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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Al Safa

3146 W Touhy Ave

Last inspected Aug 13, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Complaint

Aug 13, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

8 recorded violations

notedCode 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 13, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint Re-Inspection

Apr 1, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 1, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Mar 24, 2025

Fail

12 recorded violations

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

MUST PROVIDE BEARD RESTRAINTS FOR FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARDS.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

ALL CLEAN STORED POTS/PANS MUST BE STORED INVERTED.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 23Food source and labeling

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

MUST USE FOOD SCOOPS WITH HANDLES INVERTED INSIDE FOODS.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 24, 2025 · Original Source

Complaint

Oct 4, 2024

Pass

4 recorded violations

notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 4, 2024 · Original Source

License

Feb 6, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

10 recorded violations

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 3Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

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

Inspector’s 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

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT HANDSINK INSIDE CUSTOMER WASHROOM.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s 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.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 53Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 6, 2024 · Original Source

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