Al Safa
Last inspected: Aug 13, 2025
61
Score
Across the available record, Al Safa has five inspections on file, the first dated 2024. The most recent visit was on Aug 13, 2025. A medium risk rating points to a few notable findings at the last inspection, though nothing severe.
The picture has gotten worse over the last few visits, with the average climbing from around seven violations to closer to nine violations.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged five times.
The city-wide average sits at 81, which Al Safa's 61 doesn't quite reach. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
1
Major latest
8
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 13, 2025
Complaint
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 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.
23
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 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.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE TOILET ROOM IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 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.
55
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 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.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW MEAT STORED IN GROCERY BAGS IN UPRIGHT FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO STORE FOOD ITEMS IN FOOD GRADE CONTAINERS.
39
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: 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.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 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.
47
61
Apr 1, 2025
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 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.
38
95
Mar 24, 2025
Complaint
3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: 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.
54
Previous core violation corrected
Inspector notes: 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.
60
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: 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.
23
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 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.
37
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE BEARD RESTRAINTS FOR FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS.
40
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: ALL PREP AREA WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE HELD IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USE.
41
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST USE FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED INSIDE FOODS.
43
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: NOTED SOILED LINENS IMPROPERLY STORED. MUST PROPERLY STORED IN A SEALED CONTAINER.
44
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: ALL CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 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.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 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.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 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.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: SOILED MOP HEADS IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE MOP SINK. MUST STORE INVERTED.
55
45
Oct 4, 2024
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR EFFECTIVE HAIR RESTRAINTS.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN ALL PREP AREA SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
49
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT BULBS (X2) NOT WORKING ABOVE PREP AREA. MUST REPLACE WITH WORKING CEILING LIGHT BULBS.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST HAVE FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE.
57
82
Feb 6, 2024
License
1 major violation. 12 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 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
3
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INSIDE CUSTOMER WASHROOM.
10
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE INSIDE ALL PREP AND REACH-IN COOLERS.
36
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP SEAMS AND STAIN ON TOP OF PREP COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED CLEAN, REPAINT OR REPLACE RUSTY METAL RACKS INSIDE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER IN PREP/COOKING AREA.
47
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP/DISHWASHING AREA.
48
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL REACH-IN COOLERS, FREEZERS AND PREP COOLERS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ACCUMULATION.
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: REAR EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM DOOR MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE.
53
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE AND CUSTOMERS TOILET RECEPTACLE MUST BE SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LID/COVER.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 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.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CEILING VENT COVER WITH DUST ACCUMULATION ABOVE FRONT SERVICE COUNTER
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: LIGHTBULB MUST BE SHIELDED AT KITCHEN HOOD (FAR LEFT) ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: 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.
58
50
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Al Safa last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Al Safa on file is from Aug 13, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Al Safa?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited five times, more than any other issue at Al Safa.
Has Al Safa's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Al Safa have averaged around nine violations per visit, up from roughly seven earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Al Safa means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Al Safa inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Al Safa is inspected around three times per year on average.
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