No. 1 China Express
Last inspected: Nov 27, 2017
95
Score
The health department has logged 19 inspections at No. 1 China Express, the earliest from 2010. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 27, 2017. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit. The file hasn't been updated since Nov 27, 2017, so take the current picture with that in mind.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around three violations, down from roughly five violations earlier in the record.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 27, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
95
Nov 15, 2017
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OVER 30 MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON FLOOR AND CORNERS UNDER SHELVING UNITS, ON UPPER SHELVES AND WALL ALONG WALK-IN FREEZER IN FRONT SOUTHWEST STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CALL AN EXTERMINATOR FOR SERVICE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS AND FREEZERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE ALL FOOD EQUIPMENT FROM WASHROOM AND ORGANIZE ALL STORAGE AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. STORE MOP HEADS UPRIGHT TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
41
82
Oct 13, 2017
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, AND DEFROST DEEP FREEZER IN PREP AREA.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENT IN TOILET ROOM AND IN SEATING AREA
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
36
86
Oct 5, 2017
Routine
13 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN A PREP COOLER. 5 LBS OF SHRIMP AT 50F VALUED AT $15. 2 LBS OF CHICKEN AT 50F VALUED AT $4, AND 1 LBS OF PORK AT 50F, VALUED AT $1.50. MANAGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS COLD FOODS AT 40F AND BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION. 7-38-005(A)
3
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A DEAD MOUSE ON THE PREMISES AND APPROXIMATELY 30 RODENT DROPPINGS ALONG THE WALL BASE THROUGHOUT THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DEAD MOUSE AND DROPPINGS. CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE AFFECTED AREA. CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; SHRIMP, CHICKEN, RICE, ETC., AREA BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CERTIFIED MANAGE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AREA BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
21
Dish machines: provided with accurate thermometers, chemical test kits and suitable gauge cock
Inspector notes: NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE ON SITE DURING INSPECTION TO TEST 3-COMP SINK. INSTRUCTED EMPLOYEE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN CHLORINE TEST KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-030
22
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD CONTAINERS IN PREP AREA, WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS IN PREP AREA TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, AND DEFROST DEEP FREEZER IN PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE FROM OVEN, WOK, FRYER, INTERIOR SURFACE OF MICROWAVE, INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF REFRIGERATOR, AND BEVERAGE COOLER IN PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN RUST FROM LOWER SHELVES IN PREP AREA, AND CLEAN DRIED DEBRIS FROM MOUNTED CAN OPENER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER HEAVY EQUIPMENT, IN WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER, THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, AND IN TOILET ROOM IN REAR.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENT IN TOILET ROOM AND IN SEATING AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
36
Linen: clean and soiled properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST STORE SOILED LINENS PROPERLY, STORE IN SANITIZER SOLUTION WHILE NOT IN USE.
39
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER FROM AROUND REAR EXIT DOOR, ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF FLOOR. ORGANIZE OR DISCARD CLUTTER TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
41
52
Oct 11, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE IN THE CAMBRO UNITS. NOTED COOKED VEGETABLES, 113 DEGREES, 3 LBS, $5; CHICKEN, 121 DEGREES, 4 LBS, $10; CRAB RANGOON, 115 DEGREES, 2 LBS, $20; OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED THESE PRODUCTS. INSTRUCTED TO HOLD ALL HOT POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 140 DEGREES OR ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-005(A)
3
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES ON SITE. NOTED NO CONVENIENTLY ACCESSIBLE HANDSINK FOR FOODSERVICE STATION IN THE LOBBY OF THE BUILDING WHERE FOODA SERVES. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CEASE ALL FOODSERVICE UNTIL A CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE HANDSINK IS PROVIDED AT THIS FOODSERVICE LOCATION. ALSO INSTRUCTED THAT FACILITY MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE HANDWASHING FACILITIES DURING ALL FOOD PREP AND SERVICE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-030
11
90
Jun 30, 2016
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Mar 18, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS OF SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS AT COOK LINE AND AT REAR UNDER SHELVING, ALONG WALLBASE AND AT CORNERS.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER UNDER PREP TABLES AND SHELVING AT REAR. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
86
Mar 23, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY LABEL BULK STORAGE CONTAINER WITH NAME. ALSO LABEL PRECOOK AND PREPARED FOOD ITEMS INSIDE COOLER WITH DATE AND NAME.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF BULK STORAGE CONTAINERS AND THE INTERIOR OF COOLERS TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED CLEANING ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS BEHIND REAR STORAGE SHELVING AND BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE,SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE GREASE.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS UNDER AND AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.
41
78
Nov 14, 2014
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Oct 9, 2014
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Oct 7, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE HAND SINK NOT MAINTAINED, CLOGGED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO USE HAND SINK IN REST ROOM TIL PREP AREA HAND SINK IS REPAIRED.CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
11
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT CONDIMENT COOLER NOT CLEAN,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER THE REAR SINKS, AND REAR STORAGE UNDER BULK CONTAINER.
34
86
Jan 30, 2014
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NEED TO REMOVE FOIL AND CARDBOARD FROM REAR TABLE STORAGE SHELVES.ALSO OBSERVED RUSTY COOLER STORAGE SHELVES NEED TO REMOVE RUST.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEANAND SANITIZE THE #10 CAN OPENER. ALSO CLEAN FRONT 2 DOOR COOLER FAN GUARD COVER, INTERIOR OF MICROWAVES,EXTERIOR OF REAR BOX FREEZER, AND BULK STORAGE SHELVES. NEED TO DEFROST BOX FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND WOK STATION, AND FRYER. ALSO NEED TO CLEAN REAR FLOOR DRAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NEED TO CLEAN WALLS FRONT BEHIND WOK, AND REAR STORAGE. ALSO NEED TO CLEAN THE CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS.
35
82
May 31, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; BEHIND ALL SHELVING AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AT REAR, WALK-IN FREEZER/COOLER, PREP AREA AND AT FRONT UNDER STORAGE RACK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: REMOVE CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES ON TOP OF WALK-IN COOLER/FREEZER, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
90
Sep 14, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: HOOD FILTERS AND LIGHTSHIELDS THRU-OUT NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
35
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED. INSTD TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION.
43
90
Sep 15, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.REPLACE THREE SCOOPS USED FOR DRY STORAGE BINS IN POOR REPAIR.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.CLEAN DEBRIS OF FLOORS UNDER DRY STORAGE.
34
90
Mar 16, 2011
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Mar 1, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Feb 22, 2011
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST PAINT RAW WOOD IN PREP AREA.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: The flow of air discharged from kitchen fans shall always be through a duct to a point above the roofline. Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. OBSERVED VERY SLOW DRAINING AT 3-COMP SINK AND WATER AROUND GREASE TRAP. MUST REPAIR.
38
90
Nov 29, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was No. 1 China Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at No. 1 China Express on file is from Nov 27, 2017. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at No. 1 China Express?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at No. 1 China Express.
Has No. 1 China Express' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at No. 1 China Express have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly five earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at No. 1 China Express means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
Nearby Restaurants