VEGETARIAN EXPRESS, INC.

3109 N HALSTED ST, CHICAGO, IL 60657 · Restaurant

13 inspections

1. CanvassApr 11, 2019

   0 infractions

2. CanvassMar 11, 2019

   13 infractions

   • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
     • NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED (EGGS, TAMALES, HAMBURGERS ETC ). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012.
   • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
     • NOTED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION FOLLOWING THE NEW CODE AND GUIDELINES. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VERIFICATION OF POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
   • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
     • MANAGEMENT UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING UP VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE INCLUDING THE CHEMICALS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
   • 8. HANDS CLEAN & PROPERLY WASHED
     • NOTED EMPLOYEE WITHOUT WASHING HANDS OR WEARING GLOVES PICK UP VEGETABLES AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS FROM THE SERVICE PREP COOLER AND PLACE IT ON A CUSTOMERS HAMBURGER BUN AND CONTINUED PREPARING FOOD STILL WITHOUT WASHING HANDS OR WEARING GLOVES. FINALLY THE EMPLOYEE CONTINUED TO WIPE THE PREP TABLE WITH WASH CLOTH THEN CONTINUED TO PREP STILL WITH OUT WEARING GLOVES. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE NO BARE HAND CONTACT POLICY WITH READY TO EAT FOODS. MUST WEAR GLOVES, USE SPOONS, TONGS ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
   • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
     • NOTED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOR SAFETY FOOD ITEMS INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND REFRIGERATION UNITS NOT PROPERLY LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL READY TO EAT FOOD ITEMS WITH PRODUCT NAME AND USED BY DATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY
   • 25. CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD
     • 3-603.11 NOTED ESTABLISHMENT SERVING UNDERCOOKED FOOD ITEMS (EGGS) WITH NO CONSUMER ADVISORY, DISCLOSURE OR REMINDERS TO THE CUSTOMERS. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CONSUMER ADVISORY ON THE MENU WITH A DISCLOSURE NOTICE AND REMINDER STATEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED TODAY.
   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • NOTED TORN RUBBER GASKET INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT AT THE KITCHEN PREP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE
   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • NOTED DIRT AND OLD FOOD PARTICLES INSIDE THE POTATO CUTTER ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO DISASSEMBLE, DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
   • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
     • NOTED DEEP CUTS AND DIRT INSIDE THE CUTTING BOARD AT THE JUICE COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH SURFACE
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AT THE JUICE PREP AREA.
   • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
     • NOTED DIRTY AND HEAVY DUSTY CEILING FANS AT THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS. ALSO NOTED HEAVY STAINED CEILING TILES AT SAME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AND/OR REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES.
   • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
     • NOTED NO EMPLOYEES AT WORK WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES AND ONE MONTH (30 DAYS) GRACE PERIOD FOR NEW HIRES
   • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
     • NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION
3. CanvassMar 8, 2018

   3 infractions

   • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
     • FOUND BULK FOOD WITH NO LABELS. MUST PROVIDE.(FLOUR, CEREAL,ETC.)
   • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
     • FOUND NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE AT MOP SINK FAUCET. MUST PROVIDE.
   • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
     • FOUND FOODHANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
4. CanvassJun 2, 2017

   3 infractions

   • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
     • MUST PROVIDE LABELS FOR BULK GOODS LIKE FLOUR, PANCAKE MIX, RICE, ETC.
   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • OBSERVED RAW WOOD FRAME BEING USED TO SUPPORT SHELVING ABOVE THE PREP TABLE. MUST PAINT OR SEAL. MUST NOT USE FOIL OR CARDBOARD AS A LINER FOR SHELVING OR CONTAINERS. MUST MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT AND FOOD STORAGE SURFACES TO BE SMOOTH, NON-ABSORBENT AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
   • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
     • MUST CLEAN MINERAL DEPOSITS AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM RESEVOIR OF STEAM TABLE. MUST CLEAN DUST AND OIL ACCUMULATING IN THE LOWER COMPARTMENT OF THE FRYER.
5. CanvassJul 29, 2016

