Qiao Lin Hot Pot
Last inspected: Jan 27, 2026
82
Score
Across the available record, Qiao Lin Hot Pot has 12 inspections on file, the first dated 2020. The latest inspection on file is from Jan 27, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near five violations per visit.
“Non-food/food contact surfaces clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 11 times across the record.
Qiao Lin Hot Pot's latest score is in line with the Chicago average of 81. The record reflects steady performance over time.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 27, 2026
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOODS IN REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS; INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM USING GROCERY BAGS AND USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS FOR FOOD.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS. CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN DISHWASHING AREA TO REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATION.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES.
57
82
Jan 20, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISES. FOUND 20 OR MORE KNATS ON THE WALL AND CEILING IN THE SMALL PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT PRIOR TO REINSPECTION NEXT WEEK AND TO ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A) ISSUED FOR CONTROL OF VERMIN AND INSECTS.
38
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES; INSTRUCTED TO HAVE EMPLOYEES OBTAIN VALID CERTIFICATES.
57
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GROCERY BAGS BEING USED TO STORE FOODS IN REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS; INSTRUCTED TO REFRAIN FROM USING GROCERY BAGS AND USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS FOR FOOD.
45
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS. CLEAN INTERIORS OF REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALLS AROUND AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN DISHWASHING AREA TO REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATION.
55
74
Feb 26, 2025
Recent Inspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12: OBSERVED BULK DRY INGREDIENT, STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN THE SIDE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH INGREDIENT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.13: OBSERVED TWO ELECTRICAL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES STORED ON WALLS ABOVE FOOD PREP TABLES IN TWO DIFFERENT SIDE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DEVICES FROM ABOVE FOOD PREP TABLES MENTIONED IN PREP AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, RESURFACE TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13: OBSERVED SLIGHT GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE STOVES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jan 29, 2025
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12: OBSERVED BULK DRY INGREDIENT, STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN THE SIDE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH INGREDIENT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-202.13: OBSERVED TWO ELECTRICAL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES STORED ON WALLS ABOVE FOOD PREP TABLES IN TWO DIFFERENT SIDE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DEVICES FROM ABOVE FOOD PRRP TABLES MENTIONED IN PREP AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C): OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, RESURFACE TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13: OBSERVED SLIGHT GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE STOVES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
78
Jan 6, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD. FOUND 15 DOZEN AND 3 EGGS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA, THE TEMPERATURES RANGED 56.3F-58.1F. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROX. 30LBS AT $70 WORTH OF PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING FOODS AT 41.0F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY 7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED
22
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BULK DRY INGREDIENT, STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN THE SIDE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH INGREDIENT COMMON NAME.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TWO ELECTRICAL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES STORED ON WALLS ABOVE FOOD PREP TABLES IN TWO DIFFERENT SIDE PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE DEVICES FROM ABOVE FOOD PRRP TABLES MENTIONED IN PREP AREAS AND MAINTAIN.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
39
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE LOWER SHELVES UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLES WITH RUST. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST, RESURFACE TO MAKE SURFACES SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT GREASE AND FOOD BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE GREASE TRAP UNDER THE STOVES IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
67
Jul 1, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARD BOARD BEING USED AS A LINER ON SHELVING UNITS IN REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA AND IN FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL AS A MEANS OF BEING ABLE TO PROPERLY CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS ALSO PREVENTING POSSIBLE INSECT HARBORING IN AREAS WHERE FOUND.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SIDES OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH A BUILD UP OF GREASE AND FOOD SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INSIDE OF THE COOLING UNITS AND REACH IN FREEZERS WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS ON INSIDE WALLS, FLOOR OF UNITS AND LINING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS AND WALLS IN ALL FOOD PREP AREAS WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD STAINS, FOOD SPLATTER, DIRT AND DEBRIS BUILD UP. UPON ENTRY OF FACILITY IN THE REAR FOOD SERVICE AREA OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DISHES LEFT OVER FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AREAS AND INSTRUCTED NOT TO LEAVE FOOD SOILED DISHES OUT OVER NIGHT AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT FEEDING, BREEDING AND HARBORING.
55
82
Oct 25, 2023
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME AND DEBRIS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA UNDER SHELVING, SINKS, AND BEHING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Oct 18, 2023
Complaint
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30LBS OF BEEF KIDNEYS IN PREP AREA AT A TEMPERATURE OF 75.7F. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL COLD HELD FOODS MUST BE AT 41F AND BELOW. PERSON IN CHARGE VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED 30LBS OF BEEF KIDNEYS AT A COST OF $100. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
22
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE TEST KIT FOR PROPER CONCENTRATION IN SANITIZING SOLUTIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
48
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOODSERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS (BEEF, RICE, PORK) ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
2
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH FOOD SANITATION TRAINING.
1
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BEEF BEING IMPROPERLY THAWED ON THE FLOOR OF THE PREP AREA AT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAWING MUST OCCUR UNDER REFRIDGERATION OR POTABLE COLD RUNNING WATER.
35
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COLD HOLDING UNITS WITH BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF GRIME AND DEBRIS THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA UNDER SHELVING, SINKS, AND BEHING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
58
Apr 20, 2022
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 12, 2022
Complaint
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SEVERAL SMALL FLIES THROUGH OUT PREP AREA, AND DISH AREA. APPROXIMATELY 30-35 FLIES THROUGH OUT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL WIPING CLOTHS WHEN NOT IN USE MUST BE STORED IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: NO FOOD STORAGE IN GROCERY BAGS, MUST USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: CUTTING BOARDS WORN WITH DEEP CUTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL HANDLES TO REACH IN COOLERS AND PULL DRAWERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISH AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UPALONG WALL BASES. FLOOR DRAINS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CLEAN AND FREE FROM WATER.
55
67
Sep 30, 2020
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT WHERE NEEDED.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND WALLS AROUND AND UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT. CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS WHERE NEEDED AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Jun 30, 2020
License
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE FOUND NO CLEANING MATERIALS TO CLEAN UP SAID INCIDENT ON SITE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES AND CLEANING MATERIALS (GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOP, DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS) FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW AND USE WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: FOUND 4 POTS TO LARGE TO FIT IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING PROCEDURE (MUST BE READILY AVAILABLE FOR APPROVAL AT ANY TIME)FOR ANY EQUIPMENT THAT CAN NOT BE ADEQUATELY CLEANED IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND LOW TEMP DISH MACHINE.
48
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: FOUND NO CLOSED GARBAGE RECEPTACLES IN WOMEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
78
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Qiao Lin Hot Pot last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Qiao Lin Hot Pot on file is from Jan 27, 2026. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Qiao Lin Hot Pot?
Across the inspection record, “non-food/food contact surfaces clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Qiao Lin Hot Pot.
Has Qiao Lin Hot Pot's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Qiao Lin Hot Pot have averaged around five violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Qiao Lin Hot Pot 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 Qiao Lin Hot Pot inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Qiao Lin Hot Pot is inspected around two times per year on average.
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