King Pho Chicago
Last inspected: Mar 6, 2025
74
Score
The health department has logged six inspections at King Pho Chicago, the earliest from 2021. The most recent report on file is from Mar 6, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around eight violations each.
The pattern that stands out is “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable”, which has been cited five times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting King Pho Chicago on the weaker side. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
6
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 6, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS ITEMS SUCH AS CHICKEN WERE PREPARED. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING A CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT BUILD UP OF GRIME IN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
16
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEEF BEING THAWED IN BUS TUB IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO THAW FOODS UNDER COLD RUNNING WATER INSIDE OF A REFRIGERATOR.
35
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE IS EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES HOLDING CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST COMPLETE ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
58
74
Jan 23, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. 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 SOAP AT EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN SOAP AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT FRONT BEVERAGE PREP AREA EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HANDWASHING SINKS AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION COMBINED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION.
10
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING REPEAT CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2574398 DATED 4/17/2023: #57 "FOUND FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE." INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND COME INTO COMPLIANCE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN GASKETS ON PREP COOLERS IN REAR PREP AREA NEAR COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD IN REAR PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED FAUCET ON WASHBOWL SINK LOCATED IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR OF MICROWAVE, TOASTER OVEN, AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE ON HOOD OVER COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENT IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
56
50
Apr 17, 2023
Complaint
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING TCS FOODS.(HANDLES PORK,BEEF,ETC.).PRIORITY FOUNDATION.CITATION ISSUED.7-38-012.MUST PROVIDE.
2
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN: TABLES, INTERIOR OF COOLERS, AND SINKS.MUST CLEAN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN BEHIND AND UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT.MUST CLEAN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD HANDLER AT PREMISES WITH NO FOODHANDLER TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
57
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: FOUND PERSON IN CHARGE WITH NO SANITATION CERTIFICATE.
1
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK FOOD NOT LABELED (SUGAR, FLOUR,ETC.) MUST LABEL.
37
70
Aug 25, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 0 PPM OF CHLORINE DETECTED IN LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MAHCINE. MACHINE WAS NOT IN USE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. MACHINE WAS REPAIRED DURING INSPECTION.
16
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED FOODS INCLUDING PORK AND CHICKEN WERE BEING PREPARED AND COOKED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012.
2
78
Sep 21, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.14 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INFRONT PREP/BAR AREA
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: 4-204.112(B) INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT EXTERIOR SURFACES OF GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-301.12 INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (WITH AN EXISTING SPRAYER) IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REACH-IN FREEZER IN PREP/COOKING AREA WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11 INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-303.11 INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS INSIDE (2) REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA AND INSIDE PREP COOLER BEHIND FRONT PREP/BAR AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION
58
58
Sep 14, 2021
License
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: FOUND TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS DURING STORAGE INSIDE PREP COOLER (AIR TEMPERATURE OF 59.9). NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS: SHRIMP AT 59.0F/58.9F, CHICKEN AT 57.7F, BEEF TENDON AT 57.9F, CHICKEN EGGS AT 57.8F, NOODLES AT 57.2F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER, TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41.0F OR BELOW AND HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF ABOVE 135.0F. MANAGER DISCARDED THE SAID FOOD PRODUCTS. TOTAL VALUE $50.00 TOTAL WEIGHT 25 LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 (CITATION ISSUED TO RETAIL FOOD LICENSE# 2501184)
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: FOUND PREP COOLER (IN PREP AREA) WITH TCS FOODS NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 59.9F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX. ALL COOLERS WITH TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF BELOW 41.0F. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED 'HELD FOR INSPECTION" INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE UNTIL REPAIRED. SEE COMMENTS BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 (CITATION ISSUED TO RETAIL FOOD LICENSE# 2501184)
33
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH WASHING MACHINE AT IMPROPER FINAL SANITIZING RINSE AT 0 PPM CHLORINE CONCENTRATION.(DISHMACHINE NOT IN USE AT THIS TIME). INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO FIX AND MAINTAIN. A MECHANICAL DISHWASHING MACHINES SHOULD PROVIDE A FINAL SANITIZING RINSE OF EITHER 50 ? 100 PPM CHLORINE (FOR CHEMICAL SANITIZING MACHINE) OR 180F FINAL RINSE (FOR HOT WATER SANITIZING MACHINE). DISHMACHINE TAGGED ?HELD FOR INSPECTION?. CORRECTED ON SITE (DISHMACHINE FINAL SANITIZING RINSE NOW AT 100 PPM) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025 NO CITATION ISSUED
16
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INFRONT PREP/BAR AREA
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT EXTERIOR SURFACES OF GREASE BOX UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FAUCET AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK (WITH AN EXISTING SPRAYER) IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: NSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF REACH-IN COOLER AND REACH-IN FREEZER IN PREP/COOKING AREA WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE NON WORKING LIGHT BULBS INSIDE (2) REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA AND INSIDE PREP COOLER BEHIND FRONT PREP/BAR AREA.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER (S) WITH NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION
58
37
Frequently Asked Questions
When was King Pho Chicago last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at King Pho Chicago on file is from Mar 6, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at King Pho Chicago?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at King Pho Chicago.
Has King Pho Chicago's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at King Pho Chicago have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at King Pho Chicago means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is King Pho Chicago inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, King Pho Chicago is inspected around two times per year on average.
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