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MUSCLE BAR

1804 W LAWRENCE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60640 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

MUSCLE BAR has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since July 28, 2016. The most recent inspection, on February 13, 2024, 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: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control 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 6 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on September 18, 2020. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 31, 2019. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 31, 2019. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 January 31, 2019. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • Chemicals and toxic substancesHigher risk

    Cleaning products, sanitizers and pesticides must be labelled and stored away from food and food-contact surfaces. Inspectors flag chemicals that could end up in food, as well as pest treatments applied without proper supervision.

    Recorded once on October 6, 2017. For example: DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

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. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • STILL NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (PREPARES SMOOTHIES ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
  3. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (PREPARES SMOOTHIES ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE FRONT PREP AREA INACCESSIBLE WITH CUTTING BOARD AND LIDS OF POWDER CONTAINERS ON TOP OF SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HAND WASH SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • 6-301.11 NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINKS OF THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL HAND WASH SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NOTED NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL HAND SINK WITH A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 100F AND UP TO 110F WITH A MIXING VALVE. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED INSIDE CONTAINER WITH ICE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • NOTED NO FAUCET INSTALLED AT THE FRONT ONE COMPARTMENT SINK (PREP SINK) FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL A FAUCET WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • NOTED THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS #39 RULE #3-307.11 AND #36 RULE #4-204.112(B) FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2261338 DATED 1/31/2019 NOT CORRECTED.OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD NEEDED INBETWEEN SMALL HAND WASH SINK AND ADJACENT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FOOD PREP SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-42-090.CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Canvass

    10 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED PERSON IN CHARGE DID NOT DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEGE. PRIOIRTY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 20101.14 (B)
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS ARE BEING PREPARRED INCLUDING SMOOTHIES CONTAINING MILK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILTY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN A PROCEDURE /PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA INACCESSIBLE WITH LARGE GALLON CONTAINER OF PROTEIN POWDER WITHIN IT AND REAR HANDSINK NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK INACCESSIBLE WITH MOPS IN FRONT OF IT AND DRY TOWELS STORED WITHIN. SINKS WERE MADE CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C)
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER WITHIN SMALL REACH IN IN FRONT SERVICE AREA. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • ALL PREPACKAGED MEALS NEED TO CONTAIN A LABEL IDENTIFYING THE COMMON NAME OF THE PRODUCT, NAME AND PLACE OF BUSSINESS OF THE MANUFACTURER, PACKER OR DISTRIBUTOR AND INGREDIENT LIST IN DECENDING ORDER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED NO LABELS FOR MAJOR ALLERGENS. MUST HAVE LABELS FOR EACH MAJOR FOOD ALLERGEN CONTAINED IN THE FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED SPLASH GUARD NEEDED INBETWEEN SMALL HANDWASH SINK AND ADJACENT 1 COMPARTMENT SINK FOOD PREP SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH EASILY CLEANABLE SPLASH GUARD.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 14. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM #2098479 ON 10-6-17 NOT CORRECTED. #22- NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO CHECK SANITATION CONCENTRATION WHILE SANITIZING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE TEST STRIPS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SIGHT WHILE FOODS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED IE: MILK AT 40.3F. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 1. SOURCE SOUND CONDITION, NO SPOILAGE, FOODS PROPERLY LABELED, SHELLFISH TAGS IN PLACE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS BEING SOLD TO CUSTOMERS IE: PRE-PACKED CHICKEN WRAPS AND SPINACH PIES, FROM AN UNAPPROVED SOURCE. FOUND FOODS NOT LABELED, IN PLASTIC ZIPLOC BAGS AND PACKAGED TO GO CONTAINERS. NO INVOICE ON PREMISES FROM SOURCE. ALL FOODS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT SELL UNTIL INVOICE PROVIDED. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(B)
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • NO CHLORINE CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO CHECK SANITATION CONCENTRATION WHILE SANITIZING AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST PROVIDE TEST STRIPS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM #1948611 ON 8-3-16. #38- MUST INSTALL GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAK AT THE NOZZLE/BACK FLOW PREVENTER AT THE UTILITY MOP SINK. MUST REPAIR.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPAARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER NAD MAINTAIN.
  9. License

    6 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FRONT DOORS NOT RODENT/INSECTS PROOFED. WITH OVER 1/4 OF AN INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS AND IN BETWEEN THE 2 GLASS DOORS. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT /INSECTS PROOFED THE DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020. MUST PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH IDPH LICENSE NUMBER OF THE COMPANY AND MUST BE UNDER CERTIFIED PEST CONTROL COMPANY.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • MUST ENROLL IN SANITATION CLASS AND BE CERTIFIED UNDER CITY OF CHICAGO.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SEAL GAP AROUND THE PIPE ABOVE THE MOP SINK AND EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST INSTALL GREASE TRAP BOX UNDER THE 3 COMPAARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER NAD MAINTAIN.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ICE SCOOP MUST BE STORED ON A SEPARATE CONTAINER (NOT ON TOP OF THE ICE)TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION.

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