LEE'S GARDEN CHINESE FOOD.
4240B W NORTH AVE · BELMONT CRAGIN, CHICAGO
Failed 2 of 19 inspections. 12 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 222025PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED AN INACCESSIBLE HANDWASHING SINK AT THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. THERE WERE PLASTIC BAGS AND BOTTLES OF HANDWASHING SOAP INSIDE THE BASIN OF THE MENTIONED SINK. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP ALL HANDWASHING SINKS CLEAR, SO THAT THEY ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES FOR EMPLOYEE USE. EMPLOYEE REMOVED ALL ITEMS FROM THE HANDWASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C), CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION FOR HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWEL AT MENTIONED HANDWASHING SINK AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C), CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION
OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS MISSING HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED NO AMBIENT AIR THERMOMETER INSIDE THE THREE DOOR PREP COOLER CLOSEST TO THE HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THE DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS ON THE PREP TABLE ACROSS THE STOVE WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON FOOD NAME AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOUR AND FOOD DEBRIS ON THE SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELVES.
OBSERVED THE FLOORS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN MENTIONED FLOORS.
JUN 282024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AND UNDER COOKING GRILL. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 242024PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES IN THE PREP COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS 5LBS OF CHICKEN AT 64.2F AND 3LBS OF BEEF AT 50.4F. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 8LBS AT $90. ALL COLD TCS FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW . PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AND UNDER COOKING GRILL. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 102023PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS OUT OF ORIGINAL PACKAGING WITHOUT A LABEL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COMMON NAME ON CONTAINER TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY.
OBSERVED RAW CHICKEN BEING THAWED IN MOP SINK WITH HOSE COMING IN CONTACT WITH RAW CHICKEN. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD FOOD. FOOD WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY 15 LBS AT A COST OF $40.00. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN REAR PREP AND UNDER COOKING GRILL. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 62022PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND NO PAPER TOWELS AT THE HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HAND DRYING PROVISION AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED RUST BUILD UP ON THE BOTTOM SHELF OF THE PREP TABLE LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED REFINISH OR REPAINT TO REMOVE RUST.
FOUND A HEAVY ACCUMULATION OF GREASE AND OLD FOOD RESIDUE ON THE CAN OPENER AND ON THE METAL STORAGE SHELVES LOCATED NEAR THE REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND A LEAK AT THE WASHROOM HANDWASHING SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO REPAIR.
show all 19 inspections →
JAN 142021PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO VERIFIABLE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. LEFT TEMPLATE AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN COPIES OF HEALTH POLICY SIGNED BY ALL EMPLOYEES ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA. LEFT ONE PAGER AND INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PROCEDURE AND KIT WITH ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES INCLUDING A SANITIZER RATED AS EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE SURFACES.
OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK COMING FROM FAUCET OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
OBSERVED SOME TRASH AND DEBRIS ON GROUND IN ALLEY AROUND DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT HARBORAGE OF PESTS.
OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON GROUND UNDERNEATH FRYERS AND MAIN COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2252855 DATED 1/18/2019 NOT CORRECTED: " OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH AN EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES." " THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS." INSTRUCTED TO COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
JAN 182019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON THE PREMISES FOR VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A CLEAN UP PROCEDURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
DETAIL CLEAN THE PREP TABLES, WIRE STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND ABOVE THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
CLEAN THE WALL BEHIND THE WOK STATION.
OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE WITH AN EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE VALID FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DID NOT HAVE AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS.
MAY 52017FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 3- LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING INSIDE OF WOK COOKING STATION,WHEEL OF 3- DOOR PREP COOLER,WALK IN COOLER DOOR GASKET .RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/5/17.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
OBSERVED OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LID IN POOR REPAIR WITH A APPX "4-6" GAP BETWEEN LID AND RIM IN UPRIGHT POSTION AND ROD ON REAR OF DUMPSTER BROKEN LEAVING LID NOT TIGHT FITTING.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LID TO BE TIGHT FITTING AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT#1931786 5/27/16 NOT CORRECTED #32-OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROPERLY STORED THERE USING GROCERY BAGS.MUST PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS/BAGGIES.#33-OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN WOK AND DRIP TRAY.#35-OBSERVED THE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN,REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES.#41-OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR YARD.INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED LOWER EXTERIOR DOOR PANEL OF WALK IN FREEZER.MUST REMOVE CARD BOARD FROM STORAGE SHELVES.
