Kai Sushi
Last inspected: Nov 14, 2025
90
Score
The health department has logged 15 inspections at Kai Sushi, the earliest from 2018. The newest entry in the record is dated Nov 14, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around five violations per visit lately, up from roughly three violations before.
Looking across the full record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Kai Sushi's latest score of 90 sits above the Chicago average of 81. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 14, 2025
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH AND OPEN 1/2 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS AND IN BETWEEN DOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL.
38
90
Nov 7, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND SOAP PROVIDED IN THE REAR PREP EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK. HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE PROPERLY SUPPLIED WITH HAND SOAP AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND PAPER TOWEL PROVIDED AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND PAPER TOWEL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED HAND PAPER TOWEL DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT2609761 # ON 12/27/2024. #43. OBSERVED IN USE UTENSILS AND SCOOPS IN DRY STORAGE BINS TO BE STORED WITH HANDLES IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HANDLES ARE STORED NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS. #47. OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA TO HAVE A TORN GASKET ON LEFT SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN UNIT IN GOOD REPAIR. #55. OBSERVED THE MOP SINK INTERIOR, FLOOR IN MOP SINK CLOSET IN MENS BATHROOM, AND FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO HAND SINK TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS, PLASTIC DEBRIS, AND BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF BUILD UP AND DEBRIS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF PREP TABLES. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPARING AND SERVING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
40
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LEAKING FAUCET BASE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
58
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH AND OPEN 1/2 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS AND IN BETWEEN DOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
37
55
Dec 27, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 LIVE COCKROACHES ON THE CABINET DOOR AT FRONT DUMP SINK. MANAGER ELIMINATED BOTH PESTS AND CLEANED AND SANITIZED THE AREA UNDER SINK. DID NOT OBSERVE ANY EVIDENCE OF PESTS OR LIVE ACTIVITY THROUGHOUT FACILITY CABINETS, UNDER SINKS, AND ANY SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REGULARLY TREAT AREAS FOR PESTS AND MAINTAIN FREE OF LIVE COCKROACHES. MOST RECENT PEST CONTROL REPORT AND ADDITIONAL REPORTS FROM ORKIN SHOW REGULAR MAINTAINANCE OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AS NECESSARY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN USE UTENSILS AND SCOOPS IN DRY STORAGE BINS TO BE STORED WITH HANDLES IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL HANDLES ARE STORED NOT IN CONTACT WITH CONTENTS OF STORAGE BINS.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER IN REAR PREP AREA TO HAVE A TORN GASKET ON LEFT SIDE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE TO MAINTAIN UNIT IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP STORED IN MOP BUCKET IN STORAGE CLOSET AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT AND ALLOW MOPS TO AIR DRY IN BETWEEN USE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE MOP SINK INTERIOR, FLOOR IN MOP SINK CLOSET IN MENS BATHROOM, AND FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA NEXT TO HAND SINK TO BE SOILED WITH FOOD DEBRIS, PLASTIC DEBRIS, AND BUILD UP OF SPILLAGE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FREE OF BUILD UP AND DEBRIS.
55
74
Dec 22, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 21, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: NOTED WASTEWATER BACKING UP WITH DIRT, GREASE, AND SWAGE GRAY WATER INTO ALL HANDWASHING SINKS, FLOORS UNDER SINK, AND THE ONE-COMPARTMENT SINK AT THE SUSHI PREP AREA AND ONTO THE FLOOR WHEN HAND WASHING SINKS ARE USED. EMPLOYEES UNABLE TO WASH THEIR HANDS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
52
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, SUSHI, SOUPS, ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. ALSO, THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: NOTED INNER LINING OF THE ICE MACHINE WAS NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
16
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: NOTED ASSORTED PACKAGED CRAB MEATS ON THE SHELF ABOVE THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK THAWING. THE MANAGER STATED THAT THE PRODUCTS WERE DEFROSTING. DISCUSSED WITH MANAGEMENT THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF DEFROSTING FOOD:- EITHER UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER OR INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT. THE PRODUCT WAS STILL FROZEN.
35
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE SCOOP ONTO THE ICE MACHINE AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ICE SCOOP HOLDERS FOR THE ICE SCOOP.
43
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA AND DINING AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES AT THE DINING TABLES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
58
Oct 28, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11 OBSERVED THE FACILITY'S TELEPHONE ON THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING OBJECTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
39
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: 4-903.11(A;C) OBSERVED KITCHENWARE (FORKS) AND PLASTIC TO-GO CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT SUSHI STATION AND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
45
90
Oct 14, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 8 violations
No bare hand contact with rte food or a pre-approved alternative procedure properly allowed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD HANDLER IN THE SUSHI PREP STATION TRANSFER SLICED GREEN BELL PEPPERS FROM A FOOD CONTAINER INTO A SMALLER FOOD CONTAINER TO GO ON THE CONDIMENT LINE. THE SLICED GREEN BELL PEPPERS ARE USED AS A CONDIMENT FOR THE SUSHI. INSTRUCTED THAT THEY MUST USE GLOVES OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE APPROVED METHODS WHEN HANDLING READY-TO-EAT FOOD AND PRODUCTS. PRODUCT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
9
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WAS ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SUSHI) WAS PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012, CITATION ISSUED.
