Lao Sze Chuan
Last inspected: Aug 1, 2024
100
Score
The health department has logged 15 inspections at Lao Sze Chuan, the earliest from 2018. The newest entry in the record is dated Aug 1, 2024. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around four violations to closer to seven violations.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded 17 times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Lao Sze Chuan is comfortably above that bar. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 1, 2024
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 29, 2024
Reinspection
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE FROM REPORT #2597822, DATED ON 07/22/2024 NOT CORRECTED: #38: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 5 LIVE ROACHES. ALSO, OBSERVED DURING REINSPECTION 1 LIVE RAT ON SITE. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE: ON THE OUTERIOR OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINER OF DRY INGREDIENTS UNDER A FOOD PREP TABLE, IN THE OUTLET OF THE CHOWBUS PRINTER UNDER THE SERVING WINDOW, ON THE WALL NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. THE LIVE RAT CRAWLING ON THE PIPES ABOVE THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK ONTO THE TOP OF THE DISHWASHING MACHINE. ALL MENTIONED ACTIVITY WAS OBSERVED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE PEST (ROACH AND RAT) ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. #36: OBSERVED A MEDICAL THERMOMETER THAT IS USED FOR TAKING BODY TEMPERATURES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, WOK STATION, BOTTOM OF FRYER, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS. #55: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. PRIORITY 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
59
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.112: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND INSIDE OPENINGS OF THE WALLS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AFFECTED AREAS.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA NEAR A FOOD PREP TABLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114: OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11: OBSERVED THE FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA MISSING GROUT. INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT FLOOR TILES IN ORDER TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 4-202.18: OBSERVED GREASE DROPLETS ON THE FILTERS AND THE PIPES OF THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
58
64
Jul 22, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 08/23/2023, REPORT #2581059 #49: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, WOK STATION, BOTTOM OF FRYER, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS. #51: THE INTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHER NEEDS CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO DELIME MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. #55: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED
60
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
36
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE BLACK MOLD LIKE SUBSTANCE BUILD UP ON THE INTERIOR PANEL ABOVE THE ICE ON THE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE CLOSET. MENTIONED SUBSTANCE ALSO OBSERVED ON THE WALLS OF THE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE. ICE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MUST REMOVE BUILD UP, CLEAN, AND SANITIZE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
16
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 6-8 LIVE ROACHES AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. THE LIVE ROACHES WERE OBSERVED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: BEHIND AND ON THE SIDES OF THE FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATOR UNITS, ON THE FLOORS UNDER THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BULK DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINERS, ON THE FLOORS WHERE THE ICE MACHINE IS LOCATED, ON THE DISHWASHING MACHINE AND CHEMICALS FOR MACHINE, ON THE FLOORS SURROUNDING THE HOT WATER TANK, IN THE CREVICES OF THE CHOWBUS PRINTER MACHINE ON THE SERVING WINDOW. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE LIVE ROACH ACTIVITY, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEAD ROACHES ON THE FLOORS AND INSIDE OPENINGS OF THE WALLS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD ROACHES, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AFFECTED AREAS.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN ELECTRICAL INSECT CONTROL DEVICE STORED ABOVE A FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE MENTIONED INSECT CONTROL DEVICE AND REFRAIN FROM STORING INSECT CONTROL DEVICES ABOVE FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD ON THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/ DISHWASHING AREA NEAR A FOOD PREP TABLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
39
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER ON THE FLOORS NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR TILES THROUGHOUT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA MISSING GROUT. INSTRUCTED TO REGROUT FLOOR TILES IN ORDER TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE DROPLETS ON THE FILTERS AND THE PIPES OF THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS WITHOUT MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST TAKE FOOD HANDLING COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR THE MANAGER. INSTRUCTED ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST TAKE ALLERGEN COURSE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON SITE.
58
45
Aug 31, 2023
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, WOK STATION, BOTTOM OF FRYER, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHER NEEDS CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO DELIME MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
86
Aug 23, 2023
Complaint
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COLD TCS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. FOUND 10 LBS OF BEEF, 6 LBS OF FISH, 5 LBS OF CHICKEN, 4 LBS OF SHRIMP, 4 LBS OF CLAMS AND 5 LBS OF PORK AT TEMPERATURES OF 56F, 58F 60F 57F AND 60F. ALL MEAT WAS DISCARDED. 34 LBS VALUED AT $200. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL TCS FOODS MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: FOUND A THREE DOOR PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE STORING TCS FOOD. THE UNIT WAS HOLDING AT 66F. INSTRUCTED THAT REFRIGERATION UNITS MUST BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN TCS AT 41F OR BELOW. THE RUBBER GASKETS ON THE DOORS OF THE COOLER ARE IN VERY POOR REPAIR CAUSING THE DOORS NOT TO CLOSE COMPLETELY. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION.
