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CHINA BUFFET INC.

3029 N PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CHINA BUFFET INC. has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 24, 2016. The most recent inspection, on June 23, 2021, 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: Food source, labelling and allergens, Cleaning and sanitizing and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 16, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 16, 2019. 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 once on December 4, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 December 4, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 November 4, 2016. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

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

    9 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PREMISES COOKS AND SERVES CHICKEN AND RICE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • 3-501.17 OBSERVED SOME READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS REFRIGERATED MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED WATER BACKING UP INTO THE MOP SINK WHEN THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IS USED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT THE SINK DOES NOT BACK UP WITH WATER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-501.12 CLEAN THE WALL OF THE FOOD PREP AREA BELOW THE BROILER.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 6-501.14 CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 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 OBTAIN THIS TRAINING.
    • 59. PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #38 NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2352770 ON 12/4/19: 38 - OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND ICE MACHINE AND ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 MOUSE DROPPINGS INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER LEDGE. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE AND SUPPLIES ON THE PREMISES TO RESPOND TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BOTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED NO SANITIZER (0 PPM CHLORINE) AT THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE AT THE FINAL RINSE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE MACHINE SO THAT 100 PPM CHLORINE IS DETECTED AT THE FINAL RINSE. PRIORITY 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED SOME READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS REFRIGERATED MORE THAN 24 HOURS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE CONSUMED OR DISCARDED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DATE MARK ALL APPLICABLE FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENT ACTIVITY IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 100 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND ICE MACHINE AND ON THE DRY STORAGE SHELVES. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 MOUSE DROPPINGS INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER LEDGE. ALSO OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 MOUSE DROPPINGS UNDERNEATH THE BUFFET TABLE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL RODENT DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS INSIDE OF THE 3 DOOR FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • CLEAN THE WALL OF THE FOOD PREP AREA BELOW THE BROILER.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • CLEAN THE EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON THE PREMISES FOR FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THIS TRAINING.
  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR BEHIND AND AROUND THE WATER HEATER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS BEHIND THE DEEP FRYERS WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. FILTERS ON THE HOOD IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN
  6. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • Previous minor violations not corrected from report #2010140 dated 4/11/17. #35- HOLE ON THE WALLS BY THE HALLWAY GOING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SEAL THE GAP/HOLE AROUND THE PIPES THRU-OUT THE KITCHEN/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN. STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7- 42-090.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP ON THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF ONE OF THE DEEP FRYER(OLD ONE)AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN THE FLOOR BEHIND AND AROUND THE WATER HEATER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS BEHIND THE DEEP FRYERS WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. FILTERS ON THE HOOD IN THE COOK LINE WITH GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE GREASE AND MAINTAIN. CEILING VENT COVER INSIDE THE WOMEN'S WASHROOM WITH DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN, REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • LABEL AND DATE ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH READY TO EAT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPLACE ALL GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FROZEN FOODS WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER NEEDS DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN. ALL BUCKET WITH FOODS IN THE WALK IN COOLER MUST BE ELEVATED 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • HOLE ON THE WALLS BY THE HALLWAY GOING TO THE WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAITAIN. SEAL THE GAP/HOLE AROUND THE PIPES THRU-OUT THE KIRCHEN/PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN WALLS AND PIPES ON THE SIDE OF THE DEEP FRYER WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP. MUST REMOVE GREASE AND CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN. STAINED CEILING TILES ABOVE THE DINING TABLES IN THE DINING AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  9. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • Found food (ice used for consumption) not protected during service. Found large amounts of black and brown, slimy, mold-like substance throughout upper interior (and on the inner tubing) of ice machine in kitchen area. Ice machine turned off during inspection. Must remove substance, clean and sanitize machine. Must maintain same. Serious violation 7-38-005(a).
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • No city of Chicago certified manager on site while potentially hazardous foods (chicken, shrimp, pork, rice, etc.) being prepped and served. Must have a City of Chicago certified manager on site at all times while potentially hazardous foods are being prepped and/or served. Serious violation 7-38-012.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Found all potentially hazardous prepped foods and bulk foods without proper labels. Must label potentially hazardous foods with date, and bulk foods with name. Must maintain same.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • Found several bowls stored inside food in reach in cooler, and also in bulk food storage items. Must properly store bowls in separate, clean container or must provide utensils with handles. Must maintain same.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Found heavily soiled cutting board, with deep groves on top of reach in cooler near cooking line. Must replace or resurface. Must maintain same.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Found excessive dust and debris build up on table can opener. Must remove and sanitize. Must maintain same.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Found damaged, unattached lamenant flooring on floor of walk in cooler. Must remove. All surfaces must be smooth, easily cleanable and non-porous. Found several items stored directly on the floor of the walk in cooler, and other areas of the kitchen. Must elevate all items at least 6 inches above the floor to allow proper cleaning. Must maintain all.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Found excessive grease and dust build up on walls and attached piping near wok cooking area. Instructed to remove grease and dust, clean and sanitize this area. Must maintain same.
  10. License

    0 infractions

  11. License

    0 infractions

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