Uncle Zhang Chinese Cuisine

No violations were recorded at this inspection.

1. Dec 19, 2024 Pass

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

   4 general Show violations

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 3-305.12: observed rice cooker stored on the floor while cooking rice in the rear pastry prep area in the main kitchen. Instructed to refrain from storing food on floor.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 4-204.119: observed facility missing one sink stopper for the three compartment sink. Instructed to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c): observed grease enrusted on the outerior part of the cooking equipment under the ventilation hood especially on the sides of deep fryers. Also, observed the interior/ outerior of all the cold holding units in the main food prep area in need of cleaning (the doors, the rear of the top serving area, hinges, tops of the cold holding units). Build up on food debris found on the lower shelves under the food prep tables in the main food prep area. Instructed to deep 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: 6-501.114: observed soiled cardboard boxes being used on the floor, the shelves under the food prep tables, and on the spice cart in the main food prep area. Instructed to remove cardboard and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

2. Dec 17, 2024 Fail

   Complaint Re-Inspection · Fail

   1 critical4 general Show violations

   • CriticalRepeat violation

     A previously cited serious violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2608865 DATED ON 12/10/2024 NOT CORRECTED #47 (4-501.11): STILL OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE RUST FROM SURFACE AND MAINTAIN A RUST-FREE SURFACE. #55 (6-501.11): STILL OBSERVED THE CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA WITH WATER STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER-STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN. - Repeat INSTRUCTED MUST CORRECT ALL ABOVE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED

     Official wording (code 59)

     Previous priority foundation violation corrected

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: 3-305.12: observed rice cooker stored on the floor while cooking rice in the rear pastry prep area in the main kitchen. Instructed to refrain from storing food on floor.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: 4-204.119: observed facility missing one sink stopper for the three compartment sink. Instructed to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: 4-601.11(c): observed grease enrusted on the outerior part of the cooking equipment under the ventilation hood especially on the sides of deep fryers. Also, observed the interior/ outerior of all the cold holding units in the main food prep area in need of cleaning (the doors, the rear of the top serving area, hinges, tops of the cold holding units). Build up on food debris found on the lower shelves under the food prep tables in the main food prep area. Instructed to deep 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: 6-501.114: observed soiled cardboard boxes being used on the floor, the shelves under the food prep tables, and on the spice cart in the main food prep area. Instructed to remove cardboard and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

3. Dec 10, 2024 Fail

   Complaint · Fail

   2 critical5 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalHygiene & sanitation

     Hands weren’t washed properly or when required.

     Inspector’s note: Observed improper handwashing procedure. Food handler only rinsed hands with water without using handwashing soap and a hand drying provision. Instructed all food handlers must wash handwas using hand washing soap and a hand drying provision at al times. Priority 7-38-010, citation issued.

     Official wording (code 8)

     Hands clean & properly washed

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Observed low-temperature dishwashing machine (not in use at the time) not properly sanitizing. Sanitizing strength of sanitizer (chlorine) at the time of inspection was 0 ppm. Instructed not to use until equipment is properly sanitizing and is reinspected by cdph. Must use three compartment sink on site to wash dishware. Priority violation 7-38-025, no citation issued

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed rice cooker stored on the floor while cooking rice in the rear pastry prep area in the main kitchen. Instructed to refrain from storing food on floor.

     Official wording (code 39)

     Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed facility missing one sink stopper for the three compartment sink. Instructed to provide and maintain.

     Official wording (code 48)

     Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed grease enrusted on the outerior part of the cooking equipment under the ventilation hood especially on the sides of deep fryers. Also, observed the interior/ outerior of all the cold holding units in the main food prep area in need of cleaning (the doors, the rear of the top serving area, hinges, tops of the cold holding units). Build up on food debris found on the lower shelves under the food prep tables in the main food prep area. Instructed to deep 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: Observed soiled cardboard boxes being used on the floor, the shelves under the food prep tables, and on the spice cart in the main food prep area. Instructed to remove cardboard and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralRepeat violation

     A previously cited basic violation still wasn’t fixed.

