SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

COLUMBUS BUILDING CAFE.

YOUR CALL. 49/100

280 S COLUMBUS DR · LOOP, CHICAGO

Last inspected November 20, 2023 · passed

8 of 17 inspections passed, 4 failed, 5 passed with conditions. 12 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
17
8 passed · 5 w/ conditions · 4 failed
VIOLATIONS
53
includes 12 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Jul 2012

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 20
2023
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR WATER LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

NOV 3
2023
PASSED
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR WATER LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

OCT 25
2023
FAILED
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMEPRATURES LOCATED IN A 3 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FOOD PREP AREA; OBSERVED ABOUT 30 LBS OF CHEESE AT 49F, OBSERVED ABOUT 5 LBS OF COOKED CHICKEN AT 50F, AND OBSERVED ABOUT 1 LB OF COOKED HAMBURGERS AT 50F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOOD AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER DISCARDED SAID TCS FOODS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

MINORFood Temperature
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

4-301.11 OBSERVED A 3 DOOR PREP COOLER, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SO THAT SAID PREP COOLER MAINTAINS 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAID UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-601.11(C) OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A MINOR WATER LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

MINOROther
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

5-501.15 OBSERVED RECYCLABLES OUTSIDE DUMPSTER'S LIDS NOT TIGHT FITTING AND GARBAGE OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAKE ALL OUTSIDE DUMPSTER LIDS TIGHT FITTING AND NEVER ALLOW OUTSIDE DUMPSTERS TO OVERFLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(B).

OCT 21
2022
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

OBSERVED SEASONING OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND IN STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINER WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE PRODUCT NAME. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.

MINORPest Activity
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA, AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN COOK LINE COVERED WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 16
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSOther
CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED ITEMS ON THE MENU SUCH AS EGGS ANY STYLE THAT CAN BE SERVED RAW OR POTENTIALLY UNDER COOKED WITH NO REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN REMINDER AND DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS ON ALL MENUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

show all 17 inspections →
SEP 12
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

2-102.14(A) OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY THAT INCLUDES A SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FROM EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

2-501.11 OBSERVED NO WRITTEN PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIOIRITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-601.11 OBSERVED PREPACKAGED BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AND PASTRIES WITHOUT LABELS THAT INCLUDE INGREDIENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LABELS FOR ALL PREPACKAGED ITEMS OFFERED FOR SALE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

4-202.16 OBSERVED A HOLE IN THE CEILING LOCATED ABOVE THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12(A) OBSERVED SOME MINOR DIRT DEBRIS UNDER AND AROUND ALL SHELVES AND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE FOR REVEIW. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVEIW AT ALL TIMES.

MINOROther
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

PA 100-0367 OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITAION MANAGER WITHOUT THE REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT AND MAINTAIN.

OCT 30
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSOther
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

OBSERVED PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY FROM REPORT #2102386 NOT POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. INSTRUCTED TO POST PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B).

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES NOT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

OCT 23
2017
FAILED
7 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES SITTING OUT IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AT ROOM TEMPERATURE; 10 LBS OF BEEF AT 110F AND 5 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 82.6F. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID ITEMS AND TO KEEP ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 140F OR ABOVE FOR HOT HOLDING AND 40F OR BELOW FOR COLD HOLDING AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).

CRITICALPest Activity
OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

OBSERVED OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREA GROUND NOT MAINTAINED. AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION GARBAGE WAS ON THE FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.

SERIOUSSanitation
DISH MACHINES: PROVIDED WITH ACCURATE THERMOMETERS, CHEMICAL TEST KITS AND SUITABLE GAUGE COCK

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO PROPERLY TEST THE SANITIZING CONCENTRATION OF THE SANITIZING COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

SERIOUSOther
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED

OBSERVED 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTAINED. OBSERVED HOT WATER HANDLE ON THE LEFT FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, HOT WATER HAS TO BE TURNED ON AND OFF FROM THE BOTTOM OR ELSE THE HOT WATER ON SAID FAUCET WILL CONTINOUSLY RUN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

SERIOUSFood Temperature
ADEQUATE NUMBER, CONVENIENT, ACCESSIBLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED AND INSTALLED

OBSERVED 2ND FLOOR WOMEN'S WASHROOM WASHBOWLS AT 66F-68F FOR HOT WATER. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE TO AT LEAST 85F. FOOD HANDLER'S MUST USE THE BASEMENT WASHROOM UNTIL SAID WASHBOWLS ARE REPAIRED AND MAINTAINING 85F. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, SHELVES, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES NOT ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATES ON SITE.

JUN 1
2017
PASSED
0 violations
MAY 11
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR REAR DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A 1 INCH GAP ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE RODENT PROOFED EXTERIOR DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED

OBSERVED UNLABELED FOOD ITEMS IN THE GRAB AND GO FRONT COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL GRAB AND GO FOOD ITEMS.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.

JUL 22
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

FACILITY NOT MAINTAINING PROPER COOLING TEMPERATURE. FOUND SELF SERVICE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER AT 55.6F, COOLER IS USED TO STORE PACKAGED DELI SANDWICHES AND CARTONS OF MILK. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP COOLER TEMP AT 40F OR LOWER. COOLER IS TAGGED NOT ALLOWED TO USE. MUST CONTACT THE OFFICE OF CDPH FOR TAG RMOVAL WHEN REPAIRED. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).

CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

POTENTAILLAY HAZARDOUS FOOD STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN SAID COOLER. FOUND 54 SMALL (8OZ) CARTONS OF MILK AT 52.2F, 15 DELI SANDWICHES (10 LBS) AT 51.6F, 3 LBS OF YOGURT AND PUDDING AT 52.5F, INSTRUCTED MGR TO KEEP SUCH FOOD ITEMS AT 40F OR LOWER. FOOD ITEMS DISCARDED VALUED AT $100. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A)

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN BEHIND BLADE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITAIZE PROPERLY.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

BROKEN AND INACCURATE THERMOMETER IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL GOOD WORKING ONES.

AUG 31
2015
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED THE 3 COMPARTMENT MIDDLE BASIN'S DRAIN PLUG NOT WORKING PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL DRAIN PLUGS.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED WET SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER TOPS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WET SOILED WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER.

SEP 4
2014
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

DISPOSABLE PLASTIC FORKS AND KNIVES IMPROPERLY STORED EXPOSED TO CUSTOMERS CONTAMINATION, INSTRUCTED TO STORE WITH THE MOUTH PIECE DOWN.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MISSING REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER IN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.

OCT 4
2013
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

CORRECTED.

SEP 27
2013
FAILED
7 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

FOUND 40 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLIES, CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020

SERIOUSOther
* INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS

FOUND PREVIOUS COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY DATED AUGUST 24, 2012 NOT DISPLAYED VISIBLE TO VIEWING CUSTOMERS. SUMMARY WAS BEHIND SERVING COUNTER WITH A WOODEN BOX PLACED IN FRONT OF IT. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAVE VISIBLE TO VIEWING CUSTOMERS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CABINET UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION IN THE DINING AREA.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS AND FLOORS UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.

MINORPest Activity
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS AND CEILING IN THE PREP AREA. REMOVE DIRT/DUST AND SMALL FLIES.

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

MUST HANG ALL MOPS UP TO DRY WHEN NOT IN USE.

MINORSanitation
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED

MUST PROPERLY STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.

AUG 24
2012
PASSED
0 violations
JUL 18
2012
FAILED
0 violations

Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →

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