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CAIRO KEBAB

730 W MAXWELL ST, CHICAGO, IL 60607 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CAIRO KEBAB has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 31, 2023. The most recent inspection, on September 10, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

None of the 6 inspections on record were free of infractions. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Pests.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 18, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 6, 2024. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 August 6, 2025. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 August 6, 2024. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on August 6, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • 4-903.11 MULTI USE EQUIPMENT (CONTAINER OF SKEWERS, STORAGE CONTAINERS, AND TRAYS) IMPROPERLY STORED ON FLOOR NEXT TO STOVE AND UNDERNEATH HANDWASH SINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR AND MAINTAIN
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19: RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTD TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SO AS SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH, EVEN, AND EASILY CLEANABLE
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.113: MAINTENANCE TOOLS IMPROPERLY STORED ON SHELVES WITH FOOD RELATED ITEMS AND MULTI USE UTENSILS IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTD TO STORE IN DESIGNATED AREA AND MAINTAIN
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.11 OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE FROZEN MEATS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG OR CONTAINER FOR ALL FOOD.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 OBSERVED HEAVY RUST ACCUMULATION ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE THE STORAGE RACKS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 CLEAN THE STOVE AND CONVECTION OVEN, AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES WERE PROVIDED FOR THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.11 OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE FROZEN MEATS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG OR CONTAINER FOR ALL FOOD.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-101.19 OBSERVED HEAVY RUST ACCUMULATION ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE THE STORAGE RACKS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 CLEAN THE DEEP FRYER INSIDE AND OUT, PREP TABLES, STOVE AND CONVECTION OVENS, STORAGE SHELVES, LIGHT SHIELDS, AND HOT HOLDING UNITS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES WERE PROVIDED FOR THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #60 FROM REPORT #2621832 ON 8/6/25 NOT CORRECTED: 60 - PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2598689 ON 8/6/24 NOT CORRECTED: 55 - OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, THE INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, PREP TABLES, AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP, AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS, CEILING, AND STORAGE SHELVES IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE FROZEN MEATS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE A PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG OR CONTAINER FOR ALL FOOD.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY RUST ACCUMULATION ON THE WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT OR REPLACE THE STORAGE RACKS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE DEEP FRYER INSIDE AND OUT, PREP TABLES, STOVE AND CONVECTION OVENS, STORAGE SHELVES, LIGHT SHIELDS, AMD HOT HOLDING UNITS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • REPAIR THE DRAIN LINE BENEATH THE SPRAYER SINK NEXT TO THE DISH MACHINE. REPAIR THE LEAKING WATER VALVES BENEATH THE SPRAYER SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE FROM THE WALLS IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. CLEAN THE HEAVY MOLD GROWTH ACCUMULATED ON THE WALL BENEATH THE SPRAYER SINK. CLEAN THE CEILING TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • REPLACE THE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE THE COOLERS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES WERE PROVIDED FOR THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2598689 ON 8/6/24 NOT CORRECTED: 40 - OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. 41 - OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN. 55 - OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, THE INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, PREP TABLES, AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP, AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS (FLOUR AND RICE). INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS ON SEVERAL PREP SURFACE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT & FOOD. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED MILK CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLERS AND REFRIGERATORS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, THE INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS, PREP TABLES, AND DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, DIRT BUILDUP, AND/OR GREASE. MUST MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  6. License

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT CONTAINING ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES, INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE COFFEE STATION AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED TORN GASKET ON INTERIOR DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP COOLER LOCATED IN REAR HALLWAY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILING PANELS THROUGHOUT THE DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED 1 BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE CEILING OF THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED BUILD UP OF DUST ON CEILING PANELS AND VENTS IN CEILING OF REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATES TO COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

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