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GREEK CORNER RESTAURANT CAFE

958 N DAMEN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

GREEK CORNER RESTAURANT CAFE has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 15, 2010. The most recent inspection, on November 22, 2021, found no infractions.

3 of 17 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, Food temperature control and Pests.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on March 1, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on June 7, 2012. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 29, 2013. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 March 1, 2019. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 once on March 1, 2019. For example: WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

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.

17 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT THE SERVICE SINK IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST INSTALL SO THAT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN BOTH WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON SITE WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST COMPLETE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
  4. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED THE FAN COVER INSIDE THE REACH IN COOLER IS DIRTY. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE DUST.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
  5. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FROST BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR WALLS OF THE DEEP FREEZER IN FRONT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE GREASE BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR HOOD VENT AND MAINTAIN.
  6. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE FAN VENT COVER OF THE 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • REMOVE GREASE BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN FROM THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE DEEP FRYER AND THE HOOD VENT.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP UNDER THE REAR PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL 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 ABOVE THE MEN'S EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIP PROVIDED ON PREMISES. UNABLE TO CHECK CONCENTRATION OF THE SANITIZE SOLUTION. MUST PROVIDE CHEMICAL TEST KIT. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-030
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE EXPOSED HAND SINK AND COFFEE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • EXCESS DUST AND GREASE BUILD-UP INSIDE THE DEEP FRYER AND PIPES BEHIND AND UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NO VENTILATION PROVIDED AT MEN'S WASHROOM,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  9. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAK AT FAUCET ON 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF REPAIR. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT INFORMATION HOW TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATE.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS OR SHATTERPROOF BULBS IN BASEMENT DRY FOOD AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLE STORAGE AREA.
  11. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS IN BASEMENT FREEZER.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR OF REGRIGERATOR IN BASEMENT (FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS).
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA AND MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN BASEMENT DRY FOOD AND PAPER STORAGE AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ON 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  12. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Foods inside cooler not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Unnecessary articles stored in basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles.
  13. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • Evidence of rodent activity found on premises. Observed 30 plus rat droppings in basement scattered through-out. Instructed to have pest control service premises, remove all activity and detail clean and sanitize area. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Foods inside cooler not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floors along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ladies toilet room not properly vented. Instructed to install exhaust fan or have window open during all hours of operation.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Unnecessary articles stored in basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles.
  14. Canvass Re-Inspection

    8 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE (CHICKEN,HAMBURGERS,SOUP,HOT DOGS) ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED, & SERVED AT THIS TIME.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED & SERVED.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN WINDOW SCREEN IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM,WORN DOOR GASKET ON 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN REFRIGERATOR & CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT INCLUDING BASEMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN & DAMAGED CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN WALL IN REAR PREP AREA
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR BASEMENT REFRIGERATOR
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE & ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR & AWAY FROM WALL IN BASEMENT
  15. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF MORE THAN 50 RAT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN BETWEEN CLUTTER BEHIND HOT WATER TANK & FURNANCE,OPEN POSION ON FLOOR IN BASEMENT.ALSO FRONT DOOR SWEEP WORN & SIDE DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING ALONG BOTTOM & SCREEN DOOR ON SAME.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN & SANITIZE AREAS,RODENT PROOF DOORS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/25/12.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED & SERVED SUCH AS (CHICKEN,SOUP,GYROS,ITALIAN SAUSAGE).MUST HAVE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012).
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • MUST LABEL BULK FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TORN WINDOW SCREEN IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM,WORN DOOR GASKET ON 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER IN 1ST FL. PREP AREA.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN REFRIGERATOR & CHEST FREEZER IN BASEMENT .
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT INCLUDING BASEMENT.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN & DAMAGED CONCRETE FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN WALL IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE THERMOMETER FOR BASEMENT REFRIGERATOR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST ELEVATE & ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR & AWAY FROM WALL IN BASEMENT.
  16. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 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. MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN BASEMENT AREA, UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE BASEMENT AREA REMOVE ALL CLUTTER
  17. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 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 UNDER FRONT FOOD PREP TABLES REQUIRE DETAIL CLEANING AND SEAL HOLES UNDER SAID AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.WATER LEAKING BENEATH 3 COMP SINK WERE NOTED.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units.FOUND NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE REAR COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST PROPERLY STORE ALL ARTICLES IN KITCHEN OFF FLOOR 6",REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES.

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