Gnawed Grain Closes Kiss Dragon

Routine, unannounced inspections can ruin some people's day.

Chinatown Grocery Store
Shut By City Health Department
Health Code Violations Will Not Be Tolerated

A grocery store in Chinatown was ordered closed today after Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) inspectors discovered critical violations of the City Health Code.

Kiss Dragon Company, 2334 S. Wentworth, was shut down after Health Department inspectors discovered live cockroaches throughout the store, mouse feces throughout the store, and bags of grain and flour that had been gnawed into by mice.

CDPH inspectors also cited Kiss Dragon for failing to have hot running water at their three-compartment sink and in their restroom, as well as hanging sticky-strip fly traps directly above raw fish and squid. Inspectors on the scene reported that the strips were loaded with dead flies and other flying insects.

Today’s visit by CDPH was a routine, unannounced inspection.

The enforcement action was the 84th time in 2008 that Health Department inspectors have shut a food establishment for violations of the Chicago Health Code.

Representatives of Kiss Dragon Company will have to explain themselves at an administrative hearing on July 3 and pay a fine expected to total $2,500.

Chicagoans who believe that a grocery store or other food establishment is operating in an unsafe manner are encouraged to dial 311 and report it.