     Inspector’s note: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 05/13/2024, REPORT #2594496: #41: 4-901.12: STILL OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM FOR SANITIZER USED) WHEN NOT IN USE. FOUDN WIPING CLOTHS SOILED UNDER THE COOKING EQUPMENT IN THE MAIN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME. #47:4-501.11: OBSERVED THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE BASEMENT WALK IN COOLER WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE RUST FROM SURFACE AND MAINTAIN A RUST-FREE SURFACE. #49: 4-601.11(B): OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS, THE DOOR, RUBBER GASKETS AND LOWER SURFACE OF ALL COOLERS, AND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. #55: 6-501.12: OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE SINKS, DISH…

     Official wording (code 60)

     Previous core violation corrected

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     No manager on duty held a City of Chicago food sanitation certificate.

     Inspector’s note: Upon arrival, no certified food manager on site during the first half of the walk through of the facility. Manager arrived after the main food prep area was inspected. Instructed a certified food manager must be on site at all times, while open and operating. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012, citation issued

     Official wording (code 2)

     City of chicago food service sanitation certificate

4. May 13, 2024 Conditional

   Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

   1 critical8 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood temperature

     Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

     Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods stored inside of a cooler (not able to maintain the required temperature) at improper temperatures. Beef, chicken, pork, fish, rice noodles and liver temperatures ranged from 52.8f to 57.1f. Manager discarded of items, a combined weight of approximately 80lbs. Valued at approximately $300. Priority 7-38-005 violation 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 the prep cooler in front of the cooking equipment not properly maintaining the required temperature of 41f or lower. Cooler ambient temperature was 55.2f. Instructed manager to have cooler fixed so that it maintains the required temperature. Cooler was tagged and can not be used until reinspected by a cdph inspector. Priority 7-38-005 violation citation issued

     Official wording (code 33)

     Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

   • GeneralFood handling

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed tcs foods stored inside the prep cooler in the large (#10) cans that the product came in. Instructed manager once can is open to store all excess product in container or storage bag.

     Official wording (code 37)

     Food properly labeled; original container

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Observed wiping cloths not properly stored in sanitizing solution (must be at the required ppm for sanitizer used) when not in use. Instructed manager to store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution when not in use. Maintain same.

     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 the storage racks inside the basement walk in cooler with rust. Instructed manager to remove rust from surface and maintain a rust free surface. -the rubber gasket on the prep reach in cooler (in front of the cooking equipment) is in very poor repair. Instructed manager to reattach or replace rubber gasket and maintain.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the interior of the fryers, the door, rubber gaskets and lower surface of all coolers, and the interior/exterior of the microwave with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to detail clean and maintain all.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the floors in the corners, under/around the sinks, dish machine, coolers/cooking equipment, storage racks and inside the walk in cooler/freezer with food, dirt and debris. Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors through out. -ceiling and walls in the food prep area with dirt, dust and food spills. Instructed to detail clean and maintain walls and ceiling throughout.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the ceiling tiles in the food prep area with water stains. Instructed to replace the water stained ceiling tiles and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Observed the mechanical ventilation in the women's toilet room not working. Instructed to fix and maintain ventilation.

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

5. Jul 6, 2023 Pass

   Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

   1 general Show violations

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean wall behind and around grease receptor in basement subpump room.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

6. Jun 29, 2023 Fail

   Canvass · Fail

   3 critical7 general Show violations

   • CriticalFood handling

     Surfaces that touch food weren’t cleaned and sanitized.

     Inspector’s note: Found no chemical sanitizer reading on test strip from the low temp dishmachine. Found the dispenser line cut near the entry point of the machine and chemical dispensing onto the floor. Instructed to contact company to have machine serviced. Priority foundation violation 7-38-025.

     Official wording (code 16)

     Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized

   • CriticalFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Found no running water at exposed hand sink in the beverage prep area of the dining room. A hot water machine is located in that room with a handsink and dishware for hot beverages. Instructed to provide hot and cold running water to that handsink. Priority violation 7-38-030(c).

