Argo Tea
Last inspected: Nov 30, 2018
100
Score
The health department has logged 18 inspections at Argo Tea, the earliest from 2010. Argo Tea was last inspected on Nov 30, 2018. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately. Argo Tea's record stops at Nov 30, 2018, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 30, 2018
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jul 6, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*)
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT NOR POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*)
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER KEPT IN THE BACK OF COOLERS BEHIND FOOD CONTAINERS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART IN EASY TO VIEW AREA.
36
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: PASTRIES DISPLAY CASE LIGHT FIXTURE MISSING A LIGHT SHIELD, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
56
74
Apr 25, 2018
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MISSING A LIGHT SHIELD FOR PASTRY DISPLAY CASE LIGHTS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
36
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER FOR FRONT PACKAGED FOOD DISPLAY COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
40
90
Oct 16, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A POT TOO LARGE TO SUBMERGE INSIDE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LARGE POT FROM FACILITY OR INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK ON THE FAUCET OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Jan 17, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINK STOPPERS NOT PROVIDED TO ALL COMPARTMENTS OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
95
Apr 26, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced. Cutting boards that had deep cuts in prep area, shall be replaced. Caulk around exposed hand sink, 3 compartment sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Non food contact surfaces of ice machine not clean, need detailed cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, front storage shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Stock items must be stored six inches off of floor to prevent pest harborage.
41
82
Oct 9, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AND 3-COMP SINK TO REMOVE GRIME.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR HOT WATER FAUCET AT FURTHEST LEFT HAND SINK IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM SO AS TO PROVIDE HOT WATER AT ALL TIMES. THERE ARE 2 OTHER WORKING HAND WASHING SINKS IN ABOVE MENTIONED RESTROOM.
38
90
Apr 24, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 11, 2014
Complaint
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FOUND FRONT REACH IN DISPLAY COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.4 DEGREE AIR TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER NOT TO USE COOLER UNTIL REINSPECTED BY THE CDPH. UNIT IS BEING HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) CITATION ISSUED. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE.
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WERE FOUND IN REACH IN DISPLAY CASE THATS IN POOR REPAIR: YOGURT CUPS, SALADS MADE WITH VARIOUS GRAINS AND QUICHES. ALL PRODUCT RANGED IN TEMPERATURE OF 49-50 DEGREES. MANAGER DISCARDED ALL PRODUCT AT THIS TIME. TOTAL VALUE $266.08 50LBS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) CITATION ISSUED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE.
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE SCRATCHING HIS HEAD AND CONTINUING TO MAKE CUSTOMER ORDER WITHOUT WASHING HIS HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE HIM STOP AND WASH HIS HANDS. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A) CITATION ISSUED POOR HYGENIC PRACTICES.
6
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE WITH LARGE AMOUNTS OF MOLD BUILD UP AT THE INSIDE OF THE MACHINE. MACHINE IS BEING TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. MACHINE CAN NOT BE USED UNTIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A) CITATION ISSUED FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE.
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND FRUIT FLY ACTIVITY AT FRONT DRINK COUNTER AND IN REAR AREA BY DISH MACHINE AND MOP SINK. OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20-25 FLIES. ANT ACTIVITY UNDER FRONT DISPLAY CASE AND UNDER 1 COMPARTMENT SINK AT DRINK STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020 CITATION ISSUED. EVIDENCE OF INSECT ACTIVITY.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL RUBBER GASKETS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP, GASKETS THAT ARE IN POOR REPAIR NEED TO BE REPLACED. MUST CORRECT AND MAIBNTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING: INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS, REACH IN FREEZERS, INTERIOR OF ALL CABINETS, ALL STORAGE SHELVES, ALL DRINK MACHINES, ALL SINKS, AND ALL PREP TABLES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF BUILD UP. FLOORS WITH HEAVY BUILD UP UNDER SINKS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP OF FOOD SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SPLASH GUARD NEEDED AT FRONT HANDSINK. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE KEPT IN CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
43
58
Aug 16, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF THE 2DR COOLER AT FRONT PREP STATION TO REMOVE SPILLED TEA AT THE BOTTOM SHELF.
33
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR OF ICELID MACHINE AT THE REAR AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE STICKY FLOORS IN THE REAR AREA AS WELL AS THE FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
34
86
May 17, 2012
Complaint
No violations found.
100
May 3, 2012
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR BY BREWING ROOM.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE RUST FROM INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER IN REAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE/BREWING AREA.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE PEELING/CHIPPING PAINT FROM BREWING ROOM AND REPAINT FLOORS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO WALK IN COOLER IN REAR-REPLACE BULB.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAKS AT THE BASE OF THE 3-COMP. SINK AND MOP SINK.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX TOILET NEXT TO THE HANDICAP STALL (TOILET WRAPPED COMPLETELY WITH GREEN PLASTIC)IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX SLOW DRAINING WASH BOWL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM (LAST WASH BOWL BY HANDICAP STALL) AND MIDDLE WASH BOWL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
38
67
Feb 16, 2012
Complaint
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND MILK SITTING ON THE COUNTER (2 1/2 GALLONS) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES, 52.2F-60.7F. INSTRUCTED TO STORE AND KEEP POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD AT 40F OR LOWER AT ALL TIMES. PRODUCT DISCARDED, VALUED AT APPROX. $5.00 CITATION #70241-16 ISSUED.
