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SAMMY'S RED HOT

238 W DIVISION ST, CHICAGO, IL 60610 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SAMMY'S RED HOT has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 9, 2018. The most recent inspection, on January 29, 2019, found no infractions.

2 of 6 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 and Chemicals and toxic substances.

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 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 1, 2018. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on June 1, 2018. For example: DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

  • 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 12 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 1, 2018. For example: WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on June 1, 2018. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded once on May 31, 2018. For example: * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint Re-Inspection

    5 infractions

    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • Observed no chemical test kit on site, at time of inspection. instructed manager to provide chemical test kit to determine proper concentration of sanitizing solution. Serious Violation 7-38-030
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • VIOLATION STILL NOT CORRECTED: Observed previous minor violations from report # 2145524, date: 2/26/18, not corrected. Violations 32- OBSERVED WALK IN FREEZER DOOR SEVERELY DAMAGED AROUND EDGES, SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR AND GASKETS SO THAT THE DOOR FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND MAKES A TIGHT SEAL WITH THE FRAME. ALSO OBSERVED HEAVY FROST ACCUMULATING IN WALK IN FREEZER. MUST ELIMINATE AND MAINTAIN. 35- OBSERVED SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA STORED IN BASEMENT WHERE CEILING IS UNFINISHED, UN-SMOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FINISHED CEILING (SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE) WHERE SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA IS STORED. Instructed site to correct violation by re inspection date. Serious Violation # 7-42-090
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • ALSO MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed loose wall and floor junction inside walk in cooler area. Instructed site to repair and maintain, at all times.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Observed no stem thermometer on premises. Instructed manager to provide. Maintain at all times.
  4. Complaint

    10 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • Observed both reach in coolers across from cook line at improper temperature of 58.5f, holding potentially hazardous. Also observed walk in cooler on premises at improper temp of 60.1f, holding potentially hazardous. Cooler and walk in were both tagged during inspection. Instructed site to not to remove tag. Instructed site to contact Cdph for tag removal. Instructed site to service both coolers and walk in cooler and ensure temperatures are below 40.0f, at all times. Critical violation #7-38-005 (A)
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • Observed the following potentially hazardous stored at improper temperature: At room temperature on top of microwave located next to cook line area 84.2f, 1lb of fried fish cakes, at a value of $3.00 87.6f, 2lbs of fried chicken, at a value of $2.00 Cooler, across from cook line: 59.7f, 20lbs of Vienna beef hot dogs, at a value of $8.00 50.4f, 3lbs of sliced ham at a value of $17.00 55.4f, 10lbs of tzatziki sauce, at $8.00 53.3f, 5lbs Turkey bacon, at a value of $12.00 50.3f, 5lbs of Spicy Polish, at a value of $17.00 50.4f, 3lbs of sliced turkey, at a value of $17.00 Inside walk in cooler: 55.5f, 40lbs of chicken wings, at a value of $95.00 54.6f, 200lbs of chicken thighs and legs, at a value of $407.00 56.7f, 15lbs of eggs, at a value of $38.00 54.5f, 18lbs of vanilla ice cream mix, at a value of $243.00 Manager voluntarily discarded and denatured a total weight 322 of at a total value of $867.00 Informed manager that potentially hazardous must be at 40f or lower for cold foods and 140f or more for hot foods at all times. Critical violation # 7-38-005 (A)
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • Observed no certified food service manager on site while potential hazardous foods chicken, sliced turkey, sliced ham, etc. were being prepared and or served. Instructed site that certified food service manager must be on site whenever potentially hazardous prepared and or served. Serious violation #7-38-012
    • 22. DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK
      • Observed no chemical test kit on site, at time of inspection. instructed manager to provide chemical test kit to determine proper concentration of sanitizing solution. Serious Violation 7-38-030
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • Observed previous minor violations from report # 2145524, date: 2/26/18, not corrected. Violations 32- OBSERVED GASKET TORN FROM GLASS DOOR FREEZER. MUST REPAIR. OBSERVED SNAPPLE COOLER WITH PLASTIC LID CRACKED AND COVERED IN TAPE. MUST REPAIR SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED RAW WOOD POSTS AND BACK PANELING WHERE FOOD IS STORED UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT/SEAL ALL RAW WOOD IN FOOD STORAGE AREAS TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED WALK IN FREEZER DOOR SEVERELY DAMAGED AROUND EDGES, SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR AND GASKETS SO THAT THE DOOR FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND MAKES A TIGHT SEAL WITH THE FRAME. ALSO OBSERVED HEAVY FROST ACCUMULATING IN WALK IN FREEZER. MUST ELIMINATE AND MAINTAIN. 32- OBSERVED PREP TABLE LOCATED DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO COOK LINE HAND SINK WITHOUT PROPER SPLASH GUARD. MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PROTECT FOOD PREP ACTIVITIES OR RELOCATE TABLE. 35- OBSERVED SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA STORED IN BASEMENT WHERE CEILING IS UNFINISHED, UN-SMOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FINISHED CEILING (SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE) WHERE SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA IS STORED. 38- OBSERVED NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. OBSERVED ONLY A FLOOR DRAIN IN PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER CATCH BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER MOP SINK. OBSERVED LEAK AT HANDSINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR. 41- MUST REMOVE UNUSED/UNWANTED EQUIPMENT (SUCH AS FRYER) FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER OR IN REAR STORAGE. MUST STORE ALL FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR. Instructed site to correct violation by re inspection date. Serious Violation # 7-42-090
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Observed leak inside walk in freezer unit that spills out to outside area. Instructed site to repair and maintain.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN SOME AREAS OF BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND DRY AREAS. ALSO MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed large whole in wall at end of front counter area near exit. Instructed site to repair area. Maintain at all times. Also must repair peeling paint on ceiling by monster drink machine. Also must repair peeling paint by monster drink machine. Observed loose wall and floor junction inside walk in cooler area. Instructed site to repair and maintain, at all times.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Observed no thermometer inside all coolers on premises. Also observed no stem thermometer on premises. Instructed manager to provide. Maintain at all times.
    • 70. NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
      • Observed establishment not complying with clean indoor air ordinance. At time of inspection observed lit/burning cigarette behind front counter of restaurant. Site corrected violation during inspection. Informed site that the clean indoor air ordinance prohibits smoking in virtually all enclosed public places and enclosed places of employment, including but not necessarily limited to bars, restaurants, shopping malls, recreational facilities (including enclosed sports arenas, stadiums, swimming pools, ice and roller rinks, arcades and bowling alleys), concert halls, auditoriums, convention facilities, government buildings and vehicles, public transportation facilities, coin laundries, meeting rooms, private clubs, public restrooms, lobbies, reception areas, hallways and other common-use areas in public buildings, apartment buildings and condominium buildings. The ordinance also prohibits smoking within 15 feet of the entrance and exit of these establishments. Instructed site to comply with clean indoor ordinance. Site corrected violation during inspection. Serious violation # 7-32-010
  5. Short Form Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GASKET TORN FROM GLASS DOOR FREEZER. MUST REPAIR. OBSERVED SNAPPLE COOLER WITH PLASTIC LID CRACKED AND COVERED IN TAPE. MUST REPAIR SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED RAW WOOD POSTS AND BACK PANELING WHERE FOOD IS STORED UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT/SEAL ALL RAW WOOD IN FOOD STORAGE AREAS TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED WALK IN FREEZER DOOR SEVERELY DAMAGED AROUND EDGES, SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR AND GASKETS SO THAT THE DOOR FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND MAKES A TIGHT SEAL WITH THE FRAME. ALSO OBSERVED HEAVY FROST ACCUMULATING IN WALK IN FREEZER. MUST ELIMINATE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED PREP TABLE LOCATED DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO COOK LINE HAND SINK WITHOUT PROPER SPLASH GUARD. MUST PROVIDE SPLASH GUARD TO PROTECT FOOD PREP ACTIVITIES OR RELOCATE TABLE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN SOME AREAS OF BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND DRY AREAS. ALSO MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA STORED IN BASEMENT WHERE CEILING IS UNFINISHED, UN-SMOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FINISHED CEILING (SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE) WHERE SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA IS STORED. MUST CLEAN WALLS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT, REPAIR PEELING PAINT CEILING BY MONSTER COOLER.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. OBSERVED ONLY A FLOOR DRAIN IN PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER CATCH BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER MOP SINK. OBSERVED LEAK AT HANDSINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE UNUSED/UNWANTED EQUIPMENT (SUCH AS FRYER) FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER OR IN REAR STORAGE. MUST STORE ALL FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
  6. License

