Pizza by Alex
Last inspected: Nov 25, 2014
70
Score
Public records show 12 inspections at Pizza by Alex stretching back to 2010. On Nov 25, 2014, the health department conducted the most recent visit. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result. No fresh inspection data is available: the latest entry for Pizza by Alex dates to Nov 25, 2014.
Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around five violations each.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Pizza by Alex's 70 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 25, 2014
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE, STORAGE SHELVES/RACKS WITH MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, INTERIOR SURFACES OF PIZZA PREP COOLER AND INTERIOR SURFACES OF MOP SINK.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS UNDERNEATH FRYERS AND STOVE WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION AND FLOORS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO SEAL HOLES ON WALL INSIDE WOMEN'S CUSTOMER WASHROOM.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHT BULBS MUST BE SHIELDED ABOVE PREP/COOKING AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED IN COUNTER SHELVES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE BEHIND BAR.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: NOTED ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER.
43
70
Jun 9, 2014
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS (EG PIZZA, COLD AND HOT SANDWICHES, CHICKEN, PASTA ETC.) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE, A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE MUST BE PRESENT WHEN HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO FIX RUBBER GASKETS AROUND PREP COOLER DOORS IN PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FOLLOWING; INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, STORAGE SHELVES, STORAGE RACKS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, PREP SHELVES, COUNTER SHELVES, INTERIOR ANDS EXTERIOR SURFACE OF ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREMISES (DINING AND PREP AREAS).
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT MEN'S WASHROOM DOOR.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A DIPPER WELL FOR ICE CREAM FREEZER.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN, REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INSIDE WASHROOM (LEFT SIDE), REAR STORAGE ROOMS AND AREAS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: ALL ICE SCOOPS MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SEPARATE CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION (NOTED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE MACHINE AND INSIDE ICE BIN).
43
64
Oct 17, 2013
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOOD IN WALK IN COOLER,FREEZER AND COLD HOLD UNITS MUST BE DATED AND LABELED
30
95
Oct 7, 2013
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Outside garbage waste grease and storage area; clean, rodent proof, all containers covered
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE DISPOSAL CONTAINTER OPEN AND OVERFLOWING. SERIOUS CODE VIOLATION 7-38-020. The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance.
19
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOOD IN WALK IN COOLER,FREEZER AND COLD HOLD UNITS MUST BE DATED AND LABELED.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARD ON PREP TABLE IS SCARRED. MUST REPLACE OR SAND TO SMOOTH. MEAT SLICER HAVE BUILD OF DEBRIS . MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
32
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE THEROMETERS FOR COLD HOLD UNITS.
40
82
Apr 22, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: COLD HOLDING UNIT IN PREP AREA HAS BUILD UP OF FOOD WASTE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF COLD HOLD UNIT.
32
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN PREP AREA.
36
90
Nov 16, 2012
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found food items not properly dated/labeled in walk in cooler, reach in freezer, must date and label food items in walk in cooler, reach in freezer.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices), non food contact surfaces of cooking equipment need cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under cooking equipment, heavy equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners), floors in rear storage room under shelving need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in front prep area, dining room, shall be replaced.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing light shields in rear kitchen area by ice machine, shall be provided.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust vents(ventilation) in walk in cooler, kitchen exhaust canopy, and bathrooms no clean, need cleaning.
38
74
Nov 17, 2011
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 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. WEATHER STRIP AT THE 2ND EXIT DOOR MUST BE READJUSTED TO PROPERLY SEAL DOORS; RECAULKING OF 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IS NEEDED
32
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. CHOPPING BOARD UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
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. FLOOR IN DINING AREA UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. WALLS THROUGHOUT PIZZA WOOD OVEN AREA UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN;BOARD IN WINDOWS FRONT AREA UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; BASEWALLS UNDER FRONT PIZZA OVEN UNCLEAN MUST CLEAN AN DMAINTAIN
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities. MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN KITCHEN MUST BE PROVIDED, LIGHT FIXTURES THROUGHOUT PREP AREA UNCLEAN MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
36
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. STORAGE AREA WITH TOOLS MUST BE ORGANIZED,MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY MATERIALS NOT NEEDED IN THE RESTAURANT
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair. EMPLOYEE MUST WEAR HAIR CAP/HAIRNET IN THE KITCHEN
42
70
May 25, 2011
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. FOUND 2 DOOR PREP COOLER NEAR PIZZA OVEN AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE 44.8F ,CRITICAL VIOLATION ,CITATION ISSUED,TAG COOLER,INSTRUCTED TO FIX COOLER MUST BE 40F OR BELOW TO HOLD COLD FOOD AT 40F OR BELOW; MUST FAX LETTER TO CDPH 312-746-4240 WHEN COOLER HAS BEEN FIXED
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND POTENTIally hazardous food at imprper temperature ,CHEESE 48.5F,WHIPPED CREAM 49F,MARINARA SAUCE 49.2F ,CRITICAL VIOLATION,CITATION ISSUED,FOOD WAS DISCARDED;INSTRUCTED ALL COLD FOOD MUST BE 40F OR BELOW
3
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. AIR VENTS IN 2 DOOR FREEZER UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; EXTERIOR COOLERS UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN;INTERIOR OF COOLERS NOT CLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
32
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. TUBE CONNECTION FROM PIZZA OVEN TO CEILING WITH ACCUMULATED DUST MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN; EXTERIOR ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
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. FLOOR UNDER COOKING OVEN,REAR SIDE,DINING 2ND ROOM UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. BASEWALLS IN KITCHEN UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN,CEILING TILES ABOVE WALK IN DIRTY MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN;CEILING INSIDE WALK IN COOLER UNCLEAN,MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
35
74
Dec 29, 2010
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods inside coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Sinks, coolers, shelves, utensils not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and ssanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in prep area, walk-in cooler, storage areas not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily. Floor inside walk-in cooler rusted. Instructed to remove rust and apply non-toxic sealant.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation covers and ceiling not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation not provided in employees and middle rear toilet room. Instructed to repair exhaust fans.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: Thermometer not provided in prep cooler. Instructed to provided thermometer visible inside cooler.
40
74
Jun 8, 2010
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
May 11, 2010
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods in coolers not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original containers.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in corners, behind equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean. Floor not maintained in areas. Instructed to replace any damaged floor tile.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ventilation, light and fan covers thru-out and inside walk-in cooler not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean. Ceiling tile not cleaned or maintained in dining area and prep area. Instructed to replace all damaged and stained tiles and seal all holes and openings around pipes.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Unnecessary articles stored on premises in rear storage area and unused equipment. Instructed to remove all unused articles.
41
82
Apr 7, 2010
License
No violations found.
100
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Pizza by Alex last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Pizza by Alex on file is from Nov 25, 2014. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Pizza by Alex?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Pizza by Alex.
Has Pizza by Alex's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pizza by Alex have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Pizza by Alex 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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