SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

SAWA SUSHI.

YOUR CALL. 55/100

3417 S HALSTED ST · PILSEN, CHICAGO

Last inspected November 6, 2025 · passed

5 of 11 inspections passed, 2 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 12 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS

5 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 2 failed

VIOLATIONS

includes 12 critical

RECORDS COVER

10 YEARS

since May 2015

INSPECTION HISTORY

NOV 6

2025

PASSED

6 violations

DETAILS

SERIOUSSanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE HAS A PINKISH SUBSTANCE ON THE WHITE PANEL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.

MINORSanitation

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTER TOPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.

MINORSanitation

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO WASH AND SANITIZE SCOOP AND STORE EITHER HANDLE UP IN THE ICE OR IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. MAINTAIN SAME.

MINORSanitation

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

THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER PAINT HAS WORN OFF AND THE SURFACE IS RUSTY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE SINKS AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.

MAY 9

2024

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

5-205.15 OBSERVED A HEAVY LEAK UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.

MINORSanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.

APR 26

2023

PASSED

0 violations

APR 14

2023

FAILED

5 violations2 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALDocumentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. FOUND SPOUT COVERED IN PLASTIC WRAP AND BASIN FILLED WITH DISHES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSSanitation

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE ( TOP INTERIOR BEHIND PANEL). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSSanitation

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PIC TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS TO TEST THE SANITIZING AGENT FOR THE DISHMACHINE AND THREE COMP SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Storage & Handling

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2500986 CONDUCTED ON 4/30/21. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION AND CONTINUED NON -COMPLIANCE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION WERE NOT CORRECTED: 4-402.12 OBSERVED BOXES OF CHOPSTICKS, FOOD CONTAINERS, SEAWEED, AND WHITE 5-GALLON BUCKETS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN 2-102.13(A) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

APR 30

2021

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

3 violations1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATE 1 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PESTS AND RODENTS

MINORSanitation

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

OBSERVED BOXES OF CHOP STICKS, FOOD CONTAINERS, SEAWEED, AND WHITE 5 GALLON BUCKETS STORE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN

MINORDocumentation & Training

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FOR VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME INDICATED ON THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT (INSPECTION REPORT #2280110)IS CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090

show all 11 inspections →

APR 23

2021

FAILED

9 violations5 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALOther

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NEED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE HAND WASH SINKS IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c)

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO DRYING PROVISIONS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRYING PROVISIONS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c) CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION

SERIOUSOther

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS AT THIS TIME. PREMISES SERVED SUSHI(RAW), INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005

SERIOUSOther

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED THE SUSHI RICE LAB REPORT DATED 2-15-2012. INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE THE PROCEDURE TESTED BY LAB EVERY 5 YEARS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATE 1 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PESTS AND RODENTS.

CRITICALPest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK OR SERVICE REPORTS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(c)

MINORSanitation

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

OBSERVED BOXES OF CHOP STICKS, FOOD CONTAINERS, SEAWEED, AND WHITE 5 GALLON BUCKETS STORE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

MAR 26

2019

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

9 violations3 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALDocumentation & Training

MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO EMPLOYE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALOther

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED. NEED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS.

CRITICALFood Temperature

REQUIRED RECORDS AVAILABLE: SHELLSTOCK TAGS, PARASITE DESTRUCTION

OBSERVED NO WRITED AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPLIED FOR SUSHI IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE FOR PARASITE DESTRUCTION, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSOther

CONSUMER ADVISORY PROVIDED FOR RAW/UNDERCOOKED FOOD

OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON THE MENUS AT THIS TIME. PREMISES SERVED SUSHI(RAW), INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSOther

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

OBSERVED THE SUSHI RICE WAS LAST LAB RESULTS WERE IN 2011, INSTRUCTED THEY MUST HAVE THE PROCEDURE TESTED BY LAB EVERY 5 YEARS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINOROther

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED 30 GALLON CONTAINERS BEING USED TO STORE RICE, FLOUR, TOO LARGE TO BE FULLY SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMALER CONTAINERS(FOOD GRADE) OR HAVE A WRITTED PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.

MINORSanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THE FRYERS, 2 TIER CART NEXT TO FRYER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED 5 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE NEW CERTIFICATES.

MINORDocumentation & Training

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

APR 13

2017

PASSED

2 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. REPAIR THE SCREEN AROUND THE REAR EXIT DOOR.

MINORSanitation

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

REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA.

JUL 8

2016

PASSED

3 violations

DETAILS

MINORSanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OSERVED RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVE IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.

MINORSanitation

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

OBSERVED THE TOASTER OVEN, AND THE CUTTING BOARDS FRONT/REAR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

MINORSanitation

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

OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE OVER SUSHI DINING CHAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.

DEC 17

2015

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

7 violations

DETAILS

SERIOUSDocumentation & Training

* CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY OR CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD(RICE 158.4F AND SUSHI) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012A

MINORSanitation

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

CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.

MINORSanitation

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

CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. REPAIR FLOOR NEAR UTILITY SINK(NOT LEVELED, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES).

MINORSanitation

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

CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.

MINORFacility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

REPLACE NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT BULBS IN FRONT PREP AREA.

MINORPlumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

REPAIR OVERHEAD LEAKING PIPE IN BASEMENT.

MINORSanitation

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

ELEVATE ALL SOFT DRINKS OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND VINEGAR CONTAINER IN REAR PREP AREA.

MAY 5

2015

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

6 violations1 CRITICAL

DETAILS

CRITICALFood Temperature

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

OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF SUSHI RICE 106-116.3F STORED IN HOT HOLDING UNIT.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 5LBS AND $15 OF SUSHI RICE. ALL HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 140F OR ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

MINORSanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.

MINORSanitation

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

REMOVE EXCESS WATER OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.

MINORSanitation

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

CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA(DUST BUILDUP). REPPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.

MINORFacility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REACH-IN FREEZER. REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.

MINORDocumentation & Training

FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET

ALL FOOD HANDLER CERIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALL CERTIFICATES BY 8-5-15.

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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