Mermaid Fish & Chicken
Last inspected: Sep 19, 2018
67
Score
Mermaid Fish & Chicken appears in inspection records nine times, starting in 2014. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 19, 2018. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result. Note that Mermaid Fish & Chicken's inspection history hasn't been updated since Sep 19, 2018; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near six violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 19, 2018
Reinspection
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.11 NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A).
3
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14(B1) FOUND A WIPING CLOTH ON THE PREP COUNTER IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT THE WIPING CLOTH MUST BE STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WITH THE PROPER CONCENTRATION AT ALL TIMES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: : 4-602.13 FOUND THE EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED, CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, EXTERIOR OF GRILL AND SURFACE UNDERNEATH GRILL, SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER, AND OTHER REFRIGERATION UNITS.
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: 5-403.12 OBSERVED STANDING WASTE WATER IN MOP BUCKET; INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WASTE WATER AFTER USING.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FREEZERS, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND PREP TABLES.
55
67
Sep 12, 2018
Complaint
4 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 4-302.14 NO CHEMICAL TESTING DEVICES ON PREMISES. FOUND NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON PREMISES TO TEST THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER WHEN WASH RINSE AND SANITIZING DISHES AND UTENSILS; MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 ISSUED.
48
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N) NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012(A).
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11 NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT A VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP PROCEDURE MUST BE DOCUMENTED AND THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES ON HAND IN THE EVENT OF A VOMIT OR DIARRHEAL INCIDENT ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-102.12 NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES. FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON PREMISES AS REQUIRED WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER MUST BE ON DUTY AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 ISSUED.
2
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14(B1) FOUND A WIPING CLOTH ON THE PREP COUNTER IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED THE PIC THAT THE WIPING CLOTH MUST BE STORED IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WITH THE PROPER CONCENTRATION AT ALL TIMES.
41
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 FOUND THE EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING: CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTOM OF FRYERS TO REMOVE GREASE OBSERVED, CLEAN EXTERIOR SURFACES OF FRYERS, EXTERIOR OF GRILL AND SURFACE UNDERNEATH GRILL, SHELVES IN WALK-IN COOLER, AND OTHER REFRIGERATION UNITS.
49
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: 5-403.12 OBSERVED STANDING WASTE WATER IN MOP BUCKET; INSTRUCTED TO DISPOSE OF WASTE WATER AFTER USING.
52
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND OTHER KITCHEN EQUIPMENT SUCH AS FREEZERS, REFRIGERATION UNITS AND PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS TO REMOVE DUST OBSERVED WHERE NEEDED AND TO REPLACE WATER STAINED CEILING TILE.
55
Compliance with clean indoor air ordinance
Inspector notes: CLEAN INDOOR AIR ORDINANCE VIOLATION. OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF SMOKING ON PREMISES. FOUND AN ASHTRAY WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS IN IT AND A LIGHTER ON A PREP TABLE IN THE RESTAURANT. INSTRUCTED THAT NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED ON PREMISES INSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT. CITATION ISSUED 7-32-020(C).
62
Proper eating, tasting, drinking, or tobacco use
Inspector notes: 2-401.11(A) OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF SMOKING ON PREMISES. FOUND AN ASHTRAY WITH CIGARETTE BUTTS IN IT AND A LIGHTER ON A PREP TABLE IN THE RESTAURANT. INSTRUCTED THAT NO SMOKING IS ALLOWED ON PREMISES INSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT.
6
50
Aug 24, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF FRYERS AND REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST ALSO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MOP SINK AND THE TOILET IN THE EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, UNDER THE THREE COMPARMENT SINK AND THROUHOUT PREMISES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE SLOW DRAIN AT THE REAR HAND SINK.
38
86
Aug 18, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED PREP COOLER AT 54 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS NOTED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 5LBS OF GROUND BEEF AT 54.4 DEGREES F, 6LBS OF CHICKEN AT 56 DEGREES F, 3LBS OF PEPPERONI AT 52 DEGREES F,3LBS OF SAUSAGE AT 52 DEGREES F, AND 5LBS OF SHREDDED CHEESE AT 53 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF FRYERS AND REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST ALSO CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE MOP SINK AND THE TOILET IN THE EMPLOYEE WASH ROOM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER THE FRYERS, UNDER THE THREE COMPARMENT SINK AND THROUHOUT PREMISES.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR THE SLOW DRAIN AT THE REAR HAND SINK.
