Tom Lee's Chop Suey
Last inspected: Aug 14, 2023
95
Score
Across the available record, Tom Lee's Chop Suey has 20 inspections on file, the first dated 2011. The most recent report on file is from Aug 14, 2023. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well. Tom Lee's Chop Suey's record stops at Aug 14, 2023, more than two years back, so current conditions may differ.
Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near four violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been the most frequent reason, cited seven times.
Restaurants in Chicago average 81, so Tom Lee's Chop Suey is doing better than most peers. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 14, 2023
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 3-307.11 OBSERVED EMPLOYEE FOOD STORED NEAR RESTAURANT FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE RESTAURANT FOOD AND EMPLOYEE FOOD TO AVOID CROSS CONTAMINATION.
39
95
Aug 7, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED WITHIN SPECIFIED TIMEFRAME. REPORT #2559874, DATED JUNE 24, 2022, INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO: #55 CLEAN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP, AND TO #49 DEFROST FREEZER CHEST IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH HEAVY FROST BUILD UP. OBSERVED FREEZER CHEST IN REAR PREP AREA WITH HEAVY FROST BUILD UP; OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT KITCHEN INCLUDING IN CORNERS AND UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ADDRESS ALL PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
60
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EMPLOYEE FOOD STORED NEAR RESTAURANT FOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE RESTAURANT FOOD AND EMPLOYEE FOOD TO AVOID CROSS-CONTAMINATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RUSTED SHELVING ABOVE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAINT OR REPLACE RACKS.
47
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE BUILD UP ON FILTERS ABOVE GRIDDLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN.
56
78
Jun 24, 2022
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND DEFROST INTERIOR OF CHEST FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE BUILD-UP IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH GREASE AND DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS ESPECIALLY UNDERNEATH COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, REORGANIZE AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS STORED IN REAR STORAGE AREA (BY THE EXIT DOOR) TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
36
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IDENTIFIED WITH COMMON NAME (RICE, FLOUR, MSG ETC).
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD PRODUCTS FROM AN OPEN ORIGINAL CAN CONTAINER (MUSHROOM, ORANGE JUICE ETC) INTO FOOD GRADE CONTAINER FOR PROPER FOOD STORAGE.
47
74
Mar 17, 2021
Reinspection
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-101.11 OBSERVED MEAT STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN THE PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKED CHICKEN AND OTHER COOKED FOODS STORED IN A CARDBOARD BOX IN THE PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13 CLEAN THE GREASE TRAP, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS, STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYER.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 5-501.17 OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 6-501.14 CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
56
74
Mar 8, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2355271 ON 12/12/19 NOT CORRECTED: 53 - OBSERVED THE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM MISSING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM DOOR. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090. NO CITATION ISSUED.
60
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK PROVIDED FROM A LICENSED IDPH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITH A RECENT PEST CONTROL INSPECTION FROM A LICENSED IDPH PEST CONTROL COMPANY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
38
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE ON THE VENTILATION HOOD AND FILTERS.
56
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MEAT STORED IN A PLASTIC GROCERY BAG IN THE PREP COOLER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS OR CONTAINERS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE GREASE TRAP, PREP TABLES, FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE CHEST FREEZER AND PREP COOLERS, STEAM TABLE, AND DEEP FRYER.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR BEHIND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
58
61
Dec 12, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED COOKING KNIVES STORED IN BETWEEN SEAMS OF PREP TABLES ON THE HOT LINE AREA.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO PROPERLY STORE KNIVES
43
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM MISSING.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO INSTALL A SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON RESTROOM DOOR.
53
90
Sep 28, 2018
Complaint
4 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: 2-501.11-NO CLEAN UP POLICY FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12(A)-NO HAND WASHING SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE AND PROVIDE HAND SOAP AND PAPER TOWEL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) NO CITATION ISSUED.
10
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 3-501.17- ALL READY TO EAT TCS FOOD INSIDE THE COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED AND DATED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
23
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 2-102.14(N)-NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12-ALL DRY BULK FOOD CONTAINER MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.
37
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: 3-304.14-WIPING CLOTH ALL OVER THE PREP TABLE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ON A BUCKET WITH SANITIZING SOLUTION IN BETWEEN USES AND MAINTAIN.
41
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-201.11-FOUND GROCERY BAG BEING USED TO STORE FRESH VEGETABLE AND FROZEN FOOD. MUST REPLACE WITH FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAG AND M
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.11-RUBBER GASKET OF THE RIGHT DOOR OF THE 2 DOOR REACH IN COOLER RIPPED OFF . MUST REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-602.13- FAN GUARD OF ALL COOLERS WITH DUST ACCUMULATED. MUST REMOVE DUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C)- OBSERVED EXTERIOR AND SIDES (AND IN BETWEEN COOKING EQUIPMENT AND MICROWAVE)) WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-204.12- BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE NOT LOCATED AT MOP SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SO THAT IT CAN BE LOCATED TO BE ABLE TO SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
51
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15- LEAK ON THE FAUCET CONNECTOR OF THE 3 COMPT SINK. MUST REPAIR TO STOP THE LEAK AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.11- MUST RE SEALED THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: PA 100-0367-NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
58
41
Sep 21, 2017
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSEREVED ONE CEILING LIGHT BULB COVER NOT TIGHT FITTED TO END CAP ABOVE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REATTACH/MAKE TIGHT FIT LIGHT BULB COVER TO END CAP.
