Food Safety Report: China Palace, 1129 W Thorndale Ave, Chicago, Il, USA.

Chicago, 60660 Illinois, United States

Report date: Feb 18, 2026
10. Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
- comments: observed no hand washing signs provided at the hand washing sinks. Management instructed to provide a handwashing sign at all hand washing sinks.

23. Proper date marking and disposition
- comments: observed ready-to-eat tcs foods (cooked pork, chicken, beef, egg rolls and crab rangoon, etc. ) stored in the prep coolers and walk-in cooler for more than 24 hours not date marked. Management instructed to date mark all ready-to-eat foods with the expiration date of 7 days or less with the day of preparation counting as day 1. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed a rodent infestation throughout the premises. Observed approx. 500 mouse droppings throughout the restaurant including the floor of the food prep areas, dry storage areas, washroom, on the shelves of the prep tables and dry storage shelves, on top of the grease traps, under the counter beneath the 2-compartment sink, and in the ledges behind the prep coolers. Additional pest control service is needed to eliminate the pest activity throughout the premises. Management instructed to clean and remove all rodent droppings throughout the premises. Priority violation 7-38-020(a). Citation issued.

38. Insects, rodents, & animals not present
- comments: observed the front door not rodent proofed with 1/2" gaps along the top and bottom. Management instructed to rodent proof all outer openings.

41. Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
- comments: observed multiple wet wiping cloths stored on the prep tables and storage shelves in the food prep areas. Management instructed to store all wet wiping cloths in a container of sanitizer when not in use.

47. Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
- comments: observed plastic grocery bags used to store frozen meats inside of the chest freezer. Management instructed to use only food grade storage bags or containers to store foods.

49. Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
- comments: clean the cooking equipment throughout the premises including the wok station, grease traps, deep fryers, wire storage shelves, prep coolers, prep tables, food storage containers, rolling storage racks, microwave, convection plate, chest freezers, light shields, grease on pipes under the 3-compartment sink and wok station.

51. Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
- comments: repair the leak under the 3-compartment sink at the drain line.

54. Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
- comments: observed multiple piles of garbage along the building behind the restaurant. Observed used tires and garbage surrounding the outside garbage dumpster contributing to the rodent infestation inside of the restaurant. Management instructed to maintain the outside garbage area clean and remove all trash and litter from the alley. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020(b). Citation issued.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: clean the floor of the walk-in coolers.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed multiple boxes of stock and equipment stored on the floor in the rear storage room. Management instructed to store all necessary items at least 6" off of the floor and away from the walls to facilitate cleaning and rodent harborage conditions.

55. Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
- comments: observed multiple openings in the walls throughout the food prep, dry storage and dishwashing areas. Management instructed to seal all openings in the walls.

56. Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
- comments: the ventilation fan in the washroom is not operational. Must repair or replace the ventilation fan in the washroom.

60. Previous core violation corrected
- comments: previous core violations from report 2622366 on 8/18/25 not corrected: 55 - observed grease buildup, splatter, food debris, and dirt on floor under cooking equipment, along and on walls and in all corners throughout prep area. Instructed manager to clean floors under all equipment, along walls and in all corners in all areas. Observed dust buildup on fan in walk-in cooler, light shields in cooking area and ceiling and wall vents in prep and storage areas. Instructed manager to clean and maintain all fans, light shields and ceiling/wall vents. 56 - observed excessive grease build-up spilled from ventilation hoods. Instructed to detail clean and maintain. Priority foundation violation 7-42-090. Citation issued.