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON THE PREMISES WHILE PREPARING/SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (ROAST BEEF, MILK, RICE,ETC.) INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ONE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OR PAINT RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR BY BREWING ROOM.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE RUST FROM INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER IN REAR.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS BEHIND FRONT COUNTER, IN REAR PREP AND STORAGE/BREWING AREA.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE PEELING/CHIPPING PAINT FROM BREWING ROOM AND REPAINT FLOORS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO WALK IN COOLER IN REAR-REPLACE BULB.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAKS AT THE BASE OF THE 3-COMP. SINK AND MOP SINK.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX TOILET NEXT TO THE HANDICAP STALL (TOILET WRAPPED COMPLETELY WITH GREEN PLASTIC)IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM.
38
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX SLOW DRAINING WASH BOWL IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM (LAST WASH BOWL BY HANDICAP STALL) AND MIDDLE WASH BOWL IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
38
61
May 2, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 22, 2011
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: All food should be properly protected from contamination during storage, preparation, display, service, and transportation. OBSERVED ABOUT 10 FEET OF PAINTED WOOD AROUND WINDOW FRAME WITH LARGE CHIPS OF PAINT HANGING ABOVE OPEN TEA DIFFUSERS FOR BREWING TEA DURING PRODUCTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROTECT FOOD FROM ALL CONTAMINATION. DIFFUSERS ARE NOW COVERED WITH PLASTIC TARP
16
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE MANUALLY CAPPING TEA BOTTLES DURING PRODUCTION AT PROCESSING LINE, ABOUT 30 BOTTLES WERE CAPPED BY HAND AND PACKAGED IN BOXES BEFORE APPROACHING EMPLOYEE. CAPPING MACHINE WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL AT TIME OF INSPECTION, DURING INSPECTION OBSERVED EMPLOYEE REPAIRING CAPPING MACHINE AND TAPING IT. INSTRUCTED TO CAP BOTTLES BY MACHINE ONLY, HAND CAPPING IS PROHIBITED. MACHINE IS REPAIRED BY THE END OF INSPECTION.
16
90
Jan 26, 2011
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
38
90
Dec 6, 2010
Tag Removal
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REFER TO PREVIOUS REPORT FOR DESCRIPTION.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REFER TO PREVIOUS REPORT FOR DESCRIPTION.
38
90
Nov 24, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: All employees who handle food shall wash their hands as often as necessary to maintain a high degree of personal cleanliness and should conform to hygienic practices prescribed by the Board of Health. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE MANUALLY CAPPING HOT TEA GLASS BOTTLE AT THE FILLING LINE, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL BOTTLES MECHANICALLY CAPPED.
6
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: Equipment and utensils should get proper exposure to the sanitizing solution during the rinse cycle. Bactericidal treatment shall consist of exposure of all dish and utensil surfaces to a rinse of clean water at a temperature of not less than 180F. FACILITY NOT WASHING AND SANITIZING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY, 3COMP SINK AND DISH MACHINE NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO FIT EQUIPMENT, OBSERVED EQUIPMENT BEING RINSED IN A LARGE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK THAT IS USED FOR HANDS WASHING TOO ( A HAND SOAP DISPENSER MOUNTED ABOVE SINK IN BREWING OPERATION ROOM), INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PROPER WASHING AND SANITATION FACILITY THAT ACCOMMODATE EQUIPMENT SIZE. ALSO BOTTLES MUST BE MECHANICALLY WASHED BEFORE FILLING, EQUIPMENT TAGGED OPERATION IS CEASED AT THE BREWING ROOM.SUPERVISOR NOTIFIED, MUST CONTACT CDPH AT 312-746-8095 WHEN PROPER WASHING FACILITY IS INSTALLED, AND DOCUMENTED APPROVAL FROM DBA, PLUMBING DEPT AND IDPH PRESENTED. OPERATION IS CEASED AT THIS TIME, MUST FAX A TAG REMOVAL REQUEST AT 312-746-4240.
8
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. SOFT DRINKS DISPENSER GUN HOLDER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. DAMAGED WALL IN PREWING ROOM AT THE BASE OF WALL, MUST REPAIR.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. MUST PROVIDE A VACUUM BRAKER TO ALL HOSES THAT ARE ATTACHED TO FAUCETS.
38
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Argo Tea last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Argo Tea on file is from Nov 30, 2018. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Argo Tea?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Argo Tea.
Has Argo Tea's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Argo Tea have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Argo Tea means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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