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,FRYER CABINETS,FAUCETS & LEGS AT WOK STATION,WALK IN COOLER SHELVING UNITS,PIPES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GAPS AT WALL PANEL BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT.MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM WALLS IN PREP AREA.
MAY 272016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FOOD NOT PROPERLY STORED IN GROCERY BAGS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE CONTAINER/BAGGIES/ZIPLOC.
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN, CUTTING BOARDS, #10 CAN OPENER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE. ALSO CLEAN STORAGE TABLE SHELF,INTERIOR OF FRONT COOLER,WOK, AND DRIP TRAY.
OBSERVED THE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN. ALSO REPLACE ALL WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES.
OBSERVED CLUTTER IN REAR YARD, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE, AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
OCT 162015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST SWEEP AND MOP.
FOUND DRY STORAGE NOT ORGANIZED.(SOME FOOD PRODUCT ON FLOORS). MUST ELEVATE ALL FOOD PRODUCT OFF FLOORS
SEP 182015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT DRY STORAGE ROOM. MUST SWEEP AND MOP.
FOUND DRY STORAGE NOT ORGANIZED.(SOME FOOD PRODUCT ON FLOORS). MUST ELEVATE ALL FOOD PRODUCT OFF FLOORS.
SEP 152014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOODS IN COOLERS
Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR STAINED CEILING TILES,OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS
Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AND IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT.
SEP 82014FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF MORE THAN 75 RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED IN VARIOUS AREAS SUCH AS ON LOWER SHELF OF SERVICE COUNTER,UNDER WOK STATION,UNDER PREP TABLE,NEXT TO 3- COMP SINK,ON ROLLING CART,IN TOILET ROOM ALONG WALL BASES,OUTSIDE DRY FOOD STORAGE SHELVES,CHEST FREEZER.ALSO OUTSIDE FOOD STORAGE SHED DOOR NOT TIGHT FITTING.MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RODENT PROOF DOOR. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/8/14.(SERIOUS 7-38-020)
MUST LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOODS IN COOLERS.
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM WOK STATION,FAUCETS AT SAME,HOOD,FILTERS,MICRWAVE,CUTTING BOARDS,PREP TABLES & UNDERSIDE,EXTERIOR OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS,ROLLING CARTS.
MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND ,ALONG WALL BASES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT.
MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR STAINED CEILING TILES,OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS.
MUST ELEVATE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN DRY FOOD STORAGE AND IN BETWEEN EQUIPMENT.
JUN 42013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS STORED INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, ON FOODS STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING AND FOOD EQUIPMENT (FRYER, BLENDER, COOLER, BINS ETC) WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP, CLEAN HOOD AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
MUST PROVIDE THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK
MAY 172013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL COOKED AND PREPARED FOODS STORED INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE, ON FOODS STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING AND FOOD EQUIPMENT (FRYER, BLENDER, COOLER, BINS ETC) WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP, CLEAN HOOD AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT,
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING PANELS THROUGHOUT PREMISES
MUST PROVIDE THREE SINK STOPPERS FOR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK
SEP 122012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
Raw wood storage shelves in outside shed not sealed. Instructed to apply non-toxic sealant to surface. Plastic bags used for freezer food storage. Instructed to use proper freezer storage bags or food grade material for storage.
Bulk storage containers and storage shelves not cleaned. Instructed to detail cleana and sanitize.
Light covers in prep area not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
MAY 42012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
Foods improper stored in shopping bags. Instructed to store in food grade containers or food bags.
Storage shelves, cooking equipment, exhaust hood and utensils not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
Floor along wallbase and behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
AUG 312010PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVER (PLASTIC WRAP/FOIL) ON FOOD STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING AND FOOD EQUIPMENT (FRYER, BLENDER, COOLER, BINS ETC) WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP.
All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/WALK-IN FREEZER AND REMOVE CLUTTER STORED AT REAR OUTSIDE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT AND INSECT HARBORAGE.
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 →