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CONGRESS PIZZERIA

2035 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

CONGRESS PIZZERIA has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 27, 2015. The most recent inspection, on April 10, 2018, found no infractions.

1 of 6 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 temperature control and Protecting food from contamination.

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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 25, 2016. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 14, 2017. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 14, 2017. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 14 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on August 14, 2017. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

  • 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 9 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on August 14, 2017. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

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. Complaint

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE BROWN AND BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. ICE IS BEING USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST TURN OFF ICE MACHINE REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR SURFACES CLEANED AND SANITIZED. ICE MACHINE WAS CLEANED AND SANITIZED DURING INSPECTION. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(a).
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS IN REAR PREP AREAS AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP AREA ABOVE SHELVING AND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN WOWEN'S WASHROOM.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • STEM THERMOMETER NEEDED TO MONITOR FOOD TEMPERATURE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN 2ND FLOOR STORAGE ROOMS. MUST REMOVE AND ORGANIZE AREAS TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. OBSERVED ITEMS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR STORAGE ROOM NOT ELEVATED 6INCHES. MUST ELEVATE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • RELEASE PUSH BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER IS BROKEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. SECOND FLOOR SECOND DOOR OF THE PREP PIZZA COOLER DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DEEP FRIES WITH GREASE BUILD-UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR METAL SHEET INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT SEALED INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,SECOND FLOOR.GRIME UNDER,AROUND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ALSO UNDER DISH MACHINE AND SECOND FLOOR THROUGHOUT
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE SOUTH PIZZA OVEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAID CEILING TILES. BROKEN /BENDED METAL BASEBOARD IN FRONT OF THE UNITS IN THE KITCHEN INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ALL THE DIRTY BLANKETS AND COVERS USED TO COVER PIZZA BOXES WHEN IS DELIVERD MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND AWAY FROM PREP AREA AND PREP TABLES.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ANY ONE ENTERING THE PREP AREA ARE REQUIRED TO USE EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS TO CONFINE HAIR. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN PREP AREA THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES: UNDER AND ON TOP PREP TABLES,SHELVES ETC.MUST PROVIDE A SEPARATE AREA /LOCKROOMS FOR EMPLOYEE TO USE.
  4. Complaint

    11 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: SHREDDED CHEESE AT TEMP OF 45.5F TO 46.7F; RAW SASUSAGE AT TEMP OF 46F;BOTH PRODUCTS WERE STORED INSIDE THE PIZZA PREP COOLER. COOKED LASAGNA AT TEMP OF 53.7F TO 57.8F,SHREEDED CHEESE AT TEMP OF 46.9F, FOOD WAS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.WHICH MAINTAIN TEMP OF 39.7F. BAKED POTATOES STORED INSIDE THE OVEN(WHICH WAS TURNED OFF)AT TEMP OF 83.9F. HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 140F AND ABOVE,COLD FOO 40F AND BELOW.FOOD WAS DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 37,VALUE 101. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • NO SOAP NOR PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT EXPOSED HAND SINK, AT SECOND FLOOR AND BY THE PREP AREA. UPON MY REQUEST SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT SAID SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-030
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 11-27-15,REPORT#1442224 #34-MUST REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FOOD FRONT PREP AREA AND MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. #37-MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM DOOR OBSERVED TODAY THE SAME VIOLATIONS SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • RELEASE PUSH BUTTON FROM INSIDE THE DOOR OF WALK-IN COOLER IS BROKEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. SECOND FLOOR SECOND DOOR OF THE PREP PIZZA COOLER DOES NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY,INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DEEP FRIES WITH GREASE BUILD-UP INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • VIOLATION UP-GRADED TO VIOLATION#29
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR METAL SHEET INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER NOT SEALED INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,SECOND FLOOR.GRIME UNDER,AROUND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT ,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.ALSO UNDER DISH MACHINE AND SECOND FLOOR THROUGHOUT
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE SOUTH PIZZA OVEN,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE SAID CEILING TILES. BROKEN /BENDED METAL BASEBOARD IN FRONT OF THE UNITS IN THE KITCHEN INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR REPLACE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • VIOLATION UP-GRADED TO VIOATION #29
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ALL THE DIRTY BLANKETS AND COVERS USED TO COVER PIZZA BOXES WHEN IS DELIVERD MUST BE KEPT CLEAN AND AWAY FROM PREP AREA AND PREP TABLES.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ANY ONE ENTERING THE PREP AREA ARE REQUIRED TO USE EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS TO CONFINE HAIR. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS STORED IN PREP AREA THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES: UNDER AND ON TOP PREP TABLES,SHELVES ETC.MUST PROVIDE A SEPARATE AREA /LOCKROOMS FOR EMPLOYEE TO USE.
  5. Short Form Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES. MUST BE SENDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACE. OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN SECOND FLOOR. MUST REPAIN OR REPLACE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FOOD FRONT PREP AREA AND MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPAIR WATER STAIN CEILING TILES ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST INSTALL A BASEBOARD ON WALLS AROUND THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM DOOR.
  6. License

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES. MUST BE SENDED/BLEACHED OR REPLACE. OBSERVED RUSTY FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN SECOND FLOOR. MUST REPAIN OR REPLACE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST REPAIR CRACKED FLOOR TILES IN FOOD FRONT PREP AREA AND MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST REPAIR WATER STAIN CEILING TILES ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST INSTALL A BASEBOARD ON WALLS AROUND THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • MUST PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE EMPLOYEES WASHROOM DOOR.

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