Busy, busy bees.
Southwest Side Restaurant Shut Down By City Health Department
Multiple Health Code ViolationsA Southwest Side restaurant was shut down today after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered an infestation of house flies.
Gum Fung Restaurant, 6835 S. Pulaski, also was cited for doors with gaps that could allow access to rodents and insects, an employee restroom in need of detailed cleaning, and food in open containers placed on the floor (about 20 pounds of bok choy and other vegetables, which were ordered discarded).
Today’s inspection was no surprise to staff at Gum Fung. CDPH staff warned restaurant management about the flies on August 4, ordered them to eliminate the infestation, and said they would be back to re-inspect in about a week. Today’s inspection showed no compliance at all, according to inspectors on the scene.
The enforcement action was the 147th time in 2008 that Health Department inspectors have shut a food establishment for violations of city health regulations. In addition to having their business license confiscated, representatives of Gum Fung will have to explain themselves at an administrative hearing on September 18 and pay fines expected to total $1,000.
In an unrelated matter, remaining closed today after being shut down yesterday is the Flat Top Grill (www.flattopgrill.com) at 319 W. North.
CDPH closed the restaurant yesterday after finding a fruit fly infestation in the kitchen, walk-in and reach-in coolers that were failing to chill food to 40 degrees or colder, and food at unsafe temperatures (including eggs, cheese, pork, cooked noodles and cut tomatoes).
Yesterday’s inspection was triggered by a customer who called 311 to complain of water leaking from the ceiling in the dining area. Yesterday’s inspection found no evidence of leaks.
Chicagoans who believe that a restaurant or any other licensed food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to report it by calling 311 or visiting www.cityofchicago.org.