SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

Z HALAL AMERICAN INC..

BEAT. 37/100

2739 W DEVON AVE · WEST RIDGE, CHICAGO

Last inspected January 22, 2025 · passed

Failed 2 of 5 inspections. 9 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
5
2 passed · 1 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
47
includes 9 critical
RECORDS COVER
2 YEARS
since Sep 2022

INSPECTION HISTORY

JAN 22
2025
PASSED
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

3-302.12--- ALL FOODS NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

: 3-304.14--- ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

MINORSanitation
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

4-903.11(A;C)---- ALL CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.

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

4-101.11(B, C, D, E)--- MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-602.13--- MUST NOT USE PAPER TOWELS OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN OR INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS.-----NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON METAL SURFACES OF THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. MUST REMOVE. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE. : 4-601.11(B)---- NOTED DIRTY STOVE TOP AND STOVE BACKSLASH ON THE COOKS LINE.----NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED, DIRTY SPICE CONTAINERS ON THE COOKS LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

6-201.11---- FLOOR THRESHOLD AT THE REAR KITCHEN EXIT/ENTRANCE WITH EXCESSIVE PIGEON DROPPINGS.----WALL THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND DISH AREA WITH FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL. 6-501.113---- NOTED SOILED MOP HEAD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INVERTED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

2-102.13---- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

JAN 15
2025
FAILED
18 violations4 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES

NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #2 FOR CITATION.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON THE PREMISES OR SUCH A PERSON ON SITE WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR REVIEW FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT BOTH THE PREP/DISH HAND WASHING SINK AND THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM WASHBOWL. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSFood Storage & Handling
FOOD SEPARATED AND PROTECTED

FOODS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE. OBSERVED RAW EGGS BEING STORED ON THE TOP SHELVING IN THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER DIRECTLY ABOVE COOKED CHICKEN AND RICE. REVIEWED PROPER FOOD PROTECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSChemical Safety
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH EXPIRATION DATES OR ANY DATES OF ANY KIND. COOKED CHICKEN, COOKED RICE, COOKED LENTILS, COOKED BEEF. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. REVIEWED DATE LABELING REQUIREMENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Temperature
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

NOTED RAW CHICKEN IMPROPERLY THAWING IN STANDING WATER AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. REVIEWED PROPER THAWING METHODS.

MINORChemical Safety
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

ALL FOODS NOT STORED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.

MINORSanitation
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CLEAN CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

MINORSanitation
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

ALL CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.

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

MUST NOT USE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS AS FOOD CONTAINERS INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS OR FOOD GRADE DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BAGS.

SERIOUSSanitation
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

OBSERVED SEVERAL LARGE POTS/PANS BEING USED TO PREPARE FOODS THAT ARE UNABLE TO BE SUBMERGED IN THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK TO ENABLE PROPER WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL OVERSIZED POTS/PANS OR INSTALL A LARGE ENOUGH SINK TO ACCOMMODATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

MUST NOT USE PAPER TOWELS OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN OR INSIDE COOLERS AND FREEZERS.-----NOTED PEELING PLASTIC ON METAL SURFACES OF THE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. MUST REMOVE. ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

NOTED DIRTY STOVE TOP AND STOVE BACKSLASH ON THE COOKS LINE.----NOTED FOOD ENCRUSTED, DIRTY SPICE CONTAINERS ON THE COOKS LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR THRESHOLD AT THE REAR KITCHEN EXIT/ENTRANCE WITH EXCESSIVE PIGEON DROPPINGS.----WALL THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN AND DISH AREA WITH FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED SOILED MOP HEAD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE INVERTED AT THE UTILITY SERVICE SINK.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 12-18-23 REPORT #2587133 NOT CORRECTED.#53- 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

DEC 18
2023
PASSED
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

6-301.13 OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER ON WALL ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE THE PAPER TOWEL DISPENSOR AND ENSURE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS ARE ONLY PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINKS.

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

4-204.112(B) OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED IN REFRIGERATOR ADJACENT TO THREE-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.

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

4-202.16 OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

4-602.13 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

6-304.11 OBSERVED INOPERATIVE VENTILATION FAN IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VENTILATION FAN AND MAINTAIN.

DEC 11
2023
FAILED
10 violations3 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFacility Condition
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED VOIDED PHOTO COPY OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE WALL IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INFORMED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT AN ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER ON WALL ABOVE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE THE PAPER TOWEL DISPENSOR AND ENSURE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS ARE ONLY PROVIDED AT HANDWASHING SINKS.

MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER CONSPICUOUSLY PLACED IN REFRIGERATOR ADJACENT TO THREE-DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE THERMOMETERS FOR ALL COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND MAINTAIN.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FIVE LIVE COCKROACHES IN THE REAR PREP AREA: TWO ON THE WALL UNDERNEATH THE SPICE RACK, TWO BEHIND THE REFRIGERATOR, AND ONE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ROACHES, CLEAN SURFACES, AND MAINTAIN PREMISES FREE OF PEST. RECOMMENDED RECEIVING ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(a). CITATION ISSUED.

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

OBSERVED RUSTY SHELVES IN THE REFRIGERATOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE RUST AND ENSURE ALL NONFOOD-CONTACT SURFACES REMAIN SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DIRT ON FLOORS, WALLS, AND ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT SEATING AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN WALLS, FLOORS, AND ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED INOPERATIVE VENTILATION FAN IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VENTILATION FAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM THE 9/6/2022 INSPECTION, REPORT #2563215 NOT CORRECTED: #57 OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN. #58-OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND KEEP ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

SEP 6
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATIOAN 7-38-010. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS ON SURFACE OF COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON VENT COVER IN TOILET ROOM LOCATED IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DUST AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THREE BURNTOUT LIGHTBULBS UNDERNEATH HOODED VENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHTBULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED EMPLOYEES WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRCUTED TO ENSURE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AND KEEP ON PREMISES

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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