Baba Pita
Last inspected: Aug 19, 2014
61
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at Baba Pita, the earliest from 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Aug 19, 2014. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Baba Pita dates to Aug 19, 2014.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around 11 violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 19, 2014
Reinspection
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS. (SUGAR,SALT,ETC)
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REFINISH EXTERIOR OF LARGE MIXER IN PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAK AT CONDENSER IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE LOCK FOR THE ICE STORAGE FREEZER OUTSIDE REAR EXIT DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL CUTTING BOARDS,PREP TABLES,SINKS,COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS,UNDER SHELVES,IN WALK IN COOLERS,ALONG WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOORS IN BASEMENT AND REMOVE SEDIMENT FROM PREVIOUS FLOOD.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS. (ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK) MUST REMOVE FOAM FROM WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. WALLS IN MENS BASEMENT WASHROOM NOT SMOOTH. MUST REPAIR AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS AT THE ABOVE PREP AREA.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES AT THE BASMENT WASHROOM DOORS.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE HEAVY BRICKS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE MOP SINK. MUST BE ABLE TO INSPECT PLUMBING AND SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE. MUST HAVE HOT AND COLD WATER AT THE MOP SINK. WATER MUST ALSO DRAIN PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR BROKEN FAUCET HANDLE AT MOP SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE MORE ADEQUATE RAISED SHELVING IN THE WALK IN COOLERS. KEEP FOOD ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR.
41
61
Aug 6, 2014
Routine
15 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED PREP COOLER AT 52 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 30LBS OF COOKED RICE,HUMMUS,COOKED BAY LEAVES AND RICE,TABBOULEH AND BABA GHANNOUJ AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 50.4-63 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
3
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: NO HOT RUNNING WATER AVAILABLE ON SITE. PILOT LIGHT NOT LIT ON WATER HEATER. MUST MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS AND PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER AT ALL SINKS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030. PILOT LIGHT RE-LIT DURING INSPECTION AND HOT WATER RESTORED. MUST MAINTAIN HOT RUNNING WATER AND HAVE IT AVAILABLE AT ALL SINKS.
9
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON SITE AND OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 25 MICE DROPPINGS IN REAR PREP AREA UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND UNDER THE UNUSED REACH IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS,SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. ALSO NOTED APPROXIMATELY 1/4 INCH GAPS ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR. MUST REPAIR AND MAKE DOOR COMPLETELY INSECT AND RODENT PROOF. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT MAINTAINED. NOTED GARBAGE OVERFLOWING FROM DUMPSTER AND BEING STORED ON TOP OF LIDS. EXTERIOR OF WASTE GREASE CONTAINER NOT CLEAN. MUST REMOVE EXCESS GARBAGE, CLOSE LIDS AND MAINTAIN AREA AND CONTAINERS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
19
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 1375934 ON 12/09/2013 NOT CORRECTED. (30)LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLERS. (35)COVERS NEEDED FOR FANS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER; PROVIDE. REMOVE DUST FROM VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM AND SEAL HOLE IN CEILING OF WASHROOM NEXT TO VENTILATION FAN. (41)BASEMENT STORAGE AREA VERY CLUTTERED WITH UNNECESSARY ITEMS; REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER. MUST CORRECT ALL VIOLATIONS BY THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE REPORT. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL ALL BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS. (SUGAR,SALT,ETC)
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REFINISH EXTERIOR OF LARGE MIXER IN PREP AREA. MUST REPAIR LEAK AT CONDENSER IN WALK IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE LOCK FOR THE ICE STORAGE FREEZER OUTSIDE REAR EXIT DOOR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL CUTTING BOARDS,PREP TABLES,SINKS,COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS,UNDER SHELVES,IN WALK IN COOLERS,ALONG WALLS, IN CORNERS, UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL HOLES IN WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS. (ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK) MUST REMOVE FOAM FROM WALLS AND CEILINGS IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. WALLS IN MENS BASEMENT WASHROOM NOT SMOOTH. MUST REPAIR AND MAKE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS AT THE ABOVE PREP AREA.
36
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICES AT THE BASMENT WASHROOM DOORS.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE HEAVY BRICKS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE MOP SINK. MUST BE ABLE TO INSPECT PLUMBING AND SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE. MUST HAVE HOT AND COLD WATER AT THE MOP SINK. WATER MUST ALSO DRAIN PROPERLY. MUST REPAIR BROKEN FAUCET HANDLE AT MOP SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE MORE ADEQUATE RAISED SHELVING IN THE WALK IN COOLERS. KEEP FOOD ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR.
41
47
Dec 9, 2013
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOOD ITEMS IN WALK-IN COOLERS.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN SHELVES INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER, CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS IN KITCHEN. CLEAN PLASTIC STORAGE CONTAINERS OBSERVED INSIDE OF WALK-IN COOLER, CLEAN PREP TABLES AND CUTTING BOARDS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR BOTTOM OF DEEP FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES OBSERVED, UNDERNEATH GRILL, EXTERIOR OF GRILL ETC.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, DINING AREA BEING REMODELED AND BASEMENT AREA. ALSO CLEAN INSIDE OF WALK-IN UNITS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN WALLS IN KITCHEN AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. ONCE WALLS IN DINING AREA ARE DONE, PROVIDE WALL COVING AT BOTTOM AREA WALLBASE OF WALLS. REPAIR HOLES IN CEILING OF BASEMENT WHERE OBSERVED. SEAL CEILING OF WALK-IN UNIT WHERE OPEN SEAMS OBSERVED. COVERS NEEDED FOR FANS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER; PROVIDE. REMOVE DUST FROM VENTILATION FAN IN WASHROOM AND SEAL HOLE IN CEILING OF WASHROOM NEXT TO VENTILATION FAN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INCREASE HOT WATER PRESSURE AT WASHROOM SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: AREA BEING CONSTRUCTED NEEDS ORGANIZING ONCE CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE. BASEMENT STORAGE AREA VERY CLUTTERED WITH UNNECESSARY ITEMS; REMOVE TO AVOID CLUTTER. INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WASTE WATER IN MOP BUCKET OBSERVED IN KITCHEN ONCE USED AND TO REMOVE MOP FROM FLOOR.
