Aroma on North Avenue
Last inspected: Nov 28, 2017
95
Score
Aroma on North Avenue has been inspected 12 times since 2011. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 28, 2017. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues. Public records show no inspections at Aroma on North Avenue since Nov 28, 2017, so this file may not reflect current conditions.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near four violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded six times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 28, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DAMAGED FLOOR TILES UNDER 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
34
95
Nov 21, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSTRUCTED HAND WASH SINK, OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINER STORED IN HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MGR TO KEEP HAND SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES DURING FOOD PREPARATION. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
11
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: REAR BACK DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, 2 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM, 40 RAT DROPPINGS FOUND IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM, INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF ALL DOORS, ELIMINATE ALL RODENTS ACTIVITY. PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMENDED SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DAMAGED FLOOR TILES UNDER 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT AT KITCHEN WALLS, BROKEN BASEBOARD, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
Jan 26, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST ALWAYS USE FOOD GRADE BAGS FOR FOOD STORAGE IN ALL REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS. FOUND RICE NOODLES INSIDE SMALL BLACK PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS INSIDE VARIOUS STAINLESS STEEL CONTAINERS INSIDE 2DR REFRIGERATORS. MUST PROVIDE. MUST ALSO ALWAYS PROPERLY DATE AND LABEL ALL PREPARED AND COOKED FOODS INSIDE ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS. FOUND MANY PREPARED, COOKED AND RAW FOODS INSIDE CONTAINERS NOT DATED PR LABELED. MUST PROVIDE.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN THE BASEMENT UNDER THE BROKEN ICE MACHINE. FOUND LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER.ALSO CLEAN FLOOR CORNERS AROUND THE DISH MACHINE AREA ON THE 1ST FLOOR. MUST REPAIR BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN THE KITCHEN ACROSS FROM THE 3-COMP SINK IN THE REAR AREA.ALSO IN BETWEEN COOLERS PAST SWINGING DOORS INTO THE KITCHEN AREA. MUST REPAIR REAR EXIT DOOR FLOOR PANEL WHICH IS CRACKED AND BROKEN. FLOOR MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AT ALL TIMES. MUST PROVIDE.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD END COVERS FOR ALL LIGHT BULB FIXTURES IN THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AT ALL TIMES.FOUND MANY MISSING LIGHT FIXTURES WITHOUT END CAPS.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: FOUND A SMALL SOFA BED/FUTON IN THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA BEHIND A BROWN DOOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE BASEMENT. MUST REMOVE FROM PREMISES. None of the operations connected with food establishments shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters.
37
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST DECLUTTER AND BETTER ORGANIZE THE NORTH END OF THE BASEMENT STORAGE AREA SO AS TO HAVE ALL ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.MUST ALSO REMOVE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM THE NORTH END CORNER ROOM OF THE BASEMENT SO AS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING AND HARBORAGE. MUST ALSO REMOVE UNUSED AND NON-REPAIRABLE FOOD AND COOKING EQUIPMENT FROM THE SOUTH END OF THE BASEMENT.
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78
Mar 14, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP ON HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED AND MAINTAIN.
45
86
Mar 4, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: THE REAR EXIT DOOR TO THE PREMISES IS NOT RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 2" INCH GAP ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM OF DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT DISPLAYED FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION DATED:4/14/2015.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO POST TODAY'S SUMMARY,MUST BE VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010 (B).
28
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#1532895 DATED:04/14/2015. 32 NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE CARDBOARD BOXES FOR SHELVING TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. ALSO NOTED BROKEN HINGE AT THE DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER AND THORN RUBBER GASKETS AT DOORS OF COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. 07/14/2015 34 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE COOKING STOVE AND THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. 07/14/2015 36 NO LIGHT BULB INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHTING. 07/14/2015 38 NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE HOT WATER FAUCET OF THE HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. 07/14/2015 . INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ALL NOTED VIOLATIONS BY 3/11/2016 AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP ON HOOD/FILTERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENTS.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN IN DETAIL AND MAINTAIN.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AS REQUIRED AND MAINTAIN.
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74
Apr 14, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: NOTED EMPLOYEES WASHING DISHING USING LOW TEMPERATURE AND STRENGTH OF SANITIZER IS READING 0PPM. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY SANITIZING. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED COMPANY FOR MAINTENANCE. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
8
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE CARDBOARD BOXES FOR SHELVING TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. ALSO NOTED BROKEN HINGE AT THE DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER AND THORN RUBBER GASKETS AT DOORS OF COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH HEAVY EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE COOKING STOVE AND THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA.MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR DRAINS AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT BULB INSIDE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE HOT WATER FAUCET OF THE HAND WASH SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Jun 10, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE WOK STATION. OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN THE BASEMENT. MUST ELIMINATE STANDING WATER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER SEEPING INTO THE BASEMENT FROM THE FOUNDATION. MUST REPAIR FOUNDATION TO ELIMINATE WATER SEEPAGE INTO THE BASEMENT.
35
90
May 27, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE COCKROACHES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. OBSERVED 2 LIVE COCKROACHES AROUND THE DOOR OF THE 1 DOOR FREEZER IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NOODLES STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE MATERIALS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE ENCRUSTED GREASE ALONG THE VENTILATION HOOD, AND INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE CARDBOARD FROM THE FLOOR AND USE PROPER FLOOR MATS INSTEAD. DETAIL CLEAN THE GREASE UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AT THE WOK STATION.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE DUST FROM THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. SCRAPE AND REPAINT THE WALLS WITH CHIPPED PAINT IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE LIGHTING PROVIDED IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING. LIGHT SHIELDS AND END CAPS ARE NEEDED FOR ALL LIGHT FIXTURES IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA.
36
74
Sep 23, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND/OR SPILLS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FILTER ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE AND DEBRIS.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
86
Nov 20, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: HEAVY GREASE BUILD ON VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE COOKING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: BOXES OF FOOD STORED ON FLOOR, INSTRUCTED TO STORE OFF FLOOR BY 6" OR HIGHER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: PEELING PAINT ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DURABLE COVERINGS AND REMOVE PEELING PAINT.
35
86
Oct 27, 2011
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS, WIRE RACKS ABOVE THE PREP TABLE AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: 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. OBSERVED WOOD PILED UP IN THE CORNER OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE WOOD TO ELIMINATE A PEST HARBORAGE AREA.
41
90
Oct 20, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS IN THE BASEMENT. APPROXIMATELY 20 RAT DROPPINGS WERE OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR OF THE BASEMENT ALONG THE WALLS. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED TO STORE COOKED NOODLES. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE, VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS, WIRE RACKS ABOVE THE PREP TABLE AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: 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. OBSERVED WOOD PILED UP IN THE CORNER OF THE BASEMENT. MANAGER INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE WOOD TO ELIMINATE A PEST HARBORAGE AREA.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aroma on North Avenue last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Aroma on North Avenue on file is from Nov 28, 2017. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Aroma on North Avenue?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Aroma on North Avenue.
Has Aroma on North Avenue's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Aroma on North Avenue have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Aroma on North Avenue 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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