Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc.
Last inspected: Jan 20, 2026
90
Score
The health department has logged 27 inspections at Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc., the earliest from 2010. The most recent report on file is from Jan 20, 2026. Low risk means the most recent visit produced few or no significant findings.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around one violation lately and about four violations before that.
The pattern that stands out is “insects, rodents, & animals not present”, which has been cited 10 times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The record reflects steady performance over time.
27
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 20, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONTAINERS STORED NEAR THE COOKING EQUIPMENT NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
37
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN DOWN CARDBOARD BOXES BEING USED TO LINE THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Jan 23, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE WOK STATION AND STAINLESS STEEL STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE STEAM TABLE AND THE STORAGE SHELVES ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE WALL BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
90
Jan 30, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 26, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: 8-404.13(B)(3) PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2587991 ON 1/11/24 NOT CORRECTED: 38 - OBSERVED THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK NOT MAINTAINED. THE PREMISES HAVE A LOG BOOK WITH ONLY 1 INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LAST YEAR IN THE LOG BOOK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 INSPECTION REPORTS FROM THE LAST YEAR IN THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
59
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
86
Jan 11, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK NOT MAINTAINED. THE PREMISES HAVE A LOG BOOK WITH ONLY 1 INSPECTION REPORT FROM THE LAST YEAR IN THE LOG BOOK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 INSPECTION REPORTS FROM THE LAST YEAR IN THE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(C). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REMOVE THE DEAD INSECT FROM THE PREP TABLE.
38
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE PREP TABLE LOCATED ACROSS THE TOP FROM THE EXPOSED HAND-WASHING SINK.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLING CERTIFICATES FOR THE FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEES MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT A VALID ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW VALID PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
74
Feb 27, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR HANDSINK TO BE INACESSIBLE WITH GRAY BUS TUB STORED INSIDE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE OBSTRUCTION AND MAINTAIN HANDSINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES IN REAR DRY STORAGE ARE UNDER SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE ALL DEAD INSECTS AND SANITIZE AREAS.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DEBRIS IN CORNERS OF DRY STORAGE AREAS UNDER SHELVING. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD UP ON FILTERS IN VENTILATION SYSTEM OVER FRYERS AND STOVES. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
70
Feb 10, 2022
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010.
3
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING FROM ANSI ACCREDITED PROGRAM.
58
74
Jan 25, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER CLEANING PROCEDURE FOR UTENSILS. OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER BRUSH OFF FOOD DEBRIS WITH DAWN DISH WASHING LIQUID AND STEEL SCOURING PAD, RINSE IN SAME SINK AND THEN PLACED ON RACK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FOLLOW PROPER PROCEDURE FOR WASHING, RINSING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS. DEMONSTRATED PROPER SET UP DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED
16
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE FOR FOOD EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON SITE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
5
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS WITHOUT DATE MARKING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DISCARD DAY FOR TCS FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS.
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WORKING FOOD INGREDIENT CONTAINERS WITHOUT CONTENTS NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS ON FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA TABLES STORED IMPROPERLY. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES USED TO LINE SHELVES IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST.
47
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
57
55
Jan 23, 2018
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 10, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES NEXT TO THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK.
34
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: ONE OF THE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTERS IS MISSING A LID AND THE MIDDLE LID DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL DUMPSTERS MUST BE COVERED AT ALL TIMES. MUST REPLACE BROKEN AND MISSING LID FROM THE GARBAGE DUMPSTER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
19
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF THE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS.
33
86
Jan 20, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP IN CORNERS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT HOT WATER HANDLE AT FRONT PREP SINK. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Oct 27, 2016
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. MAINTAIN SAME.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE TOILET ROOM AND IN THE DINING AREA. MAINTAIN ALL.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING TO THE TOILET ROOM. MAINTAIN SAME.
36
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM). MAINTAIN SAME.