36
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STAND UP 1-DOOR AND 2-DOOR PREP COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED/POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR/REPLACE ALL DAMAGED COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
32
90
Apr 25, 2016
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: Observed the exposed handsink blocked/inaccessible: facility had the faucet turned sideways with dirty dishes piled inside the basin. Operator removed and corrected faucet. Instructed facility to maintain exposed handsink accessible at all times. Critical citation issued 7-38-030.
11
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND TO MAINTAIN.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Observed dirt and debris on the floors throughout facility- under and around equipment. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
34
82
Feb 19, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND TO MAINTAIN.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
90
Feb 18, 2016
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER MAINTAINING AN INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 48.6F. TAGGED COOLER HELD FOR INSPECTION BY CDPH- INSTRUCTED FACILITY NOT TO USE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER: 72LBS OF BEEF 47.8F-48.7F, 51LBS OF CHICKEN 48.7F-49.8F, 35LBS OF CREAM CHEESE AND CRAB 49.0F, 20LBS OF COOKED NOODLES 48.0F, 93LBS OF COOKED EGGROLL FILLING (CABBAGE AND SHRIMP) 46.4F-50.6F, AND 4LBS OF PORK 49.6F. OPERATOR VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENATURED SAID PRODUCT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO MAINTAIN ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW OR 140F OR ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A).
3
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOODHANDLERS DISCARD FOOD AND GARBAGE IN THE OUTSIDE DUMPSTER, PROCEED INSIDE, TOUCH SHIRTS AND PANTS, AND HANDLE FOOD WITHOUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO WASH HANDS AT ANY POSSIBLE POINT OF CONTAMINATION- INCLUDING PRIOR TO PUTTING GLOVES ON. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010(A).
6
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO USE ONLY FOOD GRADE MATERIALS FOR FOOD STORAGE AND TO MAINTAIN.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO STORE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST SIX INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND TO MAINTAIN.
34
78
Dec 2, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Nov 23, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained
Inspector notes: EXPOSED HAND SINK IN POOR REPAIR, NOT MAINTAINED, SLOW DRAINING, LOW WATER PRESSURE, NOT ASSESSABLE FOR HAND WASHING, POTS AND PANS STORED INSIDE SINK, AND NO PAPER TOWELS, SINK NOT BEING USED FOR HAND WASHING, PREMISES GIVEN 48 HOURS TO REPAIR SINK, PREMISES MUST USE HAND SINK IN BATHROOM, THATS ABOUT 15 FEET AWAY, AREA SUPERVISOR NOTIFIED, CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED: 7-38-030
11
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON COMPLIANCE ON PREVIOUS ORDERS ISSUED, DATED:04/20/2015, FOR REPORT #1533087, VIOLATIONS LISTED BELOW: 33 EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES AND STEAM TABLE, 34 FLOOR NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH-OUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL NON-POROUS FLOOR IN PREP AREA. 35 Walls and ceiling through-out premises not maintained. Instructed to repaint all surfaces. 45 NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE, SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED: 7-42-090
29
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THREE COMPARTMENT, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR,
38
86
Apr 20, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP ON COOKING EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES AND STEAM TABLE,
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH-OUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL NON-POROUS FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Walls and ceiling through-out premises not maintained. Instructed to repaint all surfaces.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING IN ILLINOIS CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION, MUST PROVIDE,
45
82
Dec 10, 2014
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH-OUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL NON-POROUS FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: ADEQUATE LIGHT NOT PROVIDED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL LIGHTING.
36
90
Dec 3, 2014
Complaint
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOU MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED: 4-10-2014, REPORT #1434739: 30-FOODS INSIDE COOLER NOT LABELED OR DATED. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND DATE ALL FOODS NOT IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS. FOODS NOT PROPERLY STORED IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE FOODS IN FOOD GRADE FREEZER BAGS. 33-COOLERS, STORAGE SHELVES, SINKS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, EXHAUST HOOD AND FILTERS NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE DAILY. 34-FLOOR THROUGH-OUT PREMISES AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN DAILY. 35-WALLS AND CEILING THROUGH-OUT PREMISES AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT NOT CLEAN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAINT ALL SURFACES. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
29
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOOR NOT MAINTAINED THROUGH-OUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL NON-POROUS FLOOR IN PREP AREA.
34
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: ADEQUATE LIGHT NOT PROVIDED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL LIGHTING.
36
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: DRAINLINE UNDER THREE COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO PREVENT LEAK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: UNNECESSARY ARTICLES STORED THROUGHOUT PREMISES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES.
41
78
Apr 10, 2014
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: Foods inside cooler not labeled or dated. Instructed to label and date all foods not in original container. Foods not properly stored in freezer. Instructed to store foods in food grade freezer bags.