   5 infractions

   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • OBSERVED TORN REFRIGERATION GASKET AT THE 2-DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
   • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
     • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF UPRIGHT REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
   • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
     • OBSERVED GREASE AND DEBRIS ON WALL BEHIND MOP SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
   • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
     • VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE FRONT DISPLAY AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
   • 43. FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
     • OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHES IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
6. Complaint Re-InspectionNov 12, 2015

   0 infractions

7. ComplaintNov 4, 2015

   7 infractions

   • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
     • OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES AT THE REAR DISHWASH AREA AND AT THE FRONT FRESH JUICE AREA. APPROXIMATELY 40 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND EQUIPMENT IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
   • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
     • OBSERVED PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS FOR CUSTOMER "GRAB & GO" WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO LABEL EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH NAME, INGREDIENTS, NAME AND ADDRESS OF FACILITY WHERE PRODUCED, AND TO MAINTAIN.
   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • OBSERVED TORN REFRIGERATION GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELVING LINERS AND AS FLOOR LINERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
   • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
     • DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELVINGS THROUGHOUT THE DISHWASHING AREAS,FAN COVERS INSIDE THE COOLERS,MANUAL POTATO PEELER,CUTTING BOARDS,
   • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
     • FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING AND MAINTAIN.
   • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
     • OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON ON THE CEILING VENTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
   • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
     • OUT OF COMPLIANCE. INFORMATION GIVEN, INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN.
8. CanvassAug 10, 2015

   4 infractions

   • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
     • OBSERVED PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS FOR CUSTOMER "GRAB & GO" WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO LABEL EACH INDIVIDUAL ITEM WITH NAME, INGREDIENTS, NAME AND ADDRESS OF FACILITY WHERE PRODUCED, AND TO MAINTAIN.
   • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
     • OBSERVED TORN REFRIGERATION GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE COOKING LINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING USED AS SHELVING LINERS AND AS FLOOR LINERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SO ALL SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
   • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
     • OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON ON THE CEILING VENTS AND SURROUNDING AREAS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
   • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
     • OUT OF COMPLIANCE. INFORMATION GIVEN, INSTRUCTED TO COMPLY AND MAINTAIN.
9. CanvassOct 1, 2014

   4 infractions

   • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
     • MUST LABEL AND DATE ALL PREPARED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PREP COOLERS.
   • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
     • DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.REMOVE GREASE BUIL-UP. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR PANELS OF ICE MACHINE IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. DETAIL CLEAN REAR FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. REMOVE DIRT.
   • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
     • DETAIL CLEAN WALL IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS. DETAIL CLEAN VENTILATION FANS, LIGHT SHIELDS AND CEILING IN FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MUST REMOVE ACCUMULATION OF DUST
   • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
     • MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE TWO DOOR PREP REFRIGERATOR.
10. CanvassJan 15, 2014

    2 infractions

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WATER DAMAGE CEILING TILES AT FRONT SELLING AREA. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAKY FAUCET AT REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN. REAR EXPOSED HANDWASH SINK IS DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR/MAINTAIN.
11. CanvassFeb 28, 2013

    3 infractions

    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • FOUND PACKAGED FOOD NOT LABELED INSIDE FRONT REACH IN COOLER.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.MUST STORE INVERTED.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND CLOTHES STORED ON FOOD SHELVING UNITS.
12. License Re-InspectionSep 1, 2011

    0 infractions

13. LicenseAug 29, 2011

    4 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.OUTER OPENING NOT PROTECTED, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENING AT THE TOP OF MAIN DOOR(1" OF GAP).SERIOUS VIOLATION: 7-38-020. NO CITATION ISSUED NOT OPERATING.
    • 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.DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS(GREASE BUILD-UP).CLEAN UNDER THE TABLE IN DISH ROOM.DETAIL CLEAN GREASE TRAP UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AND PAINT IT. DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.MUST PROVIDE A RECEIPT OR INVOICE OF PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED, EXCESS OF BLACK SLIME BUILD-UP.
    • 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. CLEAN WALL UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK(BOTTOM PART).SEAL WALL THROUGHOUT, INCLUDED THE WASHROOM.
    • 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.PROVIDE UNTHREAD FAUCET AT MOP SINK, OR A BACK FLOW PREVENTER.