33
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RODENT AND PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND TWO LIVE ROACHES IN KITCHEN AND 30 RAT DROPPINGS ON THE FLOOR IN THE STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO NEXT WEEK FOR ROACHES AND RATS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: FOUND BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED AS REQUIRED WITH NAME OF PRODUCT INSIDE OF CONTAINER; INSTRUCTED TO LABEL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, WOK STATION, BOTTOM OF FRYER, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR, CAN OPENER BLADE AT PREP TABLE AND THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR OF THE DISHWASHER NEEDS CLEANING; INSTRUCTED TO DELIME MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON THE FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND ON THE WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AROUND AND UNDER OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
55
Jan 19, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: TWO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED THAT MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
95
Jan 12, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS THAT IS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 ISSUED.
3
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF RODENTS ON PREMISES. FOUND 60 RAT DROPPINGS ON PREMISES UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS, IN STORAGE AREA UNDER SHELVES, ON FLOOR ALONG SIDE THE ICE MACHINE AND BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS, UNDER THE THREE COMP SINK AND BY HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH NAME OF PRODUCT INSIDE OF CONTAINER.
37
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT (FRYERS, WOK STATION, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZER UNITS, INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZER UNITS, ROLLING CARTS, PREP TABLES AND SURFACE AREAS UNDERNEATH HOT HOLDING UNIT.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES IN WOMENS WASHROOM FOR SANITARY ITEMS; INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLES.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING NOT CLEAN; INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN: FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND ALL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT, CEILING TILE, CEILING VENTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS IN KITCHEN AREA WITH DUST.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: FOUND EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: TWO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING; INSTRUCTED THAT MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
61
Aug 17, 2022
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: ALL BULK FOOD ITEM CONTAINERS IN NEED OF LABELING WITH NAME. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR DOOR MUST REMAIN CLOSED AT ALL TIMES TO ELIMINATE ANY POSSIBLE INSECT ACTIVITY. INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE DOOR AT ALL TIMES.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST BE STORED ON A CLEAN RACK AT ALL TIMES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE RACK AND MAINTAIN
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
39
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE KEPT IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: EW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED OR REPAIRED. ALL DEEP CUTS AND DARK COLORS MUST BE REMOVED. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: ALL TABLE LEGS AND SIDES OF EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: LEAK AT FAUCET AT COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AND WALLS IN NEED OF CLEANING FOR ALL FOOD SPILLS AND SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: HOOD VENTS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
58
May 3, 2021
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPEN BAIT TRAPS. RAID INSECT SPRAYS ONSITE. INSTRUCTED ONLY A LICENSE PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL CAN SET TRAPS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE. VIOLATION REGARDING RODENT AND INSECT INFESTATION ABATED AT THIS TIME.
38
95
Apr 29, 2021
Routine
3 critical violations. 2 major violations. 15 minor violations.
View 20 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF LIVE RODENT AND INSECT ACTIVITY ONSITE. OBSERVED APPROX 30-40 GERMAN ROACHES NESTING BETWEEN COLD HOLDING UNITS LOCATED ON THE HOT COOKING LINE SIDE, CRAWLING ON FLOORS AROUND THE ICE MACHINE AND ON WALLS NEAR ELECTRICAL OUTLET. INSTUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED APPROX 100-150 DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT FACILITY. FRONT BAR AREA AND COFFEE AREA, REAR FOOD PREP AREA ALONG WALLS, INSIDE FLOOR TILES (MISSING GROUT) ALONG REAR HOT WATER UNIT, 3COMP SINK AREA, BEHIND STANDING COOLING UNITS, UNDER PREP TABLES AND COOKING STATIONS AND INSIDE THE DRY STROAGE AREA. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020(A)
38
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS CHICKEN, FISH, BEEF AND SHRIMP AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES READING BETWEEN 48.2(F)AND 51.2(F) LOCATED IN TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND DENATURE AND DISCARD. MANAGER DID CORRECT ON SITE. PRIORITY VIOLATION CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO DOOR REFRIGERATOR IN REAR PREP AREA WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. CHECKED AMBIENT TEMP OF UNIT TEMPERATURES WERE READING 48.9(F) UNIT WAS CORRECTED ON SITE BY MANAGER. BY END OF INSPECTION AMBIENT TEMP WAS CORRECTED TO 37.6(F) PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005
33
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSEREVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ONISTE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND KEEP ONSITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010(O)
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TCS FOODS PREPARED AND HELD WITHOUT LABELS AND DATES THROUGHOUT THE FOOD PREP AREA IN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS. PORK,BEEF, CHICKEN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
23
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS IN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PLACE OVER HAND WASHING SINK.
