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SAMMY'S TOUCH

5659 S COTTAGE GROVE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60637 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

SAMMY'S TOUCH has been inspected 5 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 22, 2010. The most recent inspection, on April 17, 2013, found no infractions.

2 of 5 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, Pests and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 2 times on January 13, 2012. For example: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

  • 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 January 13, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 January 13, 2012. 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 12 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 13, 2012. For example: CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 13, 2012. 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.

5 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    12 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF RAW EGGS 55.6-56.3F, CUCUMBER SAUCE 51.2F, AND SOUR CREAM 50F STORED ON PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A CITATION ISSUED.
    • 8. SANITIZING RINSE FOR EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS: CLEAN, PROPER TEMPERATURE, CONCENTRATION, EXPOSURE TIME
      • Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING FOOD EQUIPMENT, POTS, PANS AND UTENSILS IN 3-COMP SINK WITH NO SANITIZER, 3-COMP SINK NOT SET UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY SET UP 3-COMP SINK TO WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE MULTI-USE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 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 15-20 MICE DROPPINGS ON BOTTOM SHELF UNDER SLICER, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS ON SHELF UNDER 3-COMP SINK, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS INSIDE CABINET UNDER COFFEE MACHINE AND SHAKE MIXER, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ALONG WALLS AND CORNERS IN EAST STORAGE AREA, 10-15 MICE DROPPINGS IN CEILING PANELS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM LEFT SIDE OF DOOR. SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 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 GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN AND MAINTAINED. DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING WITH TRASH AND DEBRIS, CONTAINERS, POTS, PANS, ETC STORED OUTSIDE ALONG BUILDING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • The licensee shall inform the public in writing of the Chicago Department of Public Healths Consumer Advisory relating to consuming raw and undercooked animal products. POST CONSUMER ADVISORY.
    • 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. PROPERLY STORE AND INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES AND CONTAINERS, TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION. REMOVE CLEAN POTS AND PANS OFF FLOOR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL CEILING PANELS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, FRYERS, GRILL, BURNERS, PREP TABLES, SINKS, COOLERS, FREEZERS (FOOD DEBRIS, GREASE BUILDUP, ETC).
    • 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. REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN ALL AREAS. FLOORS NEED CLEANING UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. (BEHIND 3-COMP SINK, CHEST FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, ETC)
    • 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. SEAL ALL OPENINGS NEAR PIPE FITTING UNDER EAST EXPOSED SINK, AROUND ELECTRICAL OUTLETS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER AND EAST STORAGE AREA, ALONG BASEBOARDS IN ALL AREAS. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES. CLEAN INSIDE ALL CEILING PANELS. WALLS NEED CLEANING IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS (SPILLS).
    • 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. PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND PREP AREAS.
    • 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. REPAIR LEAKING SPRAYER ON 3-COMP SINK AND PROVIDE EXTENDING FAUCET.
    • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
      • STORE WASHCLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
  4. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 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 REMOVE POP CRATES THAT ARE BEING USED FOR SHELVING FROM SIDE AREA BY ICE CREAM FREEZERS AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SHELVING THAT MUST BE ATLEAST 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR/INTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT-REMOVE GREASE, DIRT AND FOOD BUILD UP. CLEAN ALL SHELVING IN PREP AREA, INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS-REMOVE ICE BUILD-UP IN FREEZERS AND FAN COVERS INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER.
    • 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 DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER, IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENTS AND SINKS. CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS.
    • 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 SEAL AND PROVIDE MISSING WALL BASE IN SIDE AREA UNDER EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK BY ICE CREAM FREEZERS. MUST FIX OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
  5. Suspected Food Poisoning

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MEAT SLICER BLADE AT REAR PREP TABLE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF DEEP FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN REAR PREP AREA. REPANEL OR PAINT CEILING OF WALK-IN COOLER WHERE RUSTED.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED ON PROPER STORAGE OF WET MOPS. MUST STORE WITH MOP HEAD UPRIGHT. RECOMMENDED INSTALLING A MOP RACK FOR HANGING MOPS.

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