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • CriticalFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Observed waste water running onto the floor of the basement from the large grease trap located in an enclosed room with the sub pump. Instructed to have grease trap and/or sub pump serviced. Priority violation 7-38-030(c).

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed rodent activity on premises. Found mouse droppings on the floor in the hallway area by the refrigeration unit and freezer unit, in the rear area of the kitchen by the utility sink and bakery room and in the basement area along the wallbase and dry product storage area; instructed to clean all areas and maintain. Have pest control company service prior to reinspection. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(a).

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the interior of the refrigeration and freezer units where needed and maintain. Intstructed to clean the exterior surfaces of cooking equipment (fryer) and fryer bottom area, clean shelves inside of walk-in unit.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Sewage or wastewater wasn’t disposed of properly.

     Official wording (code 52)

     Sewage & waste water properly disposed

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed all plumbing fixtures in both washrooms in need of cleaning; clean and maintain all toilets and sinks.

     Official wording (code 53)

     Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed unnecessary items in two sections of the basement; instructed to remove unnecessary items and to organize and maintain areas to avoid pest harborage.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean and maintain floors and walls in kitchen area under around and behind all kitchen equipment, clean floor in basement sub pump room.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: Observed a hole in the wall in the basement area next to the sub pump room; instructed to seal hole as it may be a hiding area for mice.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

7. May 18, 2023 No Entry

   Complaint · No Entry

   No violations

8. Nov 4, 2022 Pass

   License Re-Inspection · Pass

   No violations

9. Oct 31, 2022 Fail

   License · Fail

   3 critical10 general1 paperwork Show violations

   • CriticalManagement & training

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

     Inspector’s note: No employee health policy on site at time of inspection. Instructed manager to obtain and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-010

     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: No vomit or diarhea clean up kit on site at time of inspection. Instructed manager to obtain and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005

     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: All handwashing sinks in need of soap at all times. Instructed to obtain and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-030(c)

     Official wording (code 10)

     Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: No stem thermometer on site to adequately measure all temperatures. Instructed to obtain and maintain. Priority foundation 7-38-005

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralFood temperature

     Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

     Inspector’s note: All reach in coolers in need of thermometer. Instructed to install and maintain.

     Official wording (code 36)

     Thermometers provided & accurate

   • GeneralPests

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

     Inspector’s note: Observed fruit fly activity in basement and 1st floor dish area. Instructed to remove all fly activity and maintain fly free. Priority foundation 7-38-020(a)

     Official wording (code 38)

     Insects, rodents, & animals not present

   • GeneralFood handling

     Wiping cloths weren’t used or stored properly.

     Inspector’s note: Sponges on site are worn and torn instructed if sponges are going to be used on site they must be replaced frequently. Correct and 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: Large can opener on site in need of cleaning to remove all build up on blade instructed to clean and maintain clean

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

     Inspector’s note: Cutting boards in need of cleaning or rplacing where worn and discolored instructed to replace and maintain.

     Official wording (code 47)

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

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

     Inspector’s note: All cooking equipment in need of detail cleaning to remove all grease and food build up. Instructed to continue cleaning and maintain.

     Official wording (code 49)

     Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

     Inspector’s note: Leak at ptrap on basement 3 compartment sink. Instructed to repair and maintain.

     Official wording (code 51)

     Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

     Inspector’s note: All unnecessary clutter in need of removing. Instructed to correct and maintain.

     Official wording (code 55)

     Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

   • GeneralFacility upkeep

     Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

     Inspector’s note: Hood ventilation filters in need of cleaning to remove all grease build up. Instructed to clean and maintain filters clean

     Official wording (code 56)

     Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

   • PaperworkManagement & training

     Not all food employees had food-handler training.

     Inspector’s note: No food hanler certificates on site at time of inspection instructed to obtain and maintain.

     Official wording (code 57)

     All food employees have food handler training