30
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Cutting boards attached to prep cooler not maintained. Instructed to replace worn cutting board.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Coolers, storage shelves, sinks, cooking equipment, prep tables, exhaust hood and filters not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean and sanitize daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floor through-out premises and behind equipment 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: Walls and ceiling through-out premises not maintained. Instructed to repaint all surfaces.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Faucet handle not maintained at exposed hand sink. Instructed to repair or replace faucet handle.
38
74
Apr 18, 2013
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLERS AND FREEZER AND SOME DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS NOT LABELED, INSTRUCTED TO LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON SHELVING UNITS IMPROPERLY STORED, INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED/INVERT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
31
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: GASKETS ON TWO DOORS PREP REACH IN COOLER DOORS AT HOT LINE AND TWO DOORS STORAGE COOLER AT REAR STORAGE AREA ARE BROKEN, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND GREASE BUILD-UP ON EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/SANITIZE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF COOLERS, FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES AND STEAM TABLE, MICROWAVE OVEN, SHELVING UNITS, DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, AND REMOVE CARDBOARDS AND FOIL COVERINGS FROM ALL EQUIPMENT.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: GREASE BUILD-UP AND DEBRIS THRU-OUT THE FLOORS, MUST DETAILS CLEAN FLOORS, UNDER, BEHIND EQUIPMENT AT CORNERS AND ALONG WALLS AT PREP AREA, STORAGE AREAS AND WASHROOM.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DRIED FOOD BUILD-UP AND DIRT ON WALLS AT PREP AREA, REAR STORAGE AREA AND WASHROOM WALLS IN POOR REPAIR, ALSO NOTED OPENINGS ON WALLS. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL OPENINGS TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY, REPAIR AND REPAINT WASHROOM WALLS AND CLEAN AND OR PAINT OTHER WALLS AT ABOVE AREAS. ALSO NOTED EXCESSIVE GREASE BUILD-UP ON HOOD AND FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK AT 3PART SINK FAUCET AT NECK AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: CLUTTER NOTED AT REAR STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE, ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
41
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: CLEANING TOWELS IMPROPERLY STORED,(TOWELS ON TOP OF EQUIPMENT AND BOXES) INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORED IN AN APPROVED SANITIZER.
43
64
Jan 12, 2012
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SHELF UNDER STEAM TABLE WITH HEAVY GREASE BUILD-UP.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF REACH-IN COOLER (ACROSS COOKING EQUIPMENT).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES, UNDER AND AROUND COOLING EQUIPMENT, UNDER COOKING EQUIPMENT AND INSIDE TOILET ROOM.
34
Toilet room doors self closing: dressing rooms with lockers provided: complete separation from living/sleeping quarters
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO FIX BROKEN SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT TOILET ROOM DOOR.
37
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR SLOW DRAINING EXPOSED HANDSINK AT FOOD PREP AREA.------MUST PROVIDE 3 WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
78
Apr 14, 2011
Complaint
10 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: All food not stored in the original container shall be stored in properly labeled containers. MUST LABEL PREP FOODS INSIDE STORAGE COOLER AND DRIED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS.
30
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: Containers and utensils shall be inverted, covered, or otherwise protected from contamination until used. All single-service drinking straws and containers shall be discarded immediately after use. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED ON STORAGE SHELVES.
31
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. MUST SEAL RUSTY STORAGE UNIT, RUSTY BOTTOM PANELS OF PREP TABLES AND REPLACE BROKEN GASKETS ON TWO REACH IN COOLERS DOORS.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. MUST REMOVE FOIL COVERING FROM STORAGE SHELVES AND CLEAN-SANITIZE; COOLERS, CHEST FREEZERS, COOKING EQUIPMENT, BOTTM PANELS OF PREP TABLES, MICROWAVE OVEN, STORAGE SHELVES, AND MOP SINK.
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. MUST REPAIR AND RE-PAINT FLOOR AT REAR KICHEN AREA AND CLEAN FLOORS THRU-OUT PREMISES.
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. MUST CLEAN WALLS THRU-OUT KITCHEN BEHIND EQUIPMENT AND CLEAN FILTERS ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND VENT COVERS THRU-OUT.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR LEAKING PIPE UNDER EXPOSED SINK AND 3PART SINK FAUCET.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CLUTTER THRU-OUT REAR STORAGE AREA, CLEAN AND ORGANIZE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. ARTICLES MUST BE STORED OFF FLOORS, AWAY FROM WALLS.
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.
42
Food (ice) dispensing utensils, wash cloths properly stored
Inspector notes: Between uses and during storage ice dispensing utensils and ice receptacles shall be stored in a way that protects them from contamination. CLEANING TOWELS MUST BE PROPERLY STORED.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tom Lee's Chop Suey last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tom Lee's Chop Suey on file is from Aug 14, 2023. The public record contains 20 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tom Lee's Chop Suey?
Across the inspection record, “food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Tom Lee's Chop Suey.
Has Tom Lee's Chop Suey's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tom Lee's Chop Suey have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tom Lee's Chop Suey 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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