Chennai Express
Last inspected: Apr 29, 2025
95
Score
Public records show seven inspections at Chennai Express stretching back to 2023. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 29, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly eight violations before.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
Chennai Express' latest score of 95 sits above the Cranston average of 88. Taken together, the history is a positive one.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 29, 2025
Re-Inspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Outer openings not protected against pests
Inspector notes: The door to the outside, located in the hall way, is not tight-fitting. Door in back prep area was propped open. Door was closed. Outer openings of a food establishment must be protected against the entry of insects and rodents by tight-fitting doors. Per PIC, person was on site to install door sweep.
6-202.15
95
Apr 15, 2025
Routine
6 major violations. 4 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of rodents is not controlled as evidenced by droppings and dead mice observed in establishment. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies. Establishment has PCS servicing establishment next week.
6-501.111
Employees not reporting illness or health conditions
Inspector notes: There was no evidence that employees are required to report to the person in charge information about their health (illnesses, symptoms) as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food. Handout provided.
2-201.11(A)
No written procedures for vomiting or diarrheal events
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: The establishment does not have a written procedure for cleaning vomit and diarrhea. Handout provided.
2-501.11
Warewashing facilities; installed maintained, & used; test strips
Inspector notes: The facility is lacking thermo labels or similar internal temperature indicating device for the dish machine. Testing strips or device to be purchased.
4-204.115
Equipment or utensils not clean
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Food contact surfaces of equipment/utensils (ice machine) were observed with an accumulation of food and debris. The food contact surfaces of equipment must be clean to sight and touch. Ice machine turned off. Ice disposed of. Ice machine to be washed rinsed and sanitized.
4-601.11(A)
Food thawed using improper method
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Meat was observed thawing in stagnant water. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must be thawed in one of the following manners: under refrigeration (41 degrees Fahrenheit or less); completely submerged under running water; as part of the cooking process; or in the microwave if cooked immediately after thawing. PIC turned on running water.
3-501.13
Dead or trapped pests not removed promptly
Inspector notes: A dead rodent was observed in a trap. Dead pests must be removed from establishment.
6-501.112
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Handles of scoops was observed stored in dry ingredients. Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container. Scoops relocated.
3-304.12
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the shelving next to rice cooker have an accumulation of rodent droppings. All equipment on shelf was taken to 3-bay sink to be sanitized.
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: Rodent droppings were observed on the floor underneath shelving near the rice cooker and along the wall next to the bathroom. Area to be cleaned.
6-501.12
45
Oct 25, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Plumbing system not maintained in good repair
Inspector notes: 3 bay sink located in the kitchen area was observed in poor repair(leakage at pipes).
5-205.15
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors throughout kitchen area have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
82
Oct 4, 2023
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Dead insects were observed in a container of flour. Flour was disposed of.
3-101.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Box of eggs was observed held at 80 degrees Fahrenheit on the floor in the kitchen. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. All eggs were disposed of.
3-501.16(A)
Evidence of pests or pest control inadequate
Inspector notes: The presence of roaches is not controlled as evidenced by live roach activity. The presence of insects, rodents, and other pests must be controlled by routinely inspecting the premises for evidence of pests, using acceptable methods to control pests, eliminating harborage conditions, and routinely inspecting incoming shipments of food and supplies.
6-501.111
Dead or trapped pests not removed promptly
Inspector notes: Dead mice were observed hanging out of the bait boxes. Dead rodents/pests shall be removed from the premises.
6-501.112
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Containers of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Establishment turned heat on the stove to hot hold water.
3-304.12
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: The condensate from the walk-in refrigeration unit is draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain. Per PIC, parts have been ordered.
5-403.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floor in the dining area is in poor repair. The physical facilities must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The floors in the throughout the facility has an accumulation of grease, soil residue and food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.12
50
Sep 13, 2023
Re-Inspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 6 violations
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various foods in the prep unit were observed held at 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. Food was moved to walk-in.
3-501.16(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Containers of food were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The prep unit was observed unable to keep the internal food temperature at 41 degrees. Food was relocated prep unit to not be used until unit is serviced.
4-501.11
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: The condensate from the walk-in refrigeration unit is draining into a container. Condensate drainage and other nonsewage liquids must drain into a drain.
5-403.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The floors and walls throughout the facility have an accumulation of soil residue and/or food debris. The physical facilities shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them clean.
