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BIG SHARKS

7600 S EXCHANGE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60649 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

BIG SHARKS has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 20, 2018. The most recent inspection, on August 10, 2022, found no infractions.

3 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food source, labelling and allergens and Food temperature control.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 27, 2020. For example: PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 17, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 17, 2019. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on June 13, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on June 13, 2019. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 6. PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE
      • OBSERVED OPEN CUP OF COFFEE ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE. EMPLOYEE MAY DRINK FROM A CLOSED BEVERAGE CONTAINER IF HANDLED TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EMPLOYEES HANDS, THE CONTAINER, EXPOSED FOOD, AND CLEAN EQUIPMENT OR UTENSILS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED DAMAGED STYROFOAM CUPS USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS IN LEMON PEPPER BULK CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE DISPENSING UTENSILS.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FISH STORED IN WHITE GROCERY BAGS IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP AND SPIDER WEBS ON CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED OPENING IN WALL BEHIND DOOR IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MOP) ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN COVER MISSING IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA. SPILLS AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED UNUSED POP CRATES STORED INSIDE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM UTILITY SINK FOR PROPER WASTE WATER DISPOSAL.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2293680 ON 6-17-19:58 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MOP) ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. -
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (COLESLAW) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LABEL THAT CONTAINS THE DISCARD DATES FOR ALL TCS RTE FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. -
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS OR INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-602.11(B:5) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN WARNING LABEL ON THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS THAT CONTAIN ALLERGENS (PEANUTS, EGGS) LOCATED IN THE FRONT REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ALLERGEN WARNING LABEL FOR ALL PREPACKAGED DESSERTS THAT CONTAIN ALLERGENS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  6. Canvass

    13 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • 2-102.14 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERITIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER NOR CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (LAMB) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER AND A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • 2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE NOR ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE FACE MASK, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MOP) ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. -
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 3-501.17 OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY READY TO EAT FOODS (COLESLAW) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE DISCARD DATES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LABEL THAT CONTAINS THE DISCARD DATES FOR ALL TCS RTE FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. -
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-302.12 OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO TAKE TEMPERATURES OF COLD AND HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A METAL STEM THERMOMETER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE OF THE REFRIGERATION UNITS OR INSIDE OF THE FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-602.11(B:5) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN WARNING LABEL ON THE PREPACKAGED DESSERTS THAT CONTAIN ALLERGENS (PEANUTS, EGGS) LOCATED IN THE FRONT REACH IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ALLERGEN WARNING LABEL FOR ALL PREPACKAGED DESSERTS THAT CONTAIN ALLERGENS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111 OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH AN UP TO DATE SERVICE RECEIPT ON SITE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK THAT INCLUDES AN UP TO DATE SERVICE RECEIPT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • 2-402.11 OBSERVED A MALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A BEARD GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • 4-302.14 OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15(A) OBSERVED PLUMBING NOT MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO LAW. OBSERVED THE HAND WASHING SINK MISSING A DRAIN LOCATED IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. WHEN THE WATER IS TURNED ON THE WATER FALLS FROM THE SINK BOWL ON TO THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND TO RE-WASH HANDS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  7. License

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED A SMALL AREA OF THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE MOP SINK NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE; INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTH OUT AREA OF FLOOR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NO WALL COVING ALONG THE BASE OF THE WALL BEHIND THE FREEZER; PROVIDE WALL COVING FOR THAT AREA OF WALLBASE. OBSERVED HOLES IN THE WALL AROUND THE PIPE OF THE BACKFLOW DEVICE ABOVE THE UTILITY SINK; SEAL HOLES AROUND PIPE.
  8. License

    0 infractions

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