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THE BAKED TOMATO

4358-4360 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60641 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

THE BAKED TOMATO has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 7, 2010. The most recent inspection, on December 2, 2013, found no infractions.

1 of 8 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 source, labelling and allergens and Pests.

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 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 12, 2012. For example: FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

  • 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 May 19, 2011. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 20 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on March 7, 2013. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

  • 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 11 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on March 7, 2013. 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 19, 2011. 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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Short Form Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUNTAIN NOZZLE HOLDER HAS BUILD UP OF GRIME. NEED TO BE CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR IN PREP AREA, AROUND BASE BOARDS , UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK HAS BUILD UP GRIME AND DIRT. NEED TO BE CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALL, AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREAR HAS BUILT UP OF GRIME . MUST BE CLEANED. CEILING TILES ARE DAMAGE IN PREP AREA , SERVING AREA AND BATHROOM. MUST BE REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • WALL, AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREAR HAS BUILT UP OF GRIME . MUST BE CLEANED. CEILING TILES ARE DAMAGE IN PREP AREA , SERVING AREA AND BATHROOM. MUST BE REPLACE.
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUNTAIN NOZZLE HOLDER HAS BUILD UP OF GRIME. NEED TO BE CLEAN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR IN PREP AREA, AROUND BASE BOARDS , UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK HAS BUILD UP GRIME AND DIRT. NEED TO BE CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALL, AND EQUIPMENT IN PREP AREAR HAS BUILT UP OF GRIME . MUST BE CLEANED. CEILING TILES ARE DAMAGE IN PREP AREA , SERVING AREA AND BATHROOM. MUST BE REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION COVERS HAVE BUILT UP OF DUST. MUST CLEAN. 3 COMPARTMENT SINK HAVE LINKING FAUCET. MUST REPAIR.
  4. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Found food items not properly dated/labeled in coolers, must date and label food items in coolers.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Non food contact surfaces of ice machine, cooler shelving, and rear storage shelving not clean need detailed cleaning.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in rear storage areas, room need detailed cleaning(corners).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in kitchen, bathroom shall be replaced, stained ceiling tiles in storage areas, dining areas need repairing/replacing.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Missing light shield in kitchen prep area shall be provided, missing/broken light shield in bathroom shall be provided.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NEXT REGULAR INSPECTION
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NEXT REGULAR INSPECTION
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NEXT REGULAR INSPECTION
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • NEXT REGULAR INSPECTION
  6. Canvass

    7 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. FOUND 25 MICE DROPPINGS IN THE STORAGE AREA,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED,INSTRUCTED TO CALL PEST CONTROL SERVICE ,DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE AREA,SEAL OPENINGS;GIVEN 5 DAYS 05-26-11 TO CORRECT VIOLATION
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE AND NO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED,INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE FOOD CERTIFIED PERSON WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED,AT THIS TIME STAFF WAS COOKING PIZZA AND PREPARING SANDWICHES
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #285114, 09-07-10 NOT CORRECTED,SERIOUS VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED,FOUND # 35 CEILING NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH OUT,INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ANY MISSING OR DAMAGED CEILING TILES AND SEAL ALL OPENINGS; # 38 VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOMS MUST BE PROVIDED OR OPEN WINDOWS,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE VENTILATION,OR INSTALL WINDOWS;GIVEN 5 DAYS ,05-26 -11 TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS
    • 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. COOKING HOOD ABOVE PIZZA OVEN NOT CLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; EXTERIOR COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN MUST DTAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 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. AIR FAN AND VENT COVERS IN DINING AREA UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 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. DAMAGED FLOOR TILES UNDER PIZZA OVEN MUST BE REPLACED; DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN BAR AREA MUST BE REPLACED,SEAL HOLES
    • 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. BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN MUST BE REPLACED
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Foods stored inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date foods not in original containers.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Wooden table in prep area not maintained. Instructed to replace or cover worn surface.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Sinks, cooking equipment, prep table, storage shelves, coolers, exhaust hood and filters not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floor not maintained in prep area. Instructed to repair uneven floor and reseal.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Ceiling not maintained through-out. Instructed to replace any missing or damaged ceiling tile and seal all openings. Baseboards not sealed along walls throught-out. Instructed to seal all gaps and openings.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation not provided in toilet rooms. Instructed to install exhaust fan or have windows opened during all hours of operation. Faucet at three compartment sink not maintained and drainline under exposed handsink leaking. Instructed to replace or repair handles at three compartment sink and repair drainline at bottom of exposed handsink.
  8. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • Evidence of rodent activity and outer openings not protected or rodent proffed. Found mice activity in prep area on storage shelves-approximately 10 and in storage room scattered on shelves-approxomately 30. Front entry door has 1/4 inch across bottom. Instructed to rodent proof door to prevent rodent and insect entry. Must remove and detail clean all rodent activity on premises. Serious citation issued 7-38-020.
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • Foods stored inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date foods not in original containers.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Wooden table in prep area not maintained. Instructed to replace or cover worn surface.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Sinks, cooking equipment, prep table, storage shelves, coolers, exhaust hood and filters not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floor not maintained in prep area. Instructed to repair uneven floor and reseal.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Ceiling not maintained through-out. Instructed to replace any missing or damaged ceiling tile and seal all openings. Baseboards not sealed along walls throught-out. Instructed to seal all gaps and openings.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • Light bulbs not shield in prep area. Instructed to install shield or covers over all bulbs.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation not provided in toilet rooms. Instructed to install exhaust fan or have windows opened during all hours of operation. Faucet at three compartment sink not maintained and drainline under exposed handsink leaking. Instructed to replace or repair handles at three compartment sink and repair drainline at bottom of exposed handsink.

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