    5 infractions

    • 27. TOILET ROOMS ENCLOSED CLEAN, PROVIDED WITH HAND CLEANSER, SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AND PROPER WASTE RECEPTACLES
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEE RESTROOM DOOR, THAT OPENS INTO FOOD PREP AREA, WITHOUT SELF-CLOSING DEVICE. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED GASKET TORN FROM GLASS DOOR FREEZER. MUST REPAIR. OBSERVED SNAPPLE COOLER WITH PLASTIC LID CRACKED AND COVERED IN TAPE. MUST REPAIR SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED RAW WOOD POSTS AND BACK PANELING WHERE FOOD IS STORED UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT/SEAL ALL RAW WOOD IN FOOD STORAGE AREAS TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE. OBSERVED WALK IN FREEZER DOOR SEVERELY DAMAGED AROUND EDGES, SUCH THAT IT DOES NOT FIT TIGHTLY AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR DOOR AND GASKETS SO THAT THE DOOR FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND MAKES A TIGHT SEAL WITH THE FRAME. ALSO OBSERVED HEAVY FROST ACCUMULATING IN WALK IN FREEZER. MUST ELIMINATE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA STORED IN BASEMENT WHERE CEILING IS UNFINISHED, UN-SMOOTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A FINISHED CEILING (SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE) WHERE SODA COMPRESSOR AND SODA IS STORED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO MOP SINK ON PREMISES. OBSERVED ONLY A FLOOR DRAIN IN PREP AREA WITHOUT PROPER CATCH BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER MOP SINK. OBSERVED LEAK AT HANDSINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST REMOVE UNUSED/UNWANTED EQUIPMENT (SUCH AS FRYER) FROM PREMISES. OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER OR IN REAR STORAGE. MUST STORE ALL FOOD AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

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