Panda Express
Last inspected: Jan 15, 2026
78
Score
Across the available record, Panda Express has 22 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. On Jan 15, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in the low risk tier, it usually means nothing alarming showed up at the most recent visit.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around three violations each.
Across the inspection history, “allergen training as required” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded five times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Panda Express' 78 doesn't quite reach. Overall, the inspection record reads well.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 15, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITH A CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS (CHICKEN, BEEF, EGGROLLS) ARE BEING PREPARED.
1
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FAUCET HANDLE IN WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM LOOSE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING ON SITE DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. ALL CERTIFIED FOODSERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
58
78
Jan 6, 2025
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
82
Jan 4, 2024
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY RELATE TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
82
Mar 14, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: 3-501.16(A:2,&B) OBSERVED TCS FOODS AT INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES LOCATED IN A PREP COOLER; OBSERVED ABOUT 4 LBS OF RAW CHICKEN AT 60F AND ABOUT 3 LBS OF RAW EGGS AT 57F. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID TCS FOODS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING TCS FOODS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
22
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: 4-301.11 OBSERVED A PREP COOLER, WITH TCS FOODS INSIDE, AT AN INADEQUATE COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 50F DURING THE INSPECTION PER THE THERMOMETER INSIDE OF THE UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS AT 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. SAID UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MAY NOT BE USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
33
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE NOR A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE POSTED WHILE TCS FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED HANDLED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. INSTRUCTED A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND A VAILD CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIME THE FACILITY IS OPEN AND OPERATING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
2
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(O) OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE NOR AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 6-301.12 OBSERVED NO HAND DRYING PROVISION AVAILABLE IN THE WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS PROVIDE A HAND DRYING PROVISION IN ALL TOILET ROOMS AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE PROVIDED PAPER TOWELS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 2-101.11 OBSERVED THE PERSON IN CHARGE WITHOUT A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER'S CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL PERSON'S IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED UNDER VIOLATION #2.
1
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 2-102.13 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTOR'S REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
58
47
May 6, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING DOCUMENTATION FOR HIGH RISK FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
95
Jul 30, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 13, 2019
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
95
Mar 8, 2019
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367 OBSERVED FACILITY FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGERS WITHOUT REQUIRED ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN.
58
95
Apr 19, 2018
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 14, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DARK GROOVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS, MUST KEEP A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE. -THE WASH BOWLS IN THE TOILET ROOMS ARE IN NEED OF RECAULKING. INSTRUCTED TO RECAULK AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THERE IS A LEAK UNDER THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT AND AT THE BASE OF THE LEFT FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Dec 6, 2016
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ice build-up in walk-in freezer at condensation line, instructed to eliminate.
38
95
Aug 4, 2016
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jul 28, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE HANDLING AND SERVING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS( CHICKEN, BEEF... ) INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: RUBBER GASKETS FOR PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN, BLACK MOLD LIKE DIRT NOTED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: INADEQUATE INSECT CONTROL. FOUND OVER 30 LIVE FRUIT FLIES IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED MGR TO ELIMINATE INSECTS ACTIVITY IN ALL AFFECTED AREAS, PEST CONTROL SERVICE RECOMMEDED. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020.
18
86
Jan 6, 2016
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 29, 2015
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jun 2, 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 THE COOKLINE WOK STATION WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOOR.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE PLUMBING LEAKING UNDER THE MIDDLE BASIN OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
90
Nov 21, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE THERMOMETER IN WALK IN COOLER. THERMOMETER IN POOR REPAIR. CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
40
95
Apr 29, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: SODA DISPENSOR IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
95
Dec 17, 2013
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR OF DEEP FRYERS IN PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS IN TOILET ROOMS.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BLOWN LIGHT BULB AND MAINTAIN IN WOMENS' TOILET ROOM.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST FIX AND MAINTAIN LEAK AT THE LEVER UNDER THE SANITIZING COMPARTMENT ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
82
Apr 3, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CABINETS UNDER BEVERAGE STATION AND INTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN CORNER UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT-REMOVE GREASE AND FOOD SPILLS.
34
90
Aug 10, 2012
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: FOUND FOOD CONTAINER NOT STORED PROPERLY.(MUST STORE INVERTED)
31
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: FOUND CLUTTER STORED ON CLEAN FOOD CONTAINER SHELVING UNITS (OLD GREASE.)
41
90
Dec 9, 2011
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Panda Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Panda Express on file is from Jan 15, 2026. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Panda Express?
Across the inspection record, “allergen training as required” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Panda Express.
Has Panda Express' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Panda Express have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Panda 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 Panda Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Panda Express is inspected around two times per year on average.
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