43
78
Jan 27, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND THE CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE PREP REACH IN COOLERS TO BE STAINED AND WITH DEEP, DARK GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SAND AND DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MAINTAIN SAME.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE PREP AREA AND IN THE WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. ALSO, THE CAN OPENER IN THE PREP AREA NEEDS CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THEM AND MAINTAIN.
35
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: FOUND THE VENT IN THE TOILET ROOM WITH ACCUMILATED DIRT/DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
May 20, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 13, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Potentially hazardous food properly thawed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD IMPROPERLY THAWING. OBSERVED 2 PACKAGES OF FROZEN CRAB MEAT STORED ON A STORAGE RACK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO THAW FOOD IN THE COOLER OR UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER. FROZEN PACKAGES WERE PLACED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO THAW. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
17
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 ANTS ON THE FLOOR OF THE FOOD PREP AREA AND DINING AREA. APPROXIMATELY 100 LIVE ANTS WERE OBSERVED ON THE FLOOR IN THESE 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: OBSERVED FROZEN FOODS STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL FOODS IN FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS ONLY.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR THAT IS A FOOD SOURCE FOR THE ANTS. REGROUT THE FLOOR TILES IN FRONT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
34
82
Dec 17, 2014
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED A FEW CEILING TILES IN THE DINING AREA IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
35
86
Jun 26, 2014
Complaint
8 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN 2- LARGE BOWLS SITTING ON ROLLING CART IN PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE SUCH AS: RAW SHELLED EGGS AT 45.3F,POOLED EGGS 46.7F, BEEF AT 45.6F AND SHRIMP AT 67.1F TO 68.7F. ALL FOOD ITEMS WERE DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY MANGER.NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOGS AVAILABLE TO VIEW.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.APPX. 47LBS. $100.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A) CITATION ISSUED.
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICE BY SEVERAL EMPLOYEES WHILE MULTI TASKING, ONE PERSON WIPING HIS NOSE WITH HAND AND THEN WIPED NOSE WITH HIS APRON AND TOUCHING HIS FACE WHILE PREPPING/CUTTING RAW CHICKEN AND NOT WASHING HIS HANDS AFTER CONTAMINATION.ALSO ANOTHER PERSON WAS PREPPING CHICKEN ALSO LIFTED LID OFF OF GARBAGE CAN AND OPENED DOOR TO WALK IN FREEZER AND COOLER THEN WENT BACK TO CUTTING CHICKEN .ANOTHER PERSON TOUCHING HAIR AND HAT WHILE COOKING FOOD ON SERVING LINE. ALSO RINSING HANDS AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DRYING THEY ON SOILED TOWEL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON PROPER HAND WASHING BETWEEN TASK AND ONLY AT HAND SINKS FOR HAND WASHING.(CRITICAL 7-38-010 A)
6
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE PUTTING WATER INTO THE RICE COOKER FROM A HOSE ATTACHED AT THE MOPSINK TO WASH IT OUT TO COOK MORE RICE WITHOUT PROPER SANITIZING EQUIPMENT. ALSO OBSERVED SEVERAL OTHER FOOD HANDLING EMPLOYEE'S JUST RINSING OUT PANS ,BOWLS AND OTHER UTENSILS UNDER RUNNING WATER AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTEAD OF WASHING ,RINSING AND SANITIZING UTENSILS PROPERLY. INSTRUCTED AND DEMONSTRATED TO OWNER ON SETTING UP THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK PROPERLY.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
8
Toxic items properly stored, labeled and used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS LAYING ON PREP COUNTERS AND TABLE BEING USED TO WIPE DOWN THE COUNTER ,PREP TABLES, AND COOLERS.WIPING THERE HANDS AND DRYING MULTIUSE UTENSILS . MUST PROVIDE SANITIZING SOLUTION TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS. (CRITICAL 7-38-030)
25
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINER FOR LEFT OVER FOOD ITEM. #10 CAN ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. ALSO MUST PROPERLY LABEL PRECOOKED AND PREPARED FOOD ITEMS IN COOLERS WITH THE NAME AND DATE, BULK STORAGE CANTAINERS NEEDS THE PRODUCTS NAME.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER STORAGE SHELVING.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. NOTED STOPPERS FOR THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS ARE BROKEN. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN STOPPERS
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN WORKING THERMOMETERS FOR COOLERS.