41
70
Apr 25, 2013
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL PRECOOKED AND PREPARED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLER WITH THE NAME, DATE AND TIME.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG BASE AND AT CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS IN FRONT STORAGE AREA AND IN PREP AREA BEHIND EQUIPMENT.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED BAGS OF BEANS ON THE FLOOR. MUST PROPERLY STORE FOOD ITEMS ON APPROVE SHELVING 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALL.
41
86
Dec 12, 2012
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST BOTH ICE BOX FREEZERS ON PREMISES LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL OPENING WHERE FLOOR MEETS WALLBASE UNDER THE 3COMP SINK IN THE KITCHEN SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS FROM ALL CORNERS IN THE BASEMENT. ALSO MAINTAIN FLOORS DRY IN THE SAME AREA NEXT TO THE WATER HEATER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR PEELING PAINT AT CEILING ABOVE REAR PREP AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE SHATTER PROOF BULBS OR LIGHTSHIELDS AT LIGHT FIXTURE IN FRONT OF THE STORAGE AREA IN THE FRONT BY THE ICE BOX FREEZER.
36
82
Oct 5, 2011
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SOUTH DRAIN PIPES IS DIRTY AND HAS A SMALL LEAK, CLEAN AND REPAIR THE PIPE LEAK.
38
95
Sep 26, 2011
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: 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. Over 10 rat droppings were found around and under shelving and baseboards throughout the basement perimeter. Remove all evidence of pest activity and clean up all areas of possible harborage.
18
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. THE BROKEN LARGE WALK IN COOLER (INSTALLED SINCE LAST INSPECTION) HAS A STRONG CHEMICAL ODOR AND BUBBLED OUT EXPANDING FOAM SEALER IN THE JOINTS, REMOVE AND SEAL OVER THE JOINTS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY. THE SMALL WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER HAS A WATER LEAK FORM THE COILS, REPAIR THE COOLER AND FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. THE FLOORS ARE DIRTY THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. THE FLOORS ARE ROUGH AND HAVE HOLES IN THE KITCHEN AROUND THE EXPOSED HANDSINK AND CONVECTION OVEN AREA. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS AND BASEBOARDS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
34
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. THE CEILING TILES ARE DAMAGED AND MISSING THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREA, REPLACE SOILED AND MISSING CEILING TILES UNTIL THE CEILINGS ARE SMOOTH AND SANITARY.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. THE SPACE IN FRONT OF THE LARGE WALK IN COOLER IS DARK AND HAS NO WORKING LIGHTING, REPAIR THE LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK SOUTH DRAIN PIPES IS DIRTY AND HAS A SMALL LEAK, CLEAN AND REPAIR THE PIPE LEAK.
38
74
Oct 12, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 8, 2010
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 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. Food handlers were observed handling food without washing there hands after cleaning surfaces at the time of this inspection.
6
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: Adequate and convenient toilet facilities shall be provided. They should be properly designed, maintained, and accessible to employees at all times. The kitchen exposed handsink has been removed and the sink in the cluttered rear hallway is not acccessible to the food preparation area. Must install an exposed handsink in the food preparation area.
11
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. 6 rat droppings were found in the basement, several live ants were found in the baseboards under the kitchen grill prep area and both front doors, rear door and rear screen doors are not pest proof. Clean up all evidence of pest activity and pest proof all outer openings.
18
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. An old mattress and clutter were found in the locked and gated outdoor basement stairwell and around the dumpster/grease area. Remove all garbage and clutter from the restaurant perimeter.
19
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, properly designed and installed
Inspector notes: When toilet and lavatory facilities are provided for the patrons of food establishments, such facilities shall be adequate in number, convenient, accessible, properly designed, and installed according to the municipal code. Both toilets have broken flush handles and the basement toilet leaks, repair the toilets so they are fully functional, not leaking and meet code requirements.
26
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. The previous minor violations not corrected were originally documented on 7/22/09, report # 161320 and include: (33) Cleaning of cooler interiors. (34) Dirty kitchen floors. (35) Moldy panels above the basement bathroom. (36) Unshielded bulbs above the prep area. (37) A living space in the basement of the restaurant across from the hot water heater with food and refuse in it must be removed.
29
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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. Clean the grease covered ventilation hood, shelving and equipment.
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. Clean and maintain the kitchen walls and ceilings so they are smooth and sanitary from top to bottom. Remove peeling paint from the kitchen ceiling.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. The kitchen is dark and requires additional lighting so cooks and cleaners can see.
36
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. No ventilation exists for the double deck conveyor pizza oven, install ventilation to city code. Referral made to Dept of Buildings/Ventilation.
38
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. Remove all unnecessary equipment from the restaurant and basement.
41
58
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Baba Pita last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Baba Pita on file is from Aug 19, 2014. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Baba Pita?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Baba Pita.
Has Baba Pita's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Baba Pita have averaged around 11 violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Baba Pita means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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