10
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSIDE OF ICE MACHINE WITH BUILD UP OF BROWN AND WHITE SUBSTANCE INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE TAPE TO MAKE SURFACE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
16
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WITHOUT COMMON NAME LABELS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN LABELS ON ALL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OPEN BAIT TRAPS. RAID INSECT SPRAYS ONSITE. INSTRUCTED ONLY A LICENSE PEST CONTROL PROFESSIONAL CAN SET TRAPS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PRESET TABLEWARE WITH UTENSILS NOT PROTECTED AND PLATES NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED TO PROTECT UTENSILS FROM CONTAMINATION AT ALL TIMES OR SET TABLES AS CUSTOMERS SIT FOR SERVICE.
44
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE POTS AND OTHER COOKWARE TOO LARGE TO FIT INSIDE OF DISHWASHER AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FOR PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND PROVIDE PROPER WASHING AND SANITIZING PROCEDURES FOR ITEMS.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS THROUGHOUT REAR PREP AREA ON THE WALLS, FLOORS UNDER COOKING UNITS, ON THE SIDES OF COOKING UNITS, ON THE SIDES OF SINKS, COLD HOLDING UNITS AND ALSO THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL FOOD AND NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: UNABLE TO LOCATE BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ICE MACHINE IN REAR PREP AREA (DRY STORAGE) INSTRUCTED TO LOCATE.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY USING CLOTH TOWELS FOR SINK STOPPERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SINK STOPPERS.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GREASE UNDER THE HOOD UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN HOOD AND VENTS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROUT MISSING ON FLOORS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. FLOORS NEED TO BE GROUTED TO MAKE EASY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO LIGHT IN DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS IN THE FACILITY.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBATIN AND KEEP ONSITE.
58
25
Sep 11, 2019
Reinspection
2 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR OUTSIDE EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL THE 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME WIPING CLOTHS LAYING ON THE PREP TABLE AND NOT STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE; INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR FREEZER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AT BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE, MEAT SLICER, BOTTOM AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FRYERS, WOK STATION, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SURFACES OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT, BEHIND AND AROUND ICE MACHINE, BEHIND AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND UNDER DISHMACHINE AND SINK.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS AROUND THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE KITCHEN, CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS, CLEAN ALL PIPES ATTACHED TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED AND CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN WASHROOMS; REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TH PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST BE OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
56
47
Sep 3, 2019
Complaint
3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 40 FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALL BY THE DISH MACHINE AND ON THE WALL AND SHELVES NEAR THE ICE MACHINE. MUST ELIMINATE ACTIVITY AND HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED.
38
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR OUTSIDE EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL THE 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM.
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME WIPING CLOTHS LAYING ON THE PREP TABLE AND NOT STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE; INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR FREEZER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AT BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE, MEAT SLICER, BOTTOM AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FRYERS, WOK STATION, EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SURFACES OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND FREEZERS.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND CLEAN CUTTING BOARDS IN KITCHEN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME WATER STAINED CEILING TILE IN WASHROOMS; REPLACE TILE WHERE NEEDED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE WALLS AROUND THE THREE COMP SINK IN THE KITCHEN, CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND REFRIGERATION UNITS, CLEAN ALL PIPES ATTACHED TO THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED AND CLEAN ALL CEILING VENTS IN KITCHEN TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT, BEHIND AND AROUND ICE MACHINE, BEHIND AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND UNDER DISHMACHINE AND SINK.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENTS ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST BE OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
43
Jun 27, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: REAR OUTSIDE EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED AT THE BOTTOM; INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETELY RODENT PROOF DOOR TO SEAL THE 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE RUBBER GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKETS AT THE THREE DOOR FREEZER.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: EXTERIOR SURFACES OF THE BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AT BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE, MEAT SLICER AND CAN OPENER BLADE ON THE PREP TABLE, BOTTOM AND EXTERIOR SURFACE OF THE FRYERS, WOK STATION AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF OTHER COOKING EQUIPMENT.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT, BEHIND AND AROUND ICE MACHINE, BEHIND AND AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND UNDER DISHMACHINE AND SINK.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST BE OBTAIN THE REQUIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
58
Jul 26, 2018
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 19, 2018
License
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NEW CUTTING BOARDS NEEDED IN PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS. COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUILD UP IN GROUT LINES. GROUT IN NEED OF REPLACING THROUGH OUT PREP AREA. MUST DETAIL CLEAN, CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN TEA AREA, AND BREADING STAION IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NO MOP SINK ON SITE MUST PROVIDE LEAK AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE METAL STEM THERMOMETER. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. MUST ACQUIRE AND MAINTAIN.
45
70
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lao Sze Chuan last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lao Sze Chuan on file is from Aug 1, 2024. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lao Sze Chuan?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 17 times, more than any other issue at Lao Sze Chuan.
Has Lao Sze Chuan's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Lao Sze Chuan have averaged around seven violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lao Sze Chuan 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 Lao Sze Chuan inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lao Sze Chuan is inspected around two times per year on average.
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