40
67
Jun 9, 2014
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINER FOR LEFT OVER FOOD ITEM. #10 CAN ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. ALSO MUST PROPERLY LABEL PRECOOKED AND PREPARED FOOD ITEMS IN COOLERS WITH THE NAME AND DATE, BULK STORAGE CANTAINERS NEEDS THE PRODUCTS NAME.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, ALSO REMOVE CARDBOAD FROM ALL STORAGE SHELVING. MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER STORAGE SHELVING.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENT COVERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DUST.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HOT WATER TANK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Apr 4, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE CONTAINER FOR LEFT OVER FOOD ITEM. #10 CAN ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. ALSO MUST PROPERLY LABEL PRECOOKED AND PREPARED FOOD ITEMS IN COOLERS WITH THE NAME AND DATE, BULK STORAGE CANTAINERS NEEDS THE PRODUCTS NAME.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE SHELVING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, ALSO REMOVE CARDBOAD FROM ALL STORAGE SHELVING. MUST REMOVE RUST FROM WALK IN COOLER SHELVING.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND UNDER STORAGE SHELVING.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN VENT COVERS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE DUST.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED A LEAK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HOT WATER TANK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
78
Nov 18, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS IN THE REAR OF PREMISES AND LABEL AND DATE COOKED FOOD PRODUCTS INSIDE THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT FRONT PREP AREA
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT AND FILTERS ABOVE STOVE,HAS GREASE BUILD-UP
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING UNDERNEATH THE SHELVING UNIT IN REAR OF PREMISES ALONG WALL BASE AND CORNERS
34
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT THE PREP AREA
40
82
Mar 27, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOMS AND TOPS OF PREP TABLES, PREP TABLE STORING RICE, INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE, ETC.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOOR UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: SOME CORNER AREAS OF STORAGE CLUTTERED; ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
41
86
Apr 16, 2012
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: The cleavers are kept in a dirty space between the prep tables, clean and sanitize the cleavers and knife storage area.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: The shelving above and under the rice cookers is dirty; wash, rinse and sanitize the shelving. All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: The ice machine door is stained on the outside, clean the door. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
33
86
Dec 14, 2011
Complaint
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. MUST CLEAN VENTS IN HOODED AREA ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT, CLEAN REAR SPLASH GUARD BEHIND COOKING WOKS AND CLEAN BOTTOM INTERIOR OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD PARTICLES.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS VIOLATION FROM JULY, 2011 WAS CORRECTED. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPLACE MISSING FAUCET NECK AT ONE COMP PREP SINK IN REAR OF KITCHEN.
38
90
Jul 12, 2011
Suspected Food Poisoning
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER/COOLER.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING TOILET COVER IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM FOR BACK OF TOILET.
38
90
Jul 7, 2011
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. CLEAN FLOOR IN WALK IN FREEZER/COOLER.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE MISSING TOILET COVER IN EMPLOYEE WASHROOM FOR BACK OF TOILET.
38
90
Jan 28, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS VIOLATION FROM JULY 2010 WAS CORRECTED. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYER TO REMOVE GREASE NOTED.
32
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. Use dustless cleaning methods. REMOVE DUST FROM CEILING VENT IN KITCHEN AND BATHROOM.
35
90
Jul 9, 2010
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. THE SPACE WHERE THE CLEAVERS ARE STORED BY THE PREP LINE WAS DIRTY AND WAS SANITIZED AT THIS TIME.
31
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. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE STAINED CUTTING BOARD.
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. Wash, rinse and sanitize all of the cooler interiors until it is clean and sanitary.
33
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc. last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc. on file is from Jan 20, 2026. The public record contains 27 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc.?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc..
Has Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc.'s inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc. have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc. 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 Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc. inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Ho Fat Lee Chinese Kitchen, I Nc. is inspected around two times per year on average.
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