The Elephant Thai Cuisine
Last inspected: Jan 12, 2017
82
Score
Inspectors have visited The Elephant Thai Cuisine 12 times, with records going back to 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Jan 12, 2017. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues. Note that The Elephant Thai Cuisine's inspection history hasn't been updated since Jan 12, 2017; current conditions may have shifted from what the file shows.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near three violations per visit.
The most common issue across all inspections has been “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean”, showing up 11 times.
Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, this is about average. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 12, 2017
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, must properly date food items in walk in cooler.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Display cooler shelving that had peeling paint/rust, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Prep table lower shelving not clean, had grease build up, needs detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, dish machine not clean, need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
82
Jul 28, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF (2) PREP COOLER (WITH DUST ACCUMULATION INSIDE VENT) IN PREP/COOKING AREA.---------MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN STORAGE SHELVES/RACKS WITH BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN REAR STORAGE AND INSIDE BOILER ROOM TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. USABLE ITEMS MUST BE STORED 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING.------CLEANING EQUIPMENT (MOPS AND BROOMS) MUST BE STORED OFF THE FLOOR.
41
90
Nov 20, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT PROPERLY STORED INSIDE REACH-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS FOR ALL FOOD STORAGE. FOODS INSIDE COOLERS NOT PROPERLY LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS.
30
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD, INTERIOR OF COOLERS, GASKETS ON COOLER DOORS, DEEP FRYER CABINETS, AND REAR STORAGE SHELVES IN REAR STORAGE ROOM NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAND DAILY AND SANITIZE ALL FOD CONTACT SURFACES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEANED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY AND REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS.
34
86
Jan 8, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: FOODS NOT PROPERLY STORED INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOODS INSIDE FOOD GRADE FREEZER OR STORAGE BAGS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MULTI USE UTENSILS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION BEFORE USE.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS, STORAGE SHELVES UNDER PREP TABLES, NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR ALONG WALLBASE AND UNDER EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FREQUENTLY.
34
82
Sep 29, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Sanitizing rinse for equipment and utensils: clean, proper temperature, concentration, exposure time
Inspector notes: DURING INSPECTION FOUND STAFF MEMBER WASHING UTENSILS AT THE 2-COMP SINK AND ANOTHER STAFF MEMBER WASHING A LONG FLAT STANLESS SHEET PAN AT THE MOP SINK. ABOVE ITEMS WERE NOT BEING PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED AT TIME OF INSPECTION. ALL MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED AT THE 3-COMP SINK OR AT THE DISH MACHINE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.
8
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REMOVE RUST FROM THE STAINLESS STEEL RACKS INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR THE BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE 2DR FREEZER LOCATED ACROSS FROM THE WALK-IN COOLER. SURFACE IS NOT WELL MAINTAINED. BOTTOM FLOOR OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED FREEZER MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILT CLEANABLE.
34
86
Jan 30, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE PIPES UNDER 3-COMP SINK AND NEXT TO THE STOVE TO REMOVE GREASE BUILD-UP.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AND CONTAINERS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
34
90
Apr 8, 2013
Complaint
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY INVERT ALL SERVING PLATES, BOWLS AND DISHES DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT DIRT ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOIL AROUND GAS PIPING BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT (STOVE, FRYERS ETC.) AND FOIL LINER INSIDE UNUSED OVEN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN PREP/STORAGE SHELVES, KITCHEN HOOD AND FILTERS WITH GREASE AND DUST BUILD-UP.
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 UNDER 2 AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND FLOORS UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM LEVEL OF SHELVING INSIDE REACH IN FREEZER.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REORGANIZE STORAGE SHELVES ON PREMISE. MUST REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
70
Feb 11, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY INVERT ALL SERVIING PLATES, BOWLS AND DISHES DURING STORAGE TO PREVENT DIRT ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN THE BOTTOM LEVEL OF SHELVING INSIDE REACH IN FREEZER.
34
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE WASH CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE.
43
86
Aug 3, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Found some 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 surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Reach in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust, shall be replaced/repaired, rear storage shelving that had exposed raw wood, shall be repaired/sealed.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Non food contact surfaces of ice machine, prep table lower shelving need cleaning(detailed), non food contact surfaces of reach in cooler shelving need cleaning.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors behind ice machine, not clean, need cleaning(corners).
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: Missing light shields in rear storage room shall be provided, light shields in prep area need cleaning.
36
78
Apr 6, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
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), rear storage shelving racks in kitchen prep area, storage room need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment, storage shelving, and in rear storage room under racks not clean need detailed cleaning(corners).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls in kitchen prep area need cleaning by prep counter area, and 3 compartment sink area not clean need cleaning.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Exhaust vents(ventilation)in kitchen prep area, dining area need cleaning.
38
82
Nov 9, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 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
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Multi and single use containers not properly stored. Instructed to invert utensils to prevent contamination before use.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Fan covers in walk-in cooler and exterior between equipment not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor behind equipment and along wallbase in rear and in storage room not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean daily.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Ceiling in rear storage room not maintained. Instructed to remove chipped paint and repaint walls. Ceiling, light ventilation covers in prep and toilet room not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean.
35
78
Mar 23, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Stove, sinks and storage shelves not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor in corners and along wallbase not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean including furnace room.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Corners and behind storage racks not maintained. Instructed to remove all unused articles and elevate stock 6inches or higher.
41
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Elephant Thai Cuisine last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Elephant Thai Cuisine on file is from Jan 12, 2017. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Elephant Thai Cuisine?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at The Elephant Thai Cuisine.
Has The Elephant Thai Cuisine's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Elephant Thai Cuisine have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at The Elephant Thai Cuisine means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
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