Lo's China Kitchen
Last inspected: Oct 17, 2025
95
Score
Inspectors have visited Lo's China Kitchen 13 times, with records going back to 2016. The latest inspection on file is from Oct 17, 2025. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near five violations per visit across recent inspections.
Across the inspection history, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Among Chicago restaurants, the typical score is 81; Lo's China Kitchen is comfortably above that bar. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 17, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY REPLACED MOP SINK WITH NEW SINK NEXT TO SPEED RACK WITHOUT SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARDs ON BOTH SIDES OF SINK TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
39
95
Oct 14, 2025
Complaint
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 PIECES OF UNCOVERED RODENT BAIT IMPROPERLY PLACED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN ONLY COVERED RODENT BAIT STATIONS PLACED BY LICENSED TECHNICIANS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-015. CITATION ISSUED.
28
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 100 RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT PREP, DISH, AND DINING AREAS AND APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP AND DISH AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS AND FLIES, RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN FACILITY FREE OF PESTS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK MADE INACCESSIBLE BY LARGE POT BEING STORED IN BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN HANDWASHING SINK SO THAT IT IS ACCESSIBLE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY BUILD UP OF GREASE, GRIME, DIRT, AND FOOD DEBRIS ON WALLS, CEILING VENTS, VENTILATION HOOD, SIDES AND INTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PIPES/CONDUITS AND ALONG FLOORS UNDERNEATH COOK LINE, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, LITTER AND DUST FROM FLOORS/WALLS/CEILINGS.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 3 EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CARDS ON SITE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
57
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REUSED PLASTIC CONTAINERS CONTAINING INGREDIENTS OTHER THAN WHAT IS ON LABEL. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF CONTENTS.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GAPS TO OUTSIDE AT BOTTOM AND MIDDLE OF SCREEN DOOR AT REAR EXIT. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN TIGHT FITTING EXTERIOR OPENINGS.
38
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 SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE ON HOSE BIB NEXT TO UTILITY SINK (HOSE CURENTLY CONNECTED). MUST INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING GROUT AND BROKEN TILES THROUGHOUT FLOOR OF REAR PREP AND DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55
47
Sep 8, 2025
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW SHELLFISH THAWING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO THAW TCS FOOD ITEMS USING APPROVED THAWING METHODS SUCH AS UNDER REFRIGERATION OR UNDER RUNNING WATER AT 70.0F OR LESS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INSECT CONTROL DEVICES INSTALLED DIRECTLY ABOVE CLEAN EQUIPMENT AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE INSECT CONTROL DEVICE AND INSTALL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES SUCH THAT THEY DO NOT POSE RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF OPEN FOOD, CLEAN EQUIPMENT OR UTENSILS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLEAN EQUIPMENT (CUTTING BOARDS) WRAPPED IN PLASTIC/ORIGINAL PACKAGING STORED ON SHELF IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE CLEAN EQUIPMENT AND STORE EQUIPMENT OUTSIDE OF PROHIBITED AREAS SUCH AS TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LID OF MAIN COOK LINE AREA LINE COOLER IN POOR REPAIR, LOOSE AND UNABLE TO FORM TIGHT SEAL ALONG GASKETS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE LINE COOLER LID AND MAINTAIN ALL EQUIPMENT IN GOOD REPAIR AND PROPER ADJUSTMENT.
47
82
Mar 17, 2025
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK INGREDIENT BINS CONTAINING SUGAR AND SALT WITHOUT LABELS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO LABEL ALL FOODS AND SPICES WITH COMMON NAME THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND MAINTAIN.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREAL. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM WITH CLUTTER AND ITEMS ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE TOILET ROOM AND KEEP ITEMS ELEVATED OFF OF FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ITEMS BEING STORED THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED THE PEROSN IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE ORDERLY STORAGE AREA FOR EMPLOYEES CLOTHING AND OTHER POSSESSIONS AND MAINTAIN.
56
78
Sep 24, 2024
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZERS. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: NOTED KNIVES STORED BETWEEN THE WALLS AND PIPING BY THE HAND WASHING SINK AT THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORE ALL KNIVES INSID A KNIFE RAG OR A CLEAN DRAWER.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. MUST REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT ESPECIALLY AT THE DISH WASHING AREA, COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SHELVES. MUST ALSO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FANS INSIDE THE REFRIGERATION UNIT AT KITCHEN PREP AREA.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: NOTED HEAVY DIRT AND GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE, ON PIPES/CONDUITS AND ON EDGES OF THE EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN HOOD, FILTERS AND PIPES/CONDUITS.
