Ema
Last inspected: Jun 25, 2025
55
Score
EMA, located at 74 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL, underwent a moderate risk inspection on June 25, 2025. The inspection identified one critical violation, three major violations, and three minor violations. Historically, EMA has maintained mostly low-risk inspection scores across eleven previous inspections.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
3
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 25, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
55
May 20, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 minor violations.
50
Nov 2, 2023
Routine
6 minor violations.
74
Jun 7, 2022
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 11, 2022
Complaint
1 minor violation.
95
Jul 9, 2020
Routine
6 minor violations.
74
Apr 11, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
90
Jul 19, 2018
Reinspection
2 major violations.
82
Jul 18, 2018
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
50
Jul 24, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
82
Jun 14, 2016
License
No violations found.
100
Violations — Jun 25, 2025 Inspection
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK OBSTRUCTED WITH HOSE HOOKUP IN THE MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WHILE EMPLOYEES WERE ACTIVELY COOKING AND PREPPING FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE HOSE ON FAUCET, EXPLAINED HANDWASHING SINKS MUST ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE FOR STAFF TO USE.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030 (C),CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HANDSINK IN THE MAIN KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA WHILE EMPLOYEES WERE ACTIVELY COOKING AND PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).VIOLATION CONSOLIDATED WITH THE ABOVE CITATION.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE BEHIND PANEL OF ICE MACHINE DRIPPING INTO ICE.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
16
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR HUMMUS AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50F - 53.4f LOCATED IN 4 DR COLD HOLDING UNIT IN COOK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES.MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 5# OF FOOD WORTH $100.00.PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
22
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOOR DRAINS WITH HEAVY BUILDUP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BY COOK STATION. OBSERVED BROKEN GLASS AND DEBRIS IN FRONT BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING PEST ACTIVITY AND POTENTIAL FOOD CONTAMINATION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
56
Priority (Critical)
Priority Foundation (Major)
Core (Minor)
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