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LA BOCCA

4618 N LINCOLN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60625 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LA BOCCA has been inspected 4 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 5, 2011. The most recent inspection, on August 27, 2014, found no infractions.

1 of 4 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: Pests, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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.

  • 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 on August 5, 2011. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 once on February 19, 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 once on August 5, 2011. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 11 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 19, 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 19, 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.

4 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF DISMACHINE WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREMISES INCLUDING BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED UNFINISHED CEILING TILES ABOVE MAIN DINING ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO FINISH.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.
  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER IN KITCHEN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Inspector Comments: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE END CAPS FOR LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: 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. MUST REPAIR; LEAKING PIPES UNDER BAR AREA 3PART SINK, FAUCET ON KITCHEN'S 3PART SINK AND SEAL RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER SAME SINK.
  4. Complaint

    11 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF MICE ACTIVITY UNDER BAR AREA, ABOUT 15 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED ON FLOOR; ALSO OVER 70 MICE DROPPINGS NOTED ON FLOORS, ALONG WALLS AND ON TOP OF BOXES THRU-OUT BASEMENT. ALSO FRONT DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE AREAS, SEAL BOTTOM OF FRONT DOORS AND OPENINGS AT BAR AREA AND BASEMENT. ENCOURAGED TO CALL PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-020.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. OUTSIDE BACK AREA NOT CLEAN/MAITAIN. OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ARTICLES, GARBAGE BAGS OUTSIDE GARBAGE CONTAINERS AND LARGE/TALL PLANTS/WEED GROWING NEXT TO BUILDING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, WEED, GARBAGE, ETC..TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND PEST FEEDING SOURCE. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED, 7-38-020.
    • 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 PREP FOODS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON KITCHEN'S STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 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. MUST REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON PREP REACH IN COOLER IN KITCHEN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE; COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, STORAGE SHELVES, FREEZERS, COOLERS, DISH MACHINE IN KITCHEN. BAR AREA COFFEE MACHINE, COOLER, ETC..ALL EQUIPMENT THRU-0UT AND REMOVE FOIL COVERING FROM EQUIPMENT.
    • 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. EXCESSIVE DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP THRU-OUT; MUST CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT, SHELVING UNITS AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS. ALSO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN KITCHEN AND BAR AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN WALLS AND CEILING IN KITCHEN OR REPAINT, REPAIR NORTH WALL IN KITCHEN AND SEAL OPENINGS WHERE NEEDED TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. ALSO REPLACE DAMAGED AND MISSING CEILING PANELS IN WASHROOMS, AND CLEAN CEILING ATTACHMENT THRU-OUT KITCHEN AND DINING AREAS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MUST REPLACE END CAPS FOR LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN.
    • 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. MUST REPAIR; LEAKING PIPES UNDER BAR AREA 3PART SINK, FAUCET ON KITCHEN'S 3PART SINK AND SEAL RUSTY GREASE TRAP UNDER SAME SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • EXCESSIVE CLUTTER NOTED THRU-OUT BASEMENT AND SERVER CLOSET; MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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