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ELAINE CHOP SUEY INC

4638 S DAMEN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

ELAINE CHOP SUEY INC has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 10, 2010. The most recent inspection, on January 3, 2014, found no infractions.

2 of 9 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 temperature control, Food source, labelling and allergens and Pests.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 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 April 10, 2013. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on February 10, 2011. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 January 12, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 16 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on April 10, 2013. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • 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 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on April 10, 2013. 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.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Short Form Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: FRYERS, STOVE TOPS, WOKS, INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER, INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZERS AND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER FRYERS AND STOVES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN UNDER ALL PREP TABLES TO REMOVE DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • LEAK AT CEILING IN BATHROOM IN NEED OF REPAIRING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AIR VENTS IN PREP AND DINING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING: FRYERS, STOVE TOPS, WOKS, INTERIOR OF WALK IN COOLER, INTERIOR OF REACH IN FREEZERS AND INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. MUST MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER FRYERS AND STOVES IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN UNDER ALL PREP TABLES TO REMOVE DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • LEAK AT CEILING IN BATHROOM IN NEED OF REPAIRING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP AIR VENTS IN PREP AND DINING AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • ALL REACH IN COOLERS IN NEED OF THERMOMETERS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Short Form Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • ROACH ACTIVITY NOTED ON PREMISES. LIVE ROACH (1) NOTED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND DEAD ROACHES NOTED UNDER FRYERS. INSTD TO REMOVE ALL ROACHES AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020 SERIOUS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.OBSERVED FOOD EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN,THEROMETERS IN COOLERS,SHELVES IN COOLERS.MUST CLEAN /MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER COOKING LINE NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
  6. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.OBSERVED FOOD EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN,THEROMETERS IN COOLERS,SHELVES IN COOLERS.MUST CLEAN /MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.REPAIR RUSTY LOWER SHELF OF PREP TABLE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS NOT CLEAN IN REAR BEHIND DRY STORAGE AND IN WASHROOM.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOP IN CONTAINER.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL/DATE EGG ROLLS IN COOLERS,AND MEATS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER IN COOLERS,FREEZERS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED EXTRA LARGE STAINLESS STEEL PAN TOO LARGE TO FIT INSIDE 3- COMP SINK. MUST REMOVE FROM PREMISES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. FOUND THRESHOLD AT FRONT DOOR IN POOR REPAIR,MUST REPLACE.
  9. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • LABEL AND DATE ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS STORED IN COOLERS & FREEZERS
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PAINT EXTERIOR OF LARGE DEEP FREEZER
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT STORED ON PREMISES, INTERIOR CABINET OF DEEP FRYER, INTERIOR OF OVEN, CAN OPENER BASE ON PREP TABLE, INTERIOR & EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG ALL WALL BASES, IN CORNERS, UNDERNEATH AND BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT INCLUDING REAR HALLWAY AREA
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN LOWER SECTION OF WALL & FLOOR BEHIND SMALL TABLE WHERE LARGE RICE COOKER SITS, AND ATTACH LOOSE WALL COVE IN SAME AREA. REPLACE MISSING WALL COVE IN WASHROOM.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK

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