Osaka Express
Last inspected: Oct 6, 2025
90
Score
Public records show 18 inspections at Osaka Express stretching back to 2010. The most recent report on file is from Oct 6, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
Things are looking better lately, with recent visits averaging around one violation compared to roughly three violations earlier on.
“Variance obtained for specialized processing methods” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing five times across the record.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Osaka Express on the better side of that line. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.
18
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
2
Minor latest
Inspection History
Oct 6, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN/DAMAGED RUBBER GASKET ON DOOR OF THE FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE GASKET.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
90
May 6, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 20, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 19, 2023
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED NO CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) ON THE MENU FOR ALL ITEMS THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW (ALL RAW SUSHI ITEMS). INSTRUCTED TO ADD A DISCLOSURE (WITH FOOTNOTE) THAT REFERS TO THE REMINDER ON ALL OF THE MENUS (PAPER AND DIGITAL) FOR EACH ITEM THAT CAN BE ORDERED UNDERCOOKED OR RAW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
25
90
Jun 13, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 4 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WAREWASHING DISHES AND PUTTING DISHES AWAY WITHOUT SANITIZING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL DISHES ARE SANITIZED AFTER WASHING AND RINSING. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED
16
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS WITH GLOVES ON AT UTLITY SINK. INSTRUCED MANAGER TO ENSURE EMPLOYEES WASH HANDS AT HAND WASHING SINKS WITHOUT GLOVES ON. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
8
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MENU WITH NO ASTERISK MARK REMINDING CUSTOMERS WHICH FOODS REQUIRE DISCLOSURE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MARK MENU WITH ASTERISK TO REMIND CUSTOMERS WHICH ITEMS NEED DISCLOSURE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED
25
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT HAND WASHING SINK NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL SPLASH GUARD.
39
64
Jan 24, 2020
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A KIT AND PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. FOUND NO DISINFECTANT THAT WILL KILL NOROVIRUS OR A DISPOSABLE MOP; MUST PROVIDE TO COMPLETE KIT. ADDITIONAL TIME GRANTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005.
5
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED; MUST LABEL CONTAINERS WITH THE NAME OF THE PRODUCT INSIDE OF CONTAINER.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE CAN OPENER BLADE AT THE PREP TABLE IN THE KITCHEN.
47
82
Feb 1, 2019
Complaint
7 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: 3-603.11 OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING CONSUMER ADVISORY DISCLOSURE STATEMENT FOR FOOD ITEMS/PRODUCTS OFFERED AND REMINDER * STATEMENT FOR THE FOOD PRODUCTS OFFERED. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ON MENU. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT UPDATED LABORATORY RESULTS FOR SUSHI RICE. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION IS 13 YEARS OLD. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN UPDATED LABORATORY DOCUMENTATION FOR FACILITY, OR OBTAIN pH METER/ TEST STRIPS FOR RECORD KEEPING OF pH LEVELS OF RICE DAILY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
29
Variance obtained for specialized processing methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED OUTDATED DOCUMENTATION OF PROPOSED VARIANCE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR FACILITY DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN DOCUMENTATION OF PROPOSED VARIANCE AND JUSTIFICATION ON PREMISES AT ALL TIMES WHEN THERE IS NO HACCP OR VARIANCE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. SEE VIOLATION #29
32
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT PROBE THERMOMETER FOR FOOD MEASURING. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
36
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VOMITOUS AND DIARRHEAL INCIDENT CLEAN UP POLICY IN PLACE AND KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING DATE MARKING FOR READY TO EAT TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR FOOD SAFETY ITEM, SUSHI, COOKED AND COOLED CHICKEN,BEEF,ETC. STORED INSIDE REACH IN COOLER LOCATED IN REAR AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE TO ALWAYS DATE MARK FOOD ITEMS STORE MORE THAT 24 HOURS IN FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
23
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHTS IN DISREPAIR (NON FUNCTIONAL) IN BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY MISSING REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN ALL REQUIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATION FOR ALL FOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES ON SITE FOR INSPECTION REVIEW.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
43
Jun 21, 2018
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USE AS A SHELF LINER LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA DRY STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILINGS OVER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ABOVE THE HOT HOLDING UNITS, WITH EXPOSED WATER PIPES LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE REAR FOOD PREP AREA CEILING SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE THRU OUT FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
90
Jun 14, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF AN ACCUMULATED BLACK SUBSTANCE LOCATED INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD ICE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE AND CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE ICE MAKER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED (VAN BUREN) SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A MISSING MAIL SLOT CREATING A 3 INCH HOLE AT THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE DOOR AS WELL AS THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR (MICHIGAN) NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF SAID ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE BOTH SAID DOORS RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USE AS A SHELF LINER LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA DRY STORAGE SHELVES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAKE ALL SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CEILINGS OVER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, 2 COMPARTMENT SINK AND ABOVE THE HOT HOLDING UNITS, WITH EXPOSED WATER PIPES LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE REAR FOOD PREP AREA CEILING SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE THRU OUT FOOD PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
35
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (SUSHI)INSIDE, AT AN AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 54.3F DURING THE INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING REFRIGERATION UNITS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (RAW SUSHI, SHRIMP) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN THE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATOR; 8 LBS OF RAW TUNA SUSHI AT 52F, 3 LBS OF COOKED SHRIMP AT 50F, AND 5 LBS OF COOKED CRAB MEAT AT 54.5F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AND TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
74
Apr 27, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS UNDER/AROUND THE COOLERS AND ICE MACHINE IN THE REAR PREP AREA HAS FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: THE WASH CLOTHS ARE NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE THE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
43
90
Aug 22, 2016
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SINK STOPPERS NOT USED FOR 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED MGR TO USE FOR PROEPR WASHING AND SANITIZING.
38
95
Feb 8, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN KNIVES AND CLEAVERS WEDGED BETWEEN WALL AND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO STORE CLEAN UTENSIL IN A SANITARY WAY.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FOUND NO DRAIN BOARD AT 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL
32
90
Mar 3, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WET WIPING CLOTHS THROUGHOUT FACILITY ON COUNTER TOPS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WET WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZER.
43
90
Apr 2, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL RAW WOOD SHELVES IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA IN NEED OF SEALING. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
90
Feb 27, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS IN THE BASEMENT 6" OFF THE FLOOR.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE OR REROUTE PIPE (APPEARS TO BE INACTIVE AT THIS TIME) DESIGNED TO DRAIN INTO REAR EXPOSED HANDSINK TO A FLOOR DRAIN.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE CLUTTER AND ORGANIZE BASEMENT AREA.
41
86
Aug 26, 2011
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE BOTH ICE MACHINES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: 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. 2-COMPARTMENT SINK FAUCET LEAKING AT BASE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE(BASEMENT). MUST PROVIDE CLEAN CONTAINER FOR ICE SCOOP.
43
86
Dec 10, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. FOUND PLASTIC FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
31
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND MOP AND BROOMS NOT PROPERLY STORED.
41
90
Feb 17, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. Found bulk rice at rear of premises not labeled.
30
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Found wash cloths not properly stored.
43
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Osaka Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Osaka Express on file is from Oct 6, 2025. The public record contains 18 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Osaka Express?
Across the inspection record, “variance obtained for specialized processing methods” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Osaka Express.
Has Osaka Express' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Osaka Express have averaged around one violation per visit, down from roughly three earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Osaka 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.
How often is Osaka Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Osaka Express is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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