Chicago Taichi Bubble Tea

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Mar 26, 2025 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 critical3 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Interior of ice machine compartments not clean (interior top and bin). Ice is used for human consumption. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain unit.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Excess mineral build up at exterior of ice machine ,clean and maintain

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Excess grimes at floor drain inside cabinet under one compartment sink at front serving area. Clean and maintain

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Broken floor tiles under the three compartment sink by the floor grease trap.replace.surface must be smooth and cleanable

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

2. Oct 23, 2024 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   5 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Waste pipe above shelves where food containers (pots, to-go food containers, etc.) are stored, must be encased or relocate mentioned items. The surface must be smooth cleanable and non-absorbent surface.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Must store wiping cloths in prep areas in sanitizer bucket 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: Must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Accumulated grease and food debris on walls, utility connections and equipment surfaces behind and under cooking line. Also must remove grease under the 4 burner oven. Must clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Grease build up on floor under cooking equipment. Clean and maintain

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

3. Jun 20, 2023 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed food boxes stored directly under sewer lines in basement. Must either move all food and all food related items from underneath sewer lines or install a protective shield over pipes to protect food from any possible dripping or contamination.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

4. Jun 3, 2022 Conditional

   Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

   4 critical9 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalFood source

     Required records (shellfish tags, parasite-destruction logs) were missing.

     Inspector’s note: No records were maintained on-site by the license holder for raw fish for consumption for parasite destruction. Noted raw fresh salmon, raw tuna, and other assorted raw fish. No records from the raw fish purveyors or freezing records on site. Must provide such records and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 14)

     Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Hot food was held below a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed cooked sushi rice in a hot holding unit at 106.5f and 106.9f. No ph test kit or letter of ph testing from an approved lab for proper ph concentration on site. Rice discarded. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 21)

     Proper hot holding temperatures

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed milk being held in a cooler at an improper temperature of 46.7f. Discarded. Instructed to hold all cold tcs foods at 41f or below. Priority violation 7-38-005. See the above violation #21 for citation.

     Official wording (code 22)

     Proper cold holding temperatures

   • CriticalFood temperature

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

     Inspector’s note: Noted a two-door cooler used for holding dairy unable to maintain adequate temperature. Cooler was found at 48.2 with milk at 46.7f. Cooler tagged held for inspection and must not use until repaired and maintains a temperature of 41f or below. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Frozen food was thawed the wrong way.

     Inspector’s note: Observed raw chicken being improperly thawed in standing water. Instructed to thaw under cold running water or under refrigeration.

     Official wording (code 35)

     Approved thawing methods used

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: All bulk food containers must be labeled with the product common name.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: All stored items throughout the dish area must be elevated from the floors.

     Official wording (code 45)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Must not use plastic grocery bags as food containers throughout the walk-in cooler.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Must not use paper towels as liner for shelving or tinfoil as liner for equipment.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Interior of all coolers and freezers dirty with food spillage. Must clean and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: All unnecessary items throughout the basement must be removed from the premises and all others must be stored organized and elevated.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Must not use duct tape as a drain cover.----floors under rear cooks line and three-compartment sink with dirt, grease, and food debris.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: Previous core violations from report #2522703 on 7-14-21 were not corrected. #55- found floors not clean at wok areas. Must clean. #57-: found food handlers at premises with no food handler certificates.must provide. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090 citation issued.

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: No proof of allergen training or certificates for all the city of chicago certified food managers. Must provide.

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

5. Jul 14, 2021 Pass

   Canvass · Pass

   2 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Found exterior of wok and hood filters not clean.must clean.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Found floors not clean at wok areas.must clean.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: Found foodhandlers at premises with no foodhandler certificates.must provide.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training

6. Jul 13, 2020 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   4 critical4 general Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Noted hand wash sink at the rear food prep area by the ice machine/prep inaccessible with food cart in front of sink and a bowl for prepping inside the sink. Manager immediately had employees remove food cart from the hand wash sink. Instructed to have all hand wash sinks accessible at all times. Priority violation #7-38-030(c).

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Noted no paper towels at hand wash sink by the ice machine prep area and front line prep area.instructed to have soap and paper towels at all hand wash sinks priority foundation #7-38-030(c) consolidated with above citation

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Noted no soap at hand wash sink of the front line prep. Instructed to have soap and paper towels at all hand wash sinks. Manager immediately had employees put soap and paper towels at all hand wash sinks. Priority foundation violation #7-38-030. Consolidated with above citation.

