stored in the reach in coolers not properly stored. Instructed to use proper utensils and to properly store said utensil(s) in a bin/container or handle up in the product when not in use. Maintain same.

    Official wording (code 43)

    In-use utensils: properly stored

  • GeneralFood handling

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

    Inspector’s note: Aluminum foil being used on the cooking equipment and storage racks as a liner. Instructed to remove foil and keep surfaces smooth and easily cleanable. Maintain same.

    Official wording (code 45)

    Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: The storage racks inside the walk in cooler, the prep tables, exterior/interior of the sinks (including the faucet knobs) with a build up of food, dirt and debris. Instructed to detail clean and maintain all.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Excessive food and grease debris on all cooking equipment, the wok station, interior of fryers and stove. Instructed to clean and sanitize all.

    Official wording (code 49)

    Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

    Inspector’s note: The base of the faucet on the 3-compartment sink leaks. Instructed to fix and maintain good plumbing.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Floors throughout the food prep area with excessive food, grease and dirt debris. Instructed to clean under all cooking equipment, under the 3-compartment sink, around the hot water heater and refrigerators, under all prep tables, and all dry storage shelves. Maintain same.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

    Inspector’s note: Filters on the ventilation hood with grease, dirt and dust build up. Instructed to clean and maintain ventilation filters.

    Official wording (code 56)

    Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

Inspection history

8 inspections on record

  1. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical6 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

      Inspector’s note: 3-501.17 observed ready-to-eat tcs foods (cooked chicken, cooked egg rolls) held in a refrigerator for more than 24 hours and not labeled with the discard date. Instructed all ready-to-eat tcs foods that are held in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours must be labeled with discard dates not exceedingly more than 7 days (day 1 is the day of preparation). Manager provided labels during the inspection. Priority foundation. Citation issued 7-38-005.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: 3-302.12 observed some dry storage and spices by the wok station out of the original packaging and in containers without a label with the product names. Instructed to label all dry storage and spices out of the original packaging.

      Official wording (code 37)

      Food properly labeled; original container

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: 6-202.13 observed fly traps hanging by the hot water heater. Instructed to remove.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      In-use utensils weren’t stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: 3-304.12 observed scoops stored directly inside of the containers with tcs foods inside. Instructed to store scoops properly at all times.

      Official wording (code 43)

      In-use utensils: properly stored

    • GeneralFood handling

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

      Inspector’s note: 4-502.13 observed cardboard being re-used as a shelf liner. Instructed to not reuse cardboard; all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 45)

      Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c) observed excessive food and grease debris on all cooking equipment, the wok station, interior of fryers, stove, and accumulated food debris on the doors and handles of the refrigeration units and gaskets on the prep cooler, 2-door refrigerator and refrigerator. Instructed to clean and sanitize all.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-501.12 observed floors throughout the food prep area with excessive food, grease and dirt debris. Instructed to clean under all cooking equipment, under the 3-compartment sink, around the hot water heater and refrigerators, under all prep tables, and all dry storage shelves.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cold tcs food stored at improper temperature in walk-in cooler: raw eggs 63.8f, raw chicken 60.3f, raw beef 60.2f, tofu 60.2f. Instructed manager to discard approximately 100 lbs and $350 worth of food. All cold tcs food must maintain 41f or below during storage, preparation, display and service. Priority 7-38-005 citation issued

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • GeneralFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: Observed walk-in cooler not maintaining proper temperature 64f instructed manager to repair and maintain cooler at 41f or below. Walk-in cooler is tagged held for inspection and must not be used until reinspected by chicago department of health. Priority 7-38-005 citation issued

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed fly strips hanging in prep area above hand washing sink and 3-compartment sink. Instructed manager to remove.

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on interior and exterior surfaces of cooking equipment, prep tables, coolers, shelving units. Instructed manager to clean and maintain.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean all prep tables, dry storage shelving and interior of prep coolers to remove spills and debris.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

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

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean and maintain filters and the hood above the cooking equipment.

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean the interior of the front prep cooler and reach in cooler to rmove spills and/or debris.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Floors need cleaning underneath cooking equipment and dry storage shelving to remove spills and debris.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Must clean the air vent cover above the prep station to remove dust.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  5. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical2 general1 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      Staff weren’t trained on, or didn’t follow, the rules for reporting illness.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no employee health policy on premises at this time, instructed to provide. Priority foundation 7-38-010. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 3)

      Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting

    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no clean up procedures on premises for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed to provide the necessary items at a minimum gloves, face masks,disposable mops and approriate sanitizer with proper test strips(1000-5000ppm), or disinfectant rated for norovirus. Priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Prepared food wasn’t date-marked, or was kept past its discard date.

      Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods stored in cooler with only prepared date, instructed to properly label and date to indicate the date or day by which the food shall be consumed, sold,or discarded for a maximum of 7 days priority foundation 7-38-005. No citation issued.

      Official wording (code 23)

      Proper date marking and disposition

    • GeneralFood handling

      Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

      Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloth on rear prep table, instructed to store in sanitizing solution between uses to prevent cross contamination instructed to maintain.

      Official wording (code 41)

      Wiping cloths: properly used & stored

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

      Inspector’s note: OBSERVED CUT MEATS/FRUIT IN FREEZER AND IN WALK-IN COOLER CUT VEGETABLES IN GROCERY BAGS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS, OR FOOD GRADE BAGS ie. ZIP-LOC, OR BAGGIES.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no allergen training certificate on premises at this time, instructed to provide.

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

  6. Pass

    License Re-Inspection · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKETS ON SMOOTHIE PREP COOLER.MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF WOK STATION,(BOTH)GREASE TRAPS,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,UNDERSIDES OF SHELVING UNITS ABOVE PREP COOLERS.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST SEAL OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO CEILINGS.MUST CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN DINING AREA AND CEILING VENTS.MUST REMOVE GRAFFITI FROM WALL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT ABOVE SERVICE COUNTER

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN GREASE TRAP AT 3- COMP SINK THAT HAS A FOUL ODOR.

  7. Fail

    License · Fail

    8 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      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 evidence of appx. 25 or more live small flies crawling in floor drain under 1- compartment sink and excessive food debris build up.also.appx."1/2-3/4" gap along bottom of front entry door.must rodent proof door.clean food debris from floor drains.recommended to have a pest control operator to service premises on or after 11/28/17.(serious 7-38-020)

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must label food storage containers when food is not in original package.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair or replace worn door gaskets on smoothie prep cooler.must remove cardboard and foil from top of stove,shelving units in kitchen and inside of smoothie prep cooler,rust from walk in cooler shelving units.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean food debris and grease build up from interior and exterior of wok station,fryers,(both)grease traps,pipes of cooking equipment,prep coolers,undersides of shelving units above prep coolers,prep tables,food storage bins(black).

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean excessive food debris build up from floor under wok station and throughout prep and dish washing areas.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must seal openings around pipes leading into ceilings.must clean light shields in dining area and ceiling vents.must remove graffiti from wall in men's toilet room.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must replace burntout light above service counter.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must provide sink stoppers for 3- comp sink.must clean grease trap at 3- comp sink that has a foul odor .

More in ZIP 60608

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 16 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.