Sawa Sushi — Kawa
Last inspected: Nov 6, 2025
74
Score
Public records show 11 inspections at Sawa Sushi — Kawa stretching back to 2015. The latest inspection on file is from Nov 6, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around six violations to closer to three violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
Sawa Sushi — Kawa's latest score of 74 falls below the Chicago average of 81. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
11
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Nov 6, 2025
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE HAS A PINKISH SUBSTANCE ON THE WHITE PANEL. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE.
16
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON THE COUNTER TOPS. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: ICE SCOOP STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO WASH AND SANITIZE SCOOP AND STORE EITHER HANDLE UP IN THE ICE OR IN A CLEAN CONTAINER. MAINTAIN SAME.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: THE STORAGE RACKS INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER PAINT HAS WORN OFF AND THE SURFACE IS RUSTY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE RUST AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, UNDER/AROUND THE SINKS AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
55
74
May 9, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED A HEAVY LEAK UNDER THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE DISHWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD AND GREASE DEBRIS BETWEEN THE COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
90
Apr 26, 2023
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Apr 14, 2023
Routine
5 major violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE THROUGHOUT THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE ICE MACHINE ( TOP INTERIOR BEHIND PANEL). ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
16
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PIC TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS TO TEST THE SANITIZING AGENT FOR THE DISHMACHINE AND THREE COMP SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
48
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: FOUND CONTINUED NON- COMPLIANCE FROM INSPECTION REPORT #2500986 CONDUCTED ON 4/30/21. THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION AND CONTINUED NON -COMPLIANCE PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION WERE NOT CORRECTED: 4-402.12 OBSERVED BOXES OF CHOPSTICKS, FOOD CONTAINERS, SEAWEED, AND WHITE 5-GALLON BUCKETS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN 2-102.13(A) OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
60
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGERS TO PROVIDE A VERIFIABLE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR HEALTH AND ACTIVITIES RELATED TO DISEASES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD TO THE PIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND HANDWASHING SINK IN DISHWASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. FOUND SPOUT COVERED IN PLASTIC WRAP AND BASIN FILLED WITH DISHES AT TIME OF INSPECTION. HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
61
Apr 30, 2021
Reinspection
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FOR VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME INDICATED ON THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT (INSPECTION REPORT #2280110)IS CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATE 1 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PESTS AND RODENTS
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES OF CHOP STICKS, FOOD CONTAINERS, SEAWEED, AND WHITE 5 GALLON BUCKETS STORE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN
47
82
Apr 23, 2021
Routine
7 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DRYING PROVISIONS AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN THE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE DRYING PROVISIONS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c) CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION
10
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE OR REMINDER STATEMENT ON THE MENUS AT THIS TIME. PREMISES SERVED SUSHI(RAW), INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
25
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SUSHI RICE LAB REPORT DATED 2-15-2012. INSTRUCTED MUST HAVE THE PROCEDURE TESTED BY LAB EVERY 5 YEARS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
29
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK OR SERVICE REPORTS ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(c)
38
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE FOR VIOLATION #58 OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED IN THE TIME FRAME INDICATED ON THE PREVIOUS INSPECTION REPORT (INSPECTION REPORT #2280110)IS CLASSIFIED AS A PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090
60
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES OR SUPPLIES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NEED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT THE HAND WASH SINKS IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING CLEANSER AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(c)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED AN APPROXIMATE 1 1/2 INCH GAP AT THE REAR EXIT DOOR ON THE LEFT SIDE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PESTS AND RODENTS.
38
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOXES OF CHOP STICKS, FOOD CONTAINERS, SEAWEED, AND WHITE 5 GALLON BUCKETS STORE ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES OR MORE OFF THE FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
47
45
Mar 26, 2019
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ON THE MENUS AT THIS TIME. PREMISES SERVED SUSHI(RAW), INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
25
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO EMPLOYE HEALTH POLICY ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-010, NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED. NEED TO PROVIDE DISINFECTANT RATED FOR NOROVIRUS.
5
Required records available: shellstock tags, parasite destruction
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITED AGREEMENT OR STATEMENT FROM THE SUPPLIER STATING THE FISH SUPLIED FOR SUSHI IS FROZEN TO REQUIRED TIME AND TEMPERATURE FOR PARASITE DESTRUCTION, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
14
Compliance with variance/specialized process/haccp
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SUSHI RICE WAS LAST LAB RESULTS WERE IN 2011, INSTRUCTED THEY MUST HAVE THE PROCEDURE TESTED BY LAB EVERY 5 YEARS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
29
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 30 GALLON CONTAINERS BEING USED TO STORE RICE, FLOUR, TOO LARGE TO BE FULLY SUBMERGE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SMALER CONTAINERS(FOOD GRADE) OR HAVE A WRITTED PROCEDURE FOR ALTERNATIVE MANUAL WAREWASHING EQUIPMENT.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE EXTERIOR OF THE FRYERS, 2 TIER CART NEXT TO FRYER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 5 FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES EXPIRED, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE NEW CERTIFICATES.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
45
Apr 13, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED TORN DOOR GASKETS INSIDE OF THE 2 DOOR PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE. REPAIR THE SCREEN AROUND THE REAR EXIT DOOR.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA.
35
90
Jul 8, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OSERVED RAW WOOD STORAGE SHELVE IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO SEAL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOASTER OVEN, AND THE CUTTING BOARDS FRONT/REAR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE OVER SUSHI DINING CHAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
35
86
Dec 17, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON DUTY OR CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD(RICE 158.4F AND SUSHI) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012A
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. REPAIR FLOOR NEAR UTILITY SINK(NOT LEVELED, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS IN FRONT PREP AREA. REPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: REPLACE NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHT BULBS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPAIR OVERHEAD LEAKING PIPE IN BASEMENT.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ELEVATE ALL SOFT DRINKS OFF FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND VINEGAR CONTAINER IN REAR PREP AREA.
41
70
May 5, 2015
License
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF SUSHI RICE 106-116.3F STORED IN HOT HOLDING UNIT.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD APPROXIMATELY 5LBS AND $15 OF SUSHI RICE. ALL HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 140F OR ABOVE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE GROCERY BAGS AND PROPERLY STORE FOOD IN FOOD STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: REMOVE EXCESS WATER OFF FLOOR IN BASEMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN CEILING VENTS IN PREP AREA(DUST BUILDUP). REPPLACE STAINED CEILING TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING IN REACH-IN FREEZER. REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT SHIELD ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
36
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: ALL FOOD HANDLER CERIFICATES NOT AVAILABLE DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALL CERTIFICATES BY 8-5-15.
45
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sawa Sushi — Kawa last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Sawa Sushi — Kawa on file is from Nov 6, 2025. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Sawa Sushi — Kawa?
Across the inspection record, “insects, rodents, & animals not present” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Sawa Sushi — Kawa.
Has Sawa Sushi — Kawa's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Sawa Sushi — Kawa have averaged around three violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Sawa Sushi — Kawa means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Sawa Sushi — Kawa inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Sawa Sushi — Kawa is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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