6-501.11
64
Aug 23, 2023
Re-Inspection
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Raw and ready-to-eat foods not properly separated
Inspector notes: Raw animal foods (marinated chicken) were observed stored above ready-to-eat foods (sliced vegetables) in the walk-in refrigerator. Raw animal foods must be separated from raw ready-to-eat food such as vegetables during storage.
3-302.11
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed held at 42-56 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. All foods were stocked from the walk-in a little after 11. All foods were moved to walk-in to rapidly cool.
3-501.16(A)
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: All foods were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The walls and ceiling in the main kitchen was observed with accumulation of grease and other debris. Establishment to do a thorough cleaning on the physical facility.
6-501.12
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Working containers of dry ingredients are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
Inspector notes: Bowls are being used as scoops in containers of dry ingredients. Utensils used to dispense non-time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods such as sugar and flour must be stored in the food item with their handles above the top of the food within the container.
3-304.12
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the portable fan and shelving have an accumulation of dust, grease, food residue, and other debris.
4-602.13
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The 3-bay sink was observed leaking into a container. The 3-bay sink must be maintained in good repair. Per owner, plumber fixed leak this morning. Leak to be addressed again.
6-501.11
50
Aug 10, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 8 minor violations. 3 corrected on site.
View 14 violations
Food is unsafe, adulterated, or misrepresented
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: A package of basil was observed with a mold like substance on it. PIC voluntarily disposed of food.
3-101.11
No hand drying provision at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: The hand-washing sink in the back prep area was lacking paper towels.
6-301.12
Ready-to-eat food not date marked
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed not marked with the date of preparation. Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods prepared in the establishment and held for more than 24 hours must be marked with the date of preparation.
3-501.17
Food in good condition, safe, and unadulterated
Inspector notes: Thermometers are lacking in the multiple refrigeration units. Cold holding equipment used for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must have at least one thermometer that is located to allow easy viewing of the temperature display.
4-204.112
Hot or cold food held at improper temperature
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Various foods in the prep units and mini refrigerator were observed held above 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food must be held at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below except during preparation, cooking, or cooling. All foods were pulled from walk-in prior to opening. Foods were placed back in walk-in.
3-501.16(A)
No soap available at handwashing sink
Inspector notes: Soap was not available at the hand-washing sink in the back prep area. Hand-washing sinks must be provided with a supply of hand cleaning liquid, powder, or bar soap.
6-301.11
Food storage containers not labeled with contents
Inspector notes: Working containers of dry ingredients are not labeled with the common name of the food. Working containers holding food or food ingredients that are removed from their original packages, such as flour, herbs, salt, sugar, and spices must be labeled with the common name of the food.
3-302.12
Food stored improperly or exposed to contamination
Inspector notes: Various foods were observed stored on the floor in the walk-in. Food must be stored at least 6 inches above the floor.
3-305.11
In-use utensils stored improperly between uses
(corrected on site)
Inspector notes: Utensils were observed stored in stagnant water between uses. Water was disposed of. Utensils were sanitized. Proper utensil storing procedures reviewed with PIC. The ice scoop is stored on an unclean surface (top of the ice machine) between uses. During pauses in food preparation, utensils must be stored on a clean surface or in a clean, protected location. Bucket was placed nearby for ice scoop.
3-304.12
Equipment not durable or properly constructed
Inspector notes: Non-food grade containers are being used to store ingredients. Establishment to purchase more food grade buckets.
4-201.11
Equipment not in good repair or proper adjustment
Inspector notes: The refrigerator and prep unit was observed unable to maintain an adequate ambient temperature. All food was relocated to walk-in. Units to not be used until serviced/ adjusted.
4-501.11
Nonfood-contact surfaces not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The non-food contact surfaces of the portable fan, inside prep unit and hood ventilation covers have an accumulation of dust, food residue, grease and other debris.
4-602.13
Physical facilities not cleaned at required frequency
Inspector notes: The walls and ceiling in the main kitchen was observed with accumulation of grease and other debris.
6-501.12
Physical facilities not in good repair
Inspector notes: The 3-bay sink was observed leaking into a container. The 3-bay sink must be maintained in good repair.
6-501.11
35
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chennai Express last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Chennai Express on file is from Apr 29, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Chennai Express?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained, & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Chennai Express.
How does Chennai Express compare to other restaurants in Cranston?
Chennai Express most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Cranston average of 88.
Has Chennai Express' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Chennai Express have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly eight earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Chennai Express 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 Chennai Express inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Chennai Express is inspected around four times per year on average.
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