Al Safa

Year by year

Inspections

1. Aug 13, 2025 Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

     OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (DELI MEAT) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED IN 2-DOOR REFRIGERATOR UNCOVERED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDED FOOD GRADE LIDS AND/OR COVERINGS WHEN STORING ALL FOOD ITEMS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

   • Severity not stated

     CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

     OBSERVED RAW MEAT STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

     OBSERVED HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP AREA TO BE SLOW-DRAINING. PERSON IN CHARGE WAS ADVISED TO UNCLOG SINK AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION. INSTRUCTED TO CORRECT ISSUE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP ON FLOORS AROUND COOKING EQUIPMENT, WALLS, IN ALL CORNERS AND SHELVING UNITS IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEGREASE, CLEAN AND SANITIZE.

2. Apr 1, 2025 Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

     NEWLY INSTALLED MESH SCREEN DOOR AT THE REAR EXIT MUST BE RODENT/INSECT PROOFED ON ALL SIDES. NOTED LARGE OPEN GAPS ON ALL SIDES AND BOTTOM THRESHOLD.

3. Mar 24, 2025 Complaint · Fail — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

     OBSERVED APPROXIMATLY 20 LBS OF THE ASSORTED PREPARED TCS NOT DATE LABELED WITH AN EXPIRATION DATE NO LONGER THAN 7 DAYS. NO DATES OF ANY KIND. PREPARED HUMMUS, PREPARED SAUCES, COOKED LAMB, COOKED CHICKEN. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

     ALL PRE-PACKAGED PREPARED FOODS, SUCH AS OLIVES AND DESSERTS, INSIDE GRAB AND GO COOLER AND COUNTERTOP MUST BE PROPERLY LABELED WITH THE BUSINESS NAME, ADDRESS, LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND ALLERGY WARNING IF NEEDED.

   • Severity not stated

     PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

     MUST PROVIDE BEARD RESTRAINTS FOR FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS.

   • Severity not stated

     WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

     ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.

   • Severity not stated

     IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

     MUST USE FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED INSIDE FOODS.

   • Severity not stated

     UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

     NOTED SOILED LINENS IMPROPERLY STORED. MUST PROPERLY STORED IN A SEALED CONTAINER.

   • Severity not stated

     SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

     ALL CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     MUST NOT USE RAW WOODEN BLOCKS AS LIFTS FOR KABOBS INSIDE COOLERS OR ON FOOD CARTS. MUST BE SMOOTH, CLEANABLE MATERIAL.----MUST NOT USE TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR INSIDE THE FRONT SMALL COOLER.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOKS LINE EQUIPMENT,STEAM TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS WITH DIRT,GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----COOKS LINE CUTTING BOEAD BADLY STAINED AND IN POOR CONDITION. MUST REPLACE OR RESURFACE.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

     OUTSIDE WASTE RECEPTACLE WITH OVERFLOWING GARBAGE AND FOOD WASTE. GARBAGE ON THE GROUNDS SURROUNDING THE CONTAINERS INCLUDING A USED GREASE RECEPTACLE ENCRUSTED WITH GREASE. RECEPTACLE LID UNABLE TO CLOSE TIGHT FITTING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL OVERFLOWING GARBAGE, REMOVE GARBAGE FROM THE GROUND AND PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING LID. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B) CITATION ISSUED.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     NOTED DIRTY FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY, DIRTY WALLS AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.----OPEN HOLE TO PIPING INSIDE THE EMPLOYEE WASHROOM. MUST SEAL.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     SOILED MOP HEADS IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE MOP SINK. MUST STORE INVERTED.

   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

     PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2604123 FROM 10-4-24 NOT CORRECTED. #40- OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.#49- OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN ALL PREP AREA SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.#57- OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

4. Oct 4, 2024 Complaint · Pass — Risk 1 (High)
   • Severity not stated

     PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

     OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN ALL PREP AREA SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     OBSERVED LIGHT BULBS (X2) NOT WORKING ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULBS.

   • Severity not stated

     ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

     OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.

5. Feb 6, 2024 License · Pass w/ Conditions — Risk 1 (High)
   • Not serious Priority Foundation

     MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

     FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SIGNED EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

     INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INSIDE CUSTOMER WASHROOM.

   • Severity not stated

     THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

     INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP SEAMS AND STAIN ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

     INSTRUCTED CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

     INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.

   • Severity not stated

     NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL REACH-IN COOLERS, FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.

   • Severity not stated

     TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

     EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMERS TOILET RECEPTACLE MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA ESPECIALLY IN CORNERS BEHIND HOT WATER TANK AND FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND COOLERS WITH DRIED FOOD SPILLAGE.

   • Severity not stated

     PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

     INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION ABOVE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER

   • Severity not stated

     ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

     LIGHTBULB MUST BE SHIELDED AT KITCHEN HOOD (FAR LEFT) ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.

   • Severity not stated

     ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

     CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT, ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.