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CAFE BALLOU

939 N WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CAFE BALLOU has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 20, 2015. The most recent inspection, on May 12, 2020, found no infractions.

5 of 11 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Food temperature control.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2019. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

  • 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 once on November 30, 2018. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 once on November 30, 2018. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 once on November 30, 2018. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 20 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 10, 2019. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES AND HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2240876 ON 11/30/18. VIOLATIONS # 51 NOTED LEAKS AT THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. 55 NOTED THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA NOT FINISHED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER WALLS ARE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #56 LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR PREP AREA MUST BE SHATTER PROOF OR SHIELDED. #58 MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES AND HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • : PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2240876 ON 11/30/18. VIOLATIONS # 51 NOTED LEAKS AT THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. 55 NOTED THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA NOT FINISHED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER WALLS ARE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #56 LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR PREP AREA MUST BE SHATTER PROOF OR SHIELDED. #58 MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  5. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES AND HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED NO BACKLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUT TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • SEE VIOLATION #60.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2240876 ON 11/30/18. VIOLATIONS # 51 NOTED LEAKS AT THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. 55 NOTED THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA NOT FINISHED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER WALLS ARE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. #56 LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR PREP AREA MUST BE SHATTER PROOF OR SHIELDED. #58 MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE REFRIGERATORS.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE THE NAME AND DATE ON PREPARED AND PRECOOKED FOOD ITEMS (FIFO).
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR SHELVING OF BOTH REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZER COMPARTMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NOTED LEAKS AT THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED THE WALLS IN THE PREP AREA NOT FINISHED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER WALLS ARE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR PREP AREA MUST BE SHATTER PROOF OR SHIELDED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • MANAGER HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODE OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  9. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED FROST BUILDUP ON THE PULL OUT DRAWER FOR THE FREEZER ATTACHED TO THE REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE SMALL APPLIANCE FRYER AND THE DEEP FRYER BASKETS TO REMOVE GREASE AND GRIZZLE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED AND SERVED(MILK.EGGS,BEEF,ETC) INSTRUCTED TO ENROLL TO SANITATION CLASS.AT LEAST ONE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ARE PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-012(A)
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • BEGIN OF MINERAL BUILD-UP INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN UNIT.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAKING PIPE UNDER THE MIDDLE OF THE TREE COMPARTMENT SINK,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. NO VISIBLE BACK FLOW PREVENTER DEVICE INSTALLED AT ESPRESSO MACHINE AND ICE MACHINE. NEED TO INSTALL BACK FLOW PREVENTER AT MENTIONED UNITS.
  11. License

    0 infractions

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