The Pepper Canister
Last inspected: Dec 13, 2019
70
Score
Inspectors have visited The Pepper Canister 11 times, with records going back to 2010. Inspectors last stopped by on Dec 13, 2019. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical. The most recent inspection at The Pepper Canister is from Dec 13, 2019, and nothing newer appears in the public record.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
Across the inspection history, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the issue that surfaces most often, recorded seven times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
11
Inspections
1
Critical latest
0
Major latest
4
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 13, 2019
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: LOW TEMP DISH WASHING MACHINE IN MAIN KITCHEN NOT SANITIZING AT FINAL RINSE. 0PPM OBTAINED AT CL TEST STRIP. MACHINE WAS BEING USED DURING INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER SANITIZER CONCENTRATION / PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-025.
16
Consumer advisory provided for raw/undercooked food
Inspector notes: NO DISCLAIMER NO REMINDER ON MENU FOR FOOD THAT CAN BE COOKED TO ORDER ( HAMBURGERS ). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.NO CITATION
25
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN BEHIND BLADE, FOOD DEBRIS NOTED. SODA GUN HOLDER AT BAR NOT CLEAN AND NOT DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
47
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD SERVICE MANAGER, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.
58
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. NO CITATION.
3
70
Jun 27, 2018
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE AND CHAR ACCUMULATING ON THE SIDES OF THE GRILL, TOP OF THE STOVE AND FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES IN THE CEILING ABOVE THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE, WHERE DRYWALL HAS BEEN CUT AWAY AND PIPES EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH CEILING TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
90
Jun 26, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOK LINE PREP TOP COOLER HOLDING IMPROPER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 53 DEGREES F WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED INSIDE. THE UNIT WAS TAGGED DURING INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL THE CDPH HAS REMOVED THE TAG. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL COLD HOLDING UNITS MUST MAINTAIN AT 40 DEGREES F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED IN THE COOK LINE PREP TOP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES: RICE, 61 DEGREES F; PICO DE GALLO, 61 DEGREES F; SAUSAGE, 58-60 DEGREES F; CHEESE, 58-60 DEGREES F; STEAK, 57 DEGREES F; HAMBURGER, 58 DEGREES F; DELI MEATS, 57 DEGREES F; HUMMUS, 60 DEGREES F; CUT TOMATO, 51-56 DEGREES F; SOUR CREAM, 54 DEGREES F; EGGS, 54 DEGREES F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 30 LBS OF PRODUCT WORTH $100. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MUST BE HELD AT 40 DEGREES F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION: 7-38-005(A)
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE AND CHAR ACCUMULATING ON THE SIDES OF THE GRILL, TOP OF THE STOVE AND FLAT TOP GRILL. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOLES IN THE CEILING ABOVE THE BASEMENT ICE MACHINE, WHERE DRYWALL HAS BEEN CUT AWAY AND PIPES EXPOSED. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH CEILING TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
35
82
May 30, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND SLIGHT BUILD-UP AT THE INNER PANEL OF THE ICE MACHINE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT AT BOTH CORNERS.ALSO FOUND EXCESSIVE GREASE ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE DEEP FRYER IN THE KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOUND DIRTY AND FOUL URINE ODORS IN THE MEN'S RESTROOM FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: FOUND LIGHT FIXTURES ABOVE FREEZERS AND REFRIGERATORS IN THE BASEMENT AREA WITHOUT LIGHT SHIELD COVERS OR SHATTER PROOF BULBS.MUST PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD COVERS OR SHATTER PROOF BULBS FOR THE ABOVE STATED LIGTH FIXTURES.
36
86
Apr 11, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR WATER STAINED SECTION OF CEILING NEAR THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
45
90
Mar 30, 2016
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Food protected during storage, preparation, display, service and transportation
Inspector notes: FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE. OBSERVED BLACK SLIMY SUBSTANCES THROUGHOUT INTERIOR WATER COMPONENTS OF THE ICE MACHINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO TURN OFF MACHINES, REMOVE ICE AND HAVE INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE CLEANED AND SANITIZED AND MAINTAINED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
16
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REMOVE BLACKENED CAULK ABOVE THE KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REPAIR WATER STAINED SECTION OF CEILING NEAR THE ICE MACHINE IN BASEMENT STORAGE.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN TO SMOOTH,EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NO LIGHT SHIELD AT KITCHEN HOOD.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELD OR PROVIDE SHATTER-PROOF LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: REPLACE 2 BROKEN SINK STOPPERS AT KITCHEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VISIBLE CRACKS AT END OF ICE SCOOP FOR ICE MACHINE.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
43
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT NOT MET.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AND MAINTAIN AS REQUIRED.
45
70
Jun 24, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED A SLIMY SUBSTANCE INSIDE THE SODA GUN HOLDERS AT THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.ALSO NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE CHEST FREEZER AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED SLOW WATER DRAIN AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Sep 11, 2014
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTI USE UTENSILS(PLATES, BOWLS ETC) ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS DURING STORAGE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED HOLES ON INNER DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.NOTED NO LIDS AT THE ICE BIN OF THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED HOLES ON CEILING ABOVE ICE MACHINE AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING SHIELDS AND LIGHT BULB ABOVE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION AND ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ON THE FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND NEW BULB.
36
82
Sep 4, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: NOTED WASTE WATER WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BACKING UP AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND NOT DRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. CITATION ISSUED FOR SERIOUS VIOLATION #7-38-030.
24
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: NOTED MULTI USE UTENSILS(PLATES, BOWLS ETC) ON SHELVES AT THE KITCHEN NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS DURING STORAGE OR PROVIDE A PROTECTIVE COVER TO PREVENT DUST ACCUMULATION AND CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: NOTED HOLES ON INNER DOOR OF SERVICE COOLER AT THE KITCHEN FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.NOTED NO LIDS AT THE ICE BIN OF THE BAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INNER LINING OF ICE MACHINE, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN ALL SODA GUN HOLDERS AT THE BAR WITH GRAYISH SUBSTANCE INSIDE GUN HOLDERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED HOLES ON CEILING ABOVE ICE MACHINE AT THE BASEMENT DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
35
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: NOTED MISSING SHIELDS AND LIGHT BULB ABOVE 2 DOOR REFRIGERATION AND ABOVE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK ON THE FIRST FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT SHIELDS AND NEW BULB.
36
74
Nov 15, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: BAR ICE BINS MISSING COVERS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER NOT CLEANED PROPERLY, FOOD DEBRIS NOTED ON BLADE COVER, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CEILING IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM IN POOR REPAIR, A HOLE AND DAMAGED SECTION OF CEILING NOTED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
35
86
Dec 6, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. PREP AREA REACH IN COOKLINE COOLER RUBBER DOOR GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.
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. OBSERVED THICK DUST BUILD ON PREP COOLER CONDENSER AND SLIGHT LIME BUILD UP INSIDE ICE MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQUIPMENT.
33
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. CEILING LIGHT COVER CRACKED ABOVE POT WASH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SHELF. MUST REPLACE DAMAGED LIGHT COVER.
36
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Pepper Canister last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Pepper Canister on file is from Dec 13, 2019. The public record contains 11 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Pepper Canister?
Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at The Pepper Canister.
Has The Pepper Canister's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Pepper Canister have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at The Pepper Canister 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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