Brown Bag Seafood Co.
Last inspected: Jun 4, 2025
86
Score
The health department has logged nine inspections at Brown Bag Seafood Co., the earliest from 2018. The most recent report on file is from Jun 4, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around two violations lately and about seven violations before that.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, showing up five times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 4, 2025
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS WITH DEBRI SPILLAGE AT REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS IN DETAIL AND MOP UP WATER ON FLOOR IN THE DISHWASHING AREA AND MANTAIN FLOORS DRY AT ALL TIMES.
55
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AT FRONT PREP EXHAUST HOOD SYSTEM.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING AT ALL TIMES.
56
86
Jul 29, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Bulk food container ( flour, sugar...) not labeled, instructed to label.
37
95
Aug 10, 2023
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT FROM INSPECTION 8/4/23 IS NOT POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. STATED TO MANAGER THAT EACH SUMMARY REPORT THAT IS PROVIDED AFTER EVERY INSPECTION MUST BE POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PROVIDED MANAGER ON SITE A NEW SUMMARY REPORT THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (b) CITATION ISSUED.
61
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.19: CRATES USED AS SHELVING AND STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE STORAGE CONTAINERS AND SHELVING UNITS THAT IS EASY TO MONITOR DEBRIS UNDER AND ON CONTAINER SURFACES, CONTAINER/SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT.
47
86
Aug 4, 2023
Complaint
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNCOVERED CONTAINER OF RAW SALMON STORED ABOVE READY-TO-DRINK BEVERAGES IN STAND UP COOLER NEAR REGISTER. FACILITY MUST REORGANIZE RAW PROTIENS WITH READY-TO-EAT/DRINK ITEMS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
15
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: THE FOLLOWING TCS ITEMS MEASURED AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE LOCATED IN THE STAND UP COOLER ACROSS REGISTER, REACH-IN PREP-LIN UNIT, AND WALK-IN COOLER. TEMPERATURE OF RAW SALMON MEASURED AT 53.2F, RAW CHICKEN AT 54.5F, SPINACH 70F, RAW SHRIMP AT 54.6F, AND CRAB MEAT AT 60.3F. AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $197.00 AT AN ESTIMATED WEIGHT OF 39 POUNDS WAS DISCARDED ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SANITIZER BUCKET STORED INSIDE HAND SINK NEAR REGISTER, MAKING IT INACCESSIBLE FROM WASHING HANDS. FACILITY MUST ENSURE THAT ALL HAND SINKS ARE EASILY ACCESSIBLE. BUCKET WAS RELOCATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (c) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: AN IRREVERSIBLE REGISTERING TEMPERATURE INDICATOR/TEST STRIPS IS NOT PROVIDED AND READILY ACCESSIBLE FOR MEASURING THE UTENSIL SURFACE TEMPERATURE FOR THE HOT TEMPERATURE DISHWASHER. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER TEMPERATURE-SENSATIVE THERMOMETER/TEST STRIPS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTSIDE RECEPTACLES HEAVILY SOILED WITH GARBAGE ACCUMILATION AROUND DUMPSTERS ON GROUND. FACILITY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (b) CITATION ISSUED.
54
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 10 SMALL/BIG BLACK FLYING INSECTS NEAR REAR EXIT, DISH, AND PREP AREA. FACILITY MUST ELIMINATE ALL LIVE SMALL/BIG BLACK FLYING INSECT ACTIVITY IN THE FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (a) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: SUMMARY REPORT FROM INSPECTION 10/31/22 WAS NOT POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PROVIDED MANAGER ON SITE OF NEW SUMMARY REPORT THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE POSTED IN THE PUBLIC VIEW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010 (b) CITATION ISSUED.
61
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD STORAGE AREA NEXT TO HAND SINK MUST BE PROTECTED BY CONTAMINATION. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN SINK AND FOOD STORAGE AREA SO THAT FOOD IS NOT EXPOSED TO SPLASH, DUST OR OTHER CONTAMINATION
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: SINGLE USE CONDIMENT CUP WITHOUT A HANDLE, IS USED AS A SCOOP FOR DRY SEASONINGS. FACILITY MUST REPLACE WITH A SCOOP THAT HAS A HANDLE.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: CLEAN DISHWARE STORED ON TOP SHELF IN DISH/PREP AREA HAS FOOD CONTACT SURFACE FACING UPWARD. FACILITY MUST INVERT DISHWARE CLOSEST TO CEILING.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CRATES USED AS SHELVING AND STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE STORAGE CONTAINERS AND SHELVING UNITS THAT IS EASY TO MONITOR DEBRIS UNDER AND ON CONTAINER SURFACES, CONTAINER/SHELVING MUST BE SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, DURABLE, AND NON-ABSORBENT.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: ALL GENDER RESTROOM LACKS A COVERED RECEPTACLE FOR DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS. PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE COVERED TRASH RECEPTACLE IN EACH RESTROOM.
53
35
Oct 31, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE FROM 11:20-11:45AM WHILE TCS ITEMS LIKE FISH WERE PREPARED. CERTIFIED MANAGER KATHLEEN COLE ARRIVED ON SITE AT 11:45AM. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
10
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE ON EXTERIOR OF USED COOKING OIL CONTAINER LOCATED IN REAR GARBAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAINI IN GOOD CONDITION.
54
82
May 17, 2021
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN REAR NOT LABELED PROPERLY; (RICE, FLOUR, ETC.) INSTRUCTED TO LABEL WITH COMMON FOOD NAMES WHEN FOOD IS REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING, AND MAINTAIN.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BLADE ON MOUNTED CAN OPENER IN REAR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN BLADE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD AT HANDWASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA, OBSERVED FOOD AROUND THE SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
47
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTDOOR TRASH ENCLOSURE WITH TRASH PRESENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AREA, TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE, AND MAINTAIN.
54
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP & DISH AREAS WITH LOOSE DEBRIS AND WATER PRESENT, INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION ON CEILING VENT IN DISH AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNED OUT LIGHTS IN KITCHEN HOOD ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Jan 10, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SUMMARY FROM PREVIOUS INSPECTION ON 1/17/19 POSTED ON SITE FOR PUBLIC VIEW AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO POST NEW SUMMARY AND MAINTAIN IN A PLACE THE PUBLIC CAN SEE IT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-010(b). CITATION ISSUED.
61
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME ON THE CAULK AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN REAR DISH PIT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, RE-CAULK, AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Jan 17, 2019
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND SINKS, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
10
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: FOUND EMPLOYEES PERSONAL CLOTHING STORED ON FOOD CONTAINERS RACK, INSTRUCTED TO SEPARATE
28
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER STORED IN THE BACK OF COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART IN AN EASY TO VIEW AREA.
36
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN
58
78
Mar 29, 2018
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Brown Bag Seafood Co. last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Brown Bag Seafood Co. on file is from Jun 4, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Brown Bag Seafood Co.?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Brown Bag Seafood Co..
Has Brown Bag Seafood Co.'s inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Brown Bag Seafood Co. have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Brown Bag Seafood Co. means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is Brown Bag Seafood Co. inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Brown Bag Seafood Co. is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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