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Noted upper compartment of ice machine not cleaned. Instructed to clean, sanitize and maintain.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Noted assorted food items inside walk in freezer food stored inside grocery bags. Instructed to properly store all food items inside approved food grade containers.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Noted heavy clutter on shelves, floors at the basement dry storage area. Instructed to detail clean, organize and remove all unnecessary or unused articles to prevent hiding places for pest.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Noted water dripping from the ceiling at the rear by the dish washer machine. Instructed to locate, repair and maintain the leakage. Must also clean and maintain dry floors at this area.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Noted heavy dirt and grease accumulation inside, on pipes/conduits and on edges of the exhaust hood and filters above cooking equipment. Instructed to detail clean and maintain hood, filters and pipes/conduits.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

7. Oct 18, 2019 Pass

   License Re-Inspection · Pass

   2 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Rubber gasket broken at two door reach-in cooler at woks's area,instructed to replace.no duct tape allowed,surface must be smooth cleanable and non-absorbent surface.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: West storage in basement area with excess items stored on floor and throughout,instructed to re-organize,elevate items needed 6" off the floor,and discard what not needed.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

8. Oct 15, 2019 Fail

   License · Fail

   6 critical9 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: Found no employee health policy/training on site. Instructed facility to establish an appropriate employee health policy/training system and maintain with verifiable documents on site. Priority foundation violation 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: Found no procedure/plan kit for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed facility to develop and maintain a procedure/plan and to maintain any appropriate supplies on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005. No citation issued

     Official wording (code 5)

     Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: No handwashing sink provided at rear prep veggie area.instructed to install handwashing sink at that area . Also provided soap and paper towel. Priority foundation violation:7-38-030(c),no citation issued

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: No handwashing sink at wok area,which presently not in used due to menu not require woks.presently is used for storage.instructed if that area will be used for any kind of food preparation /repacking must install handwashing sink or remove woks unit. Priority foundation violation:7-38-030(c)no citation issued

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hand sinks were missing, blocked, or not stocked with soap and towels.

     Inspector’s note: Handwashing sink in washrooms hot water temp from metered faucet maintains temp of 77f,instructed to maintain temp of minimum of 100f. Must provide hot water priority foundation violation:7-38-030(c)no citation issued

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • CriticalFood handling

     No warning to customers about raw or undercooked food.

     Inspector’s note: Menu does not disclose and inform consumers the specific menu items that are raw or under cooked and a potential hazard of consuming such food. Must disclose and remind such items. Priority foundation violation:7-38-005. No citation issued

     Official wording (code 25)

     Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: No stem thermometer provided on site to be able to check food temperature. Priority foundation violation:7-38-005,citation issued -

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed waste water pipes installed above food shelves in basement area,instructed to encase said pipes(surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface), or relocated shelf with food.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Rubber gasket broken at two door reach-in cooler at woks's area,instructed to replace.no duct tape allowed,surface must be smooth cleanable and non-absorbent surface

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Noted premises using high dish machine.however no temperature test strips. Instructed to provide and irreversible registering temperature indicator,strips/stickers. Priority foundation violation:7-38-005,no citation issued -

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Temperature measuring device/sensor for the sanitizing cycle at high temp dish machine not recording adequately the final temperature of warewashing machine. Presently showed final temp of 181f. Sanitarian test strip with high color contrast did not change color so the unit did not reach 180f. Must repair measuring device/sensor at warewashing unit. Priority foundation violation: 7-38-005, no citation issued

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: No chemical test strip kit provided on site for the three compartment sink.instructed to provide priority foundation violation:7-38-005, no citation issued

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Lid of grease trap under three compartment sink with excess rust,clean/paint and maintain -

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: No back flow prevention device provided at ice machine water line,coffee and tea units. Must install so back flow prevention device may be located to be serviced and maintain. -

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: West storage in basement area with excess items stored on floor and throughout,instructed to re-organize,elevate items needed 6" off the floor,and discard what not needed.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Required allergen training was missing.

     Inspector’s note: Additional approved allergen training in accordance with pa 100-0367 on site. Instructed any persons with the city of chicago food sanitation certificate to comply with allergen training and to maintain. -

     Official wording (code 58)

     Allergen training as required

9. Oct 8, 2019 No Entry

   License · No Entry

   No violations