56
78
Jan 23, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER THAWING PROCEDURE OF FROZEN BEEF. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIGERATION THAT MAINTAIN THE FOOD TEMPERATURE AT 41.0F OR LESS OR COMPLETELY SUBMERGED UNDER RUNNING WATER OR THAWED IN A MICROWAVE OVEN AND IMMEDIATELY TRANSFERRED TO CONVENTIONAL COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH NO INTERRUPTION IN THE PROCESS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN CORRECT THAWING PROCEDURES.
35
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES, RACKS AND CONDENSER FAN COVER WITH DUST AND BLACK MOLDLIKE BUILD UP INSIDE ONE DOOR REACH-IN COOLER (ACROSS THE FRYER).
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55
86
Dec 6, 2021
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK IN PREP AREA.
10
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAINT RUSTY METAL SHELF UNDERNEATH PREP TABLE IN REAR AREA.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS (PREP/REACH-IN COOLER).
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR BEHIND GREASE BOX (NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK) IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: NOTED FOOD HANDLERS WITH EXPIRED PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CURRENT CERTIFICATE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: FOUND (2) EXPIRED 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 CURRENT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
58
70
Nov 2, 2020
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LARGE GAP AT BOTTOM OF OUTER DOOR IN REAR. MUST INSTALL A RODENT PROOF STRIP TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LOOSE SPLASH GUARD AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR. MUST REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE OF COOKING FRYERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY APRONS STORED ON FOOD RACKS IN PREP AREA. MUST STORE APRONS IN A DESIGNATED AREA AWAY FROM FOOD, EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS.
56
82
Oct 21, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Proper hot holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED RICE HELD AT 116.1 F INSIDE RICE WARMER WHICH WAS TURNED OFF. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TCS FOOD MUST BE HELD AT 135.0 F OR ABOVE IF HELD HOT. ALL SAID OUT OF TEMPERATURE RICE VOLUNTARILLY DISCARDED AT THIS TIME. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005.
21
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: GREASE TRAP WITH RUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE GREASE TRAP.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD/GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDER WOK AND FRYERS ALSO OBSERVED FOOD/DIRT BUILD ON FLOOR IN WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.
55
78
Sep 27, 2018
Complaint
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(A) EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY, AND MAINTAIN POLICY ON-SITE. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING POLICY GO TO WWW.CITYOFCHICAGO.ORG/HEALTH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION, 7-38-012(A) NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 FOUND NO PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO IMPLEMENT AN APPROPRIATE PROCEDURE, WITH NECESSARY SUPPLIES, AND TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.12 OBSERVED A STAINLESS STEEL BOWL IN THE LARGE CONTAINER OF SHRIMP LOCATED IN THE WALK-IN COOLER, USED TO DISPENSE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO USE A HANDLED SCOOP AND TO STORE THE SCOOP IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER IN BETWEEN USE.
43
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 PERSON IN CHARGE HAS NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. CORE VIOLATION PA100-0367. NO CITATION ISSUED.
58
74
Mar 16, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN DOOR ATTACHED TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR. REAR EXIT DOOR WAS CLOSED AND SEALED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SCREEN DOOR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ALL MOPS ON PREMISES IN BETWEEN USE FOR SANITARY PURPOSES.
32
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM: INSTRUCTED TO KEEP AREA CLEAR AND ACCESSIBLE AS IT IS A WASHROOM, NOT A STORAGE UNIT.
41
86
Jun 26, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP INSIDE RIGHT SIDE FRYER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF SAID FRYER.
33
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WOMEN FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINTS.
42
90
Sep 29, 2016
License
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST DATE AND LABEL ALL FOOD PRODUCTS NOT IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING. FOUND CUT VEGGIES, BEAN SPROUTS, CHICKEN, AND RICE BEING STORED IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS NOT DATED OR LABELED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AND INSIDE THE 2-SLIDING DOOR REFRIGERATOR. MUST ALWAYS PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES.
30
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR BOTTOM PROTION OF THE WALLS UNDER THE EXHAUST HOOD FILTERS TO REMOVE SLIGHT GREASE BUILD-UP.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST TIGHTEN HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLE ON THE MOST LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE 3-COMP SINK TO PREVENT WATER LEAK.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Lo's China Kitchen last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Lo's China Kitchen on file is from Oct 17, 2025. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Lo's China Kitchen?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Lo's China Kitchen.
Has Lo's China Kitchen's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Lo's China Kitchen have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Lo's China Kitchen 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 Lo's China Kitchen inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Lo's China Kitchen is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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