2
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER ON THE MENU FOR THE USE OF RAW AND UNDERCOOKED FOODS. INSTRUCTED MUST MARK UNDERCOOKED FOOD ON THE MENU MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO DISCLOSE WHICH FOODS CAN BE ORDERED "R.A.W." OR UNDERCOOKED AND LINK THOSE FOODS WITH AN ASTERISK (*). PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION-7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SUSHI RICE ANALYSIS LETTER OR pH TEST KIT ON-SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A SUSHI RICE ANALYSES LETTER OR OBTAIN A pH TEST KIT AND BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE HOW THE PH TEST KIT IS USED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED, PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.
29
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 LIVE ROACHES ON-SITE DURING THE INSPECTION INSPECTION IN THE REAR DISHWASHING/FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THE ICE MACHINE, THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK, AND UNDER THE COLD HOLDING EQUIPMENT. I RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED.
38
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FACILITY'S TELEPHONE ON THE CUTTING BOARD IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM STORING OBJECTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATE FOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
39
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED KITCHENWARE (FORKS) AND PLASTIC TO-GO CONTAINERS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN THE FRONT SUSHI STATION AND THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
45
50
Mar 11, 2021
Routine
4 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NOTED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS (RICE, CHICKEN SOUPS ETC.) WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINKS OF THE KITCHEN AND SUSHI PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO ALWAYS HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION # 7-38-030(C)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-030(C) CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
10
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED SERVING PLATES ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE AN ICE SCOOP HOLDER.
47
61
Jun 10, 2020
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MINOR FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER INSIDE OF MICROWAVE IN KITCHEN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
95
May 10, 2019
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER RODENT PROOF STRIP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE DOOR TORN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN RUBBER STRIPPING.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: PREP AREA WET WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD PEELER AND OTHER UTENSILS BEING STORED IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER HANGING FROM THE INSIDE SPLASH GUARD OF THE HAND SINK AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP. MUST NOT STORE FOOD UTENSILS AT THE HAND SINK.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SOILED CLOTH CURTAINS BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
82
May 3, 2019
Complaint
1 critical violation. 7 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 18 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW OCTOPUS IN THE TALL REACH-IN COOLER BEING STORED DIRECTLY ON TOP OF CHOPPED GREEN ONION AND ABOVE PREPARED COOKED CHICKEN NUGGETS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL RAW ANIMAL ORIGIN FOODS WITH READY TO EAT PREPARED FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
15
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED SUCH AS MISO SOUP ON INDUCTION BURNER AT 212 F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE FOR BOTH COOKS ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR KITCHEN HAND WASHING SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE DURING THE INSPECTION AND WHILE FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED. SINK BLOCKED BY A LARGE THERMAL COOLER. INSTRUCTED THE HAND SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ABOVE MENTIONED HAND SINK WITH NO PAPER TOWELS. INSTRUCTED MUST PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C) SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION FOR CITATION.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS SPICY MAYO, 5 LBS COOKED CRAB LEGS, 10 LBS COOKED CHICKEN NUGGETS,10 LBS COOKED FISH IN THE REAR TALL REACH-IN COOLER WITH NO LABELS. INSTRUCTED ALL PREPARED READY TO EAT TCS FOODS MUST BE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. FOODS DISCARDED WITH AND ESTIMATED VALUE OF $250.00. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
23
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM #2253080 ON 1-24-19 NOT CORRECTED. #55-: ALL STORED UNNECESSARY ITEM SUCH AS UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL LOCATED IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED. ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.#57-: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.#58- NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGED RAW FISH FOR CONSUMPTION IMPROPERLY THAWING IN UNOPENED R.O.P PLASTIC SEALING INSIDE THE FRONT SUSHI PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO FOLLOWING PACKAGING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THAWING WHICH STATES TO REMOVE FROM R.O.P PLASTIC SEALING.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR KITCHEN DOOR TO THE OUTDOOR WALK-WAY BEING PROPPED OPEN WITH A LARGE STYROFOAM BOX LID. ALSO OBSERVED THE RUBBER RODENT PROOF STRIP ON THE BOTTOM THRESHOLD OF THE DOOR TORN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE TORN RUBBER STRIPPING AND PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING MESH SCREENED DOOR FOR VENTILATION.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE THE FOOD BOX FREEZER IN THE CLOSET LOCATED IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REMOVE BOX FREEZER.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: ALL COOKS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: PREP AREA WET WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A FOOD PEELER AND OTHER UTENSILS BEING STORED IN A PLASTIC CONTAINER HANGING FROM THE INSIDE SPLASH GUARD OF THE HAND SINK AT THE FRONT SUSHI PREP. MUST NOT STORE FOOD UTENSILS AT THE HAND SINK.