38
78
Nov 16, 2015
License
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL PREPACKAGED COOKIES WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT PLASTIC WEAR.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST FROM 1- DOOR REACH IN COOLER SHELVES.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON WALK IN COOLER.MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELF AT PREP TABLE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM WINDOW SILLS IN DINING AREA,GRILL TABLE,ROLLING CART.MUST DEFROST GLASS FREEZERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREAS AND WALK IN COOLER.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SCRAPE AND PAINT PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN DINING AREA AND NEAR MOP SINK.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE DIPPING WELL FOR BULK ICE CREAM.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE PROBE THERMOMETER FOR FOOD TEMPS AND THERMOMETER FOR HOT PIZZA HOLDING UNIT.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE UNUSED STOVE AND COOLER FROM PREMISES NEAR MOP SINK.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
45
61
Oct 7, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Sep 30, 2015
Complaint
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF,PIZZA,CHICKEN WINGS,ETC.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(SERIOUS 7-38-012)
21
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZING AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.WAS PREVIOUSLY INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(SERIOUS7-38-030)
22
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #1386018 3/16/15 #32-MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON REACH IN FREEZER DOOR.33- MUST CLEAN FRYERS,REACH IN COOLERS,ROLLING CART,CUTTING BOARD,WINDOW SILLS.#34-MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR ALONG WALLBASES.#35-MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FILTERS AT HOOD.#38-MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.#40-MUST PROVIDE PROBE THERMOETER FOR FOOD TEMPS.#45-IDPH FOOD HANDLERS REQUIREMENTS NOT MET.(SERIOUS 7-42-090)
29
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: VIOLASTION NOT CORRECTED
45
61
Mar 16, 2015
Complaint
13 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF FRONT DESSERT DISPLAY UNIT AT 50.7F WITH READY TO EAT FOODS STORED INSIDE FOR SALE.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.A HELD FOR INSPECTION TAG PLACED ON UNIT ONCE REPAIRED FAX LETTER TO (312)746-4240 WHEN READY.(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF READY TO EAT DESSERTS ASSORTED VARIETY OF PARFAITS 6LBS.46.6F-48.7F,1/2 LB.COLE SLAW 44.5F-45.9F,BANANA PUDDING 1/2LBS.43.8F-44.7F.PRODUCT WAS DUMPED AND DENATURED BY EMPLOYEE.MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40.0F OR BELOW.7LBS.$32(CRITICAL 7-38-005A)
3
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING DEVICES AT BOTH HAND SINKS IN FOOD PREP AREA AND EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM WHILE FOOD IS BEING PREPARED,HANDLED.MUST PROVIDE HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES.EMPLOYEE PROVIDE NAPKINS AT HAND SINKS DURING INSPECTION.(CRITICAL 7-38-030)
12
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED,HANDLED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN,HAMBURGERS,COLE SLAW,ITALIAN BEEF,ETC.MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES .(SERIOUS 7-38-012).
21
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL DESSERTS WITH PROPER INFO GIVEN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST STORE PLASTIC WEAR PROPERLY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE MISSING DOOR HANDLE ON REACH IN FREEZER DOOR..
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FRYER,REACH IN COOLER,ROLLING CART,CUTTING BOARDS,WINDOW SILLS.DEFROST CHEST FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRI FROM FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRI FROM FILTERS AT HOOD.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST PLACE PIZZA OVEN UNDER VENTILATION HOOD.MUST PROVIDE A SINK STOPPER AT 3- COMP SINK.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A PROBE AND REFRIGERATOR THERMOMETER.
40
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET.MUST ENROLL.
45
52
Apr 14, 2014
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Mermaid Fish & Chicken last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Mermaid Fish & Chicken on file is from Sep 19, 2018. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Mermaid Fish & Chicken?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Mermaid Fish & Chicken.
Has Mermaid Fish & Chicken's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Mermaid Fish & Chicken have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Mermaid Fish & Chicken means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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