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L & B KITCHEN

5451 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60644 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

L & B KITCHEN has been inspected 10 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 29, 2017. The most recent inspection, on March 20, 2020, found no infractions.

3 of 10 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, Cleaning and sanitizing and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on January 28, 2020. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 21, 2020. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • 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 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 28, 2020. 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 January 21, 2020. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 June 13, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

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.

10 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (SLICED TOMATOES) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHELD ABOVE THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS ABOVE THE PREP COOLER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
  3. Canvass

    12 infractions

    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (SLICED TOMATOES) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETERS IN THE FRONT DISPLAY SLIDING COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CONSPICUOUS AND EASILY READABLE THERMOMETERS INSIDE ALL COOLERS UNITS.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • NOTED NO LABELS FOR BULK SUGAR, FLOUR, SALT STORAGE CONTAINERS STORED NEAR THE PIT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ALL BULK AND WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH CONTENTS NAME.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED PEACH COBBLER AND RED VELVET PARFAITS IN THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER MISSING ALLERGEN INFORMATION ON THE LABELS. INSTRUCTED FOOD MANAGER THAT ALL PACKAGED FOOD MUST BE LABELED AS REQUIRED TO INCLUDE FOOD ALLERGENS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAIR RESTRAINTS FOR ALL EMPLOYEE IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED THE MICROWAVE IN THE KITCHEN NEAR THE PIT SOILED WITH FOOD DERBIS AND SPLASH. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER OR FOR WARE WASHING AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH-IN COOLERS, REACH-IN FREEZER AND PREP COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN ALL CLUTTER, ORGANIZE, AND MAINTAIN AREAS AT ALL TIMES
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT SHELD ABOVE THE PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A LIGHT SHIELD ON THE LIGHT BULBS ABOVE THE PREP COOLER.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Short Form Complaint

    9 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • **PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • **PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED 20 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR BEHIND REACH IN FREEZER AND POP COOLER AT THE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, 10 MICE DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE CORNER BEHIND THE RIC IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION #7-38-020(A).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED RAW WOOD USED AS STORAGE SHELVING UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, PREP TABLES AND COUNTER TOP TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NOTED THE DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: NOTED WALLS AND CEILING NOT COMPLETE IN SPOTS. NOTED DRY WALL, OPENINGS INTO THE FLOORS AND CEILINGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENING AND HOLES AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. Violation Codes: 6-501.114 Inspector Comments: INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER (LARGE GRILL) FROM THE REAR EXTERIOR TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WILL THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  6. Complaint

    11 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • **PREMISES HAS NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • **PREMISES HAS NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED RAW WOOD USED AS STORAGE SHELVING UNDERNEATH THE PREP TABLE. MUST PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, PREP TABLES AND COUNTER TOP TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NOTED THE DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • NOTED THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAIN, OVERLOADED WITH GARBAGE AND TRASH ALLOWING FOR POSSIBLE FOOD SOURCE FOR RODENTS AND OTHER PESTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO KEEP DUMPSTER LID CLOSED AND TIGHT FITTING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION #7-38-020(b).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED WALLS AND CEILING NOT COMPLETE IN SPOTS. NOTED DRY WALL, OPENINGS INTO THE FLOORS AND CEILINGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OPENING AND HOLES AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE CLUTTER (LARGE GRILL) FROM THE REAR EXTERIOR TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVER VENTILATION SYSTEM NOT WORKING PROPERLY (PREMISES VERY SMOKEY). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NO ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WILL THE NEW CODES OR CITATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
  7. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 12. HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
      • NO PAPER TOWELS WERE PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE PROVIDED AT ALL TIMES AT THE HANDWASHING SINK. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST PAINT THE WOOD ON THE WALL BEHIND THE POTATO CUTTER. REPAIR THE SCREEN DOOR IN DISREPAIR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN ALL PREP TABLES, INTERIOR OF ALL PREP COOLERS, ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, STORAGE SHELVES, EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. REPLACE BROKEN OR MISSING FLOOR TILES IN THE FOOD PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • CLEAN THE WALLS OF THE PREP AREA. CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LIGHTING ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • NO SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR THAT OPENS INTO THE FOOD PREP AREA. MUST INSTALL A SELF-CLOSING DOOR DEVICE ON THE WASHROOM DOOR.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS.
  9. License

    5 infractions

    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • PREMISES HAS NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT ANY OF THE SINKS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • NOTED 50 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE ROOM. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS AND SANITIZE FLOORS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST CLEAN THE FILTERS AND HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE. NOTED LOOSE WALL COVING IN THE REAR AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED A LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS INSIDE COOLERS.
  10. License

    0 infractions

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