43
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: SOILED CLOTH CURTAINS BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SEVERAL CEILING TILES IN THE REAR KITCHEN REPLACED WITH CARDBOARD AND DUCT TAPE. MUST REMOVE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WALLS THROUGHOUT REAR KITCHEN WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
26
Jan 24, 2019
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL STORED UNNECESSARY ITEM SUCH AS UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL LOCATED IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED. ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
58
86
Jan 17, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 7 major violations. 16 minor violations.
View 24 violations
Food separated and protected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW FISH, RAW TUNA BEING STORED ON TOP SHELVING OF THE TALL TEACH-IN COOLER DIRECTLY OVER FRESH CUCUMBERS AND AVOCADOS ALONG WITH OTHER ASSORTED CONTAINERS OF PREPARED FOODS. FOODS REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE RAW TCS FOODS WITH PREPARED AND READY TO EAT FOODS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
15
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREPARED TCS FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATE LABELED. ALL PREPARED TSC FOODS OR NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER MUST BE PROPERLY DATE LABELED WITH AND EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING INITIAL INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED IE: MISO SOUP AT 206.4F. MANAGER WAS CONTACTED AND ARRIVED AT THE END OF THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO WRITTEN CLEANING PROCEDURE OR REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR A VOMITING OR DIARRHEA EVENT. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: NO SOAP LOCATED AT EITHER FOOD PREPS HAND WASHING SINKS. EMPLOYEE OBTAINED CONTAINERS AND FILLED WITH SOAP DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO CONSUMER ADVISORY POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW. MENU DOES NOT DISCLOSE AND INFORM CONSUMERS THE SPECIFIC MENU ITEMS THAT ARE RAW OR UNDER COOKED AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF CONSUMING SUCH FOOD. MUST PROVIDE A DISCLOSURE FOR ALL SUCH FOODS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: NO QUATERNARY TEST STRIPS ON SITE TO CHECK SANITIZING CONCENTRATION LEVEL AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK WHERE QUATERNARY SANITIZER IS BEING USED. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST NOT STORE THE FOOD BOX FREEZER IN THE CLOSET LOCATED IN THE MEN'S WASHROOM.
39
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKS NOT WEARING HAT/HAIR RESTRAINT. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP WET WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A CONTAINER WITH A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES FOR ALL BULK FOODS. HANDLES MUST BE STORED INVERTED FROM BULK FOOD ITEMS OR STORED SEPARATELY.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOX AT SUSHI BAR BEING USED AS FOOD/SAUCE CONTAINER. MUST NOT USE CARDBOARD AS FOOD CONTAINERS. MUST USE WASHABLE CONTAINERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PAPER TOWELS AS LINER FOR SHELVING THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS.----OBSERVED PEELING PLASTIC ON SOME COOLERS METAL SURFACES. MUST REMOVE ALL PEELING PLASTIC FROM COOLERS SURFACES. ALL MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL STORED UNNECESSARY ITEM SUCH AS UNUSED CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL LOCATED IN THE REAR DRY FOOD STORAGE ROOM MUST BE REMOVED. ALL OTHER ITEMS MUST BE STORED ELEVATED AND ORGANIZED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST NOT USE PLASTIC PADDING ON THE WALLS THROUGHOUT THE REAR PREP. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NO VENTILATION/HOOD SYSTEM FOR DEEP FRYER AND SEVERAL PROPANE GAS STOVES LOCATED IN THE PREMISE. MUST REMOVE STOVES AND DEEP FRYER OR PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION SYSTEM.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
58
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING/BROKEN HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP HAND WASHING SINKS. MUST PROVIDE SIGNAGE.
10
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW TUNA AND RAW FISH BEING IMPROPERLY THAWED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE ON PREP SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY THAW ALL FROZEN FOODS UNDER PROPER THAWING METHODS.
35
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD AND SPICE CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH THE PRODUCT NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOUBLE DOORS NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH AND OPEN 1/2 INCH GAP ON THE BOTTOM OF THE DOORS AND IN BETWEEN DOORS. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: ALL BULK RICE IN REAR STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS 6" OR ABOVE.
39
19
Feb 13, 2018
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ONE PREP COMPARTMENT SINK AT FRONT SUSHI AREA,UNDER CITY PLUMBING CODE
38
95
Jan 29, 2018
License
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM DINING AREA.
41
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: SUSHI COLD UNIT NOT TURNED ON DUE TO MANAGER GOT THE WRONG UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE,COLD UNIT MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 40F AND BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-005(A)
2
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO PROOF OF VALID CITY SANITATION CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.INFORMATION GIVEN
21
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MISSING CEILING TILES AT REAR PREP AREA,REPLACE.
35
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kai Sushi last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Kai Sushi on file is from Nov 14, 2025. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Kai Sushi?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Kai Sushi.
Has Kai Sushi's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Kai Sushi have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Kai Sushi 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 Kai Sushi inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Kai Sushi is inspected around two times per year on average.
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