What is Whale Fish And Chicken Inc's health inspection score?

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc has a SafeDine safety score of 74 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Whale Fish And Chicken Inc last inspected?

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc was last inspected on October 22, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Whale Fish And Chicken Inc have?

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc has 39 total violations across 9 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Whale Fish And Chicken Inc safe to eat at?

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc has a good safety record with a score of 74/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Whale Fish And Chicken Inc serve?

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc serves Chicken cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Whale Fish And Chicken Inc

Name: Whale Fish And Chicken Inc
Address: 4955 W MADISON ST, Chicago, 60644
Rating: 74

4955 W MADISON ST, Chicago

Last Inspected: 10/22/2025

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0Good

Chicken•Chicago

Ranked #987 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 97% of chicken restaurants

Declining

9 inspections

Last: Oct 22, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

4.3

Avg Violations

6 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-26

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-9 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

-15 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

4955 W MADISON ST, Chicago, IL 60644

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Violation Timeline

Feb 2023

1 inspections

5 basic

Feb

Jan 2024

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

11 basic

Sep 2024

3 inspections

1 high priority

4 intermediate

6 basic

Sep

Oct 2024

1 inspections

1 basic

Sep 2025

1 inspections

1 high priority

3 basic

Sep

Oct 2025

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 basic

Inspection History

9 records on file

1 Short Form Complaint4 Complaint2 Complaint Re-Inspection2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Oct 25

Short Form Complaint InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Basic

4 total1 risk factor

71/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
2-101.11 OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER PRESENT WITH A CERTIFICATE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PREMISES COOKS AND SERVES FRIED FISH AND CHICKEN. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE PRESENT AT ALL TIMES WHEN TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-501.11 OBSERVED GASKETS ON SMALL COLD HOLD UNIT NEAR FRYERS TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
4-602.13 OBSERVED BUILD UP ON SHELVES IN COLD HOLD UNITS ACROSS FROM HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN OR REPLACE SHELVES.

Base deductions−24 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Sep 25

Complaint InspectionPass

1 High3 Basic

4 total

84/100inspection score

−16 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED GASKETS ON SMALL COLD HOLD UNIT NEAR FRYERS TO BE DAMAGED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP ON SHELVES IN COLD HOLD UNITS ACROSS FROM HOT LINE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN OR REPLACE SHELVES.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
OBSERVED TRASH AROUND DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−16 pts

Oct 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Basic

1 total

98/100inspection score

−2 pts

Basic (1)

−2 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.13 OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE/OFFICE AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, TRASH ETC. MUST REMOVE BUILT-UP ICE ON WALK-IN FREEZER FLOORS AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

Base deductions−2 pts

Sep 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE/OFFICE AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, TRASH ETC. MUST REMOVE BUILT UP ICE ON WALK IN FREEZER FLOORS AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.
59PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2602656 ON 9/12/24. . OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWINGS AREAS ON, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN WATER HEATER ROOM, UNDER WIRED SHELVING RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, INSIDE OFFICE ON TOP OF DESK, NOTED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP, ON DRIED KITCHENWARE, ON SURFACES OF CARDBOARD BOXES, FRONT PREP AREA WALLS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED. OBSERVED SMALL LIVE ACTIVITY INCREASE TO 70 SMALL LIVE FLIES DURING TIME OF REINSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT. PRIORITY VIOLATION. #7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−4 pts

Sep 24

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionFail

2 Med2 Basic

4 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TESTING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWINGS AREAS ON, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN WATER HEATER ROOM, UNDER WIRED SHELVING RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, INSIDE OFFICE ON TOP OF DESK, NOTED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP, ON DRIED KITCHENWARE, ON SURFACES OF CARDBOARD BOXES, FRONT PREP AREA WALLS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED GREASE TRAP IN POOR REPAIR AND LEAKING AT THE BASE ONTO FLOOR IN REAR DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE/OFFICE AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, TRASH ETC. MUST REMOVE BUILT UP ICE ON WALK IN FREEZER FLOORS AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.

Base deductions−14 pts

Sep 24

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED REAR PREP/DISHWASHING AREA HANDSINK WITHOUT HOT OR COLD RUNNING WATER DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. NOTED PREP AREA IN USE AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-030 (c). CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR TESTING INTERNAL TEMPERATURES OF TCS FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE FOLLOWINGS AREAS ON, SCATTERED ON FLOOR IN WATER HEATER ROOM, UNDER WIRED SHELVING RACK IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, INSIDE OFFICE ON TOP OF DESK, NOTED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL LIVE FLIES IN REAR PREP, ON DRIED KITCHENWARE, ON SURFACES OF CARDBOARD BOXES, FRONT PREP AREA WALLS AND FLYING THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED GREASE TRAP IN POOR REPAIR AND LEAKING AT THE BASE ONTO FLOOR IN REAR DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA OF FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE/OFFICE AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FOOD DEBRIS, TRASH ETC. MUST REMOVE BUILT UP ICE ON WALK IN FREEZER FLOORS AND ELEVATE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR.

Base deductions−24 pts

Jan 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High5 Basic

6 total

80/100inspection score

−20 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14 OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
4-101.19 OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINING ON SHELVING UNITS IN THE REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
5-205.15 OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HANDS SLOW DRAINING AND WATER FILLING UP SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-501.12 OBSERVED FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH PUDDLED CHICKEN BLOOD THROUGHOUT, FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOORS ALONGSIDE SIDE OF FRYERS IN FRONT PREP, FOOD SPLATTER IN FRONT PREP NEAR 2 DOOR FREEZER NOTED TRASH AND MISCELLANEUS ITEMS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVING RACKS IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SAID FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13 OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEED HANDLING FOOD.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
2-102.13 OSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

Base deductions−20 pts

Jan 24

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High1 Med6 Basic

8 total

73/100inspection score

−27 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINKS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF PEST ACTIVITY ON SITE. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 25 SMALL RODENT DROPPINGS SCATTERED ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE OFFICE, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE SAID AREA, AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE ACTIVITY. PRIORIT FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD LINING ON SHELVING UNITS IN THE REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA AND WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACES.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
OBSERVED FRONT PREP AREA HANDS SLOW DRAINING AND WATER FILLING UP SINK BASIN. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH PUDDLED CHICKEN BLOOD THROUGHOUT, FOOD DEBRIS AND EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF GREASE BUILD UP ON FLOORS ALONGSIDE SIDE OF FRYERS IN FRONT PREP, FOOD SPLATTER IN FRONT PREP NEAR 2 DOOR FREEZER NOTED TRASH AND MISCELLANEUS ITEMS ON FLOORS UNDER SHELVING RACKS IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL SAID FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BURNED-OUT LIGHT BULBS UNDER THE VENTILATION HOOD AND IN THE CEILING OF THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND INCREASE LIGHTING.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED 2 FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR REVIEW. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES FOR ALL EMPLOYEED HANDLING FOOD.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.

Base deductions−27 pts

Feb 23

Complaint InspectionPass

5 Basic

5 total

90/100inspection score

−10 pts

Basic (5)

−10 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARD BOARD BEING USED AS A LINING ON FLOOR AREAS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL AS A MEANS OF BEING ABLE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREAS
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED TORN GASKET IN THE 2 and 3 DOOR COOLER BY THE MAIN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED FLOOR INSIDE WALK IN FREEZER WITH A HEAVY BUILD UP OF ICE ON THE FLOOR, STAINS AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEANING AND MAINTAINING AS WELL.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEADS NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEADS TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED ALL EMPLOYEES MUST COMPLETE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AND MAINTAIN RECORDS THEREOF ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−10 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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