The Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago has recently come under scrutiny after failing a health inspection on 17 December 2025. The findings, which were obtained by PEOPLE, highlighted multiple sanitary issues within the hotel’s dining facilities, including the Terrace 16 restaurant, the main kitchen, and room service areas.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/trump-chicago-hotel-031226-767c783428834614b3cc16a268f46d95.jpg)
The inspection conducted by the Chicago Department of Public Health revealed significant concerns about hygiene standards. Inspectors noted the presence of more than ten small flies in the bar area, as well as three flies located in the dishwashing area. Furthermore, the dishwashing machine was reported to be malfunctioning and not adequately sanitising the utensils, raising alarms about health risks associated with food safety.
Another critical finding was the improper storage of perishable foods, with temperatures spiking to between 46 and 53 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures exceed safe limits, potentially jeopardising the quality and safety of the food served to guests. Additionally, the inspection indicated that wastewater from a prep area sink was draining improperly, resulting in flooding on the kitchen floor—a clear violation of health regulations.
In the main kitchen, the inspector identified further issues, such as improperly labelled shellstock, which refers to raw shellfish still in their shells. The lack of proper labelling is concerning as it affects traceability and safety protocols. Other infractions included a cracked lid on an ice machine, the accumulation of debris in a prep cooler, and a build-up of waste beneath a sink.
Upon a follow-up inspection on 23 December 2025, the restaurant appears to have rectified most of the noted issues, as it passed the subsequent check. However, the ice machine lid remained cracked, signalling ongoing maintenance concerns.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first instance of food safety violations at the Trump hotel’s restaurants. Since the establishment opened in 2009, the facilities have encountered several failed inspections. One particularly notable incident occurred on 9 January 2024, when it was reported that a chef was reusing oyster shells as serving dishes after a sanitising cycle in the dishwasher. Following that inspection, inspectors discovered more than 30 small black flies in both the kitchen and bar areas and noted the absence of hand soap and disposable paper towels at certain sinks.
Despite the repeated violations, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago has not released an official statement in response to the latest findings. The public’s health and safety remain a priority, reflecting the importance of adhering to hygiene standards in all dining establishments.
The spate of issues at this hotel raises questions about management practices and the level of oversight regarding food safety protocols. With increasing scrutiny on compliance within the hospitality industry, it remains to be seen how the Trump hotel will address these ongoing challenges to ensure both customer safety and satisfaction.
As patrons become increasingly conscientious of health standards, particularly in the wake of health crises, establishments that fail to maintain adequate hygiene practices risk losing customer trust and patronage. Stakeholders within the hospitality sector may want to take these findings as a cautionary tale about the critical importance of rigorous cleaning and safety measures to protect both guests and staff.
Overall, the documented failures during the recent inspections underline the significance of regular health assessments and the need for establishments to uphold stringent hygiene standards to ensure a safe dining experience for all.