Canvass
Dec 2, 2024
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Dec 2, 2024 · Original Source
Restaurant · Chicago, IL
Cafe Alif
2245 W Devon Ave
Last inspected Dec 2, 2024 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
The department’s records list this business as closed or out of business.
Out of Business
Get the next inspection, free.
We'll email you when Cafe Alif has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
5 inspectionsComplaint Re-Inspection
Sep 6, 2024
Pass
2 recorded violations
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 6, 2024 · Original Source
Complaint
Aug 9, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
9 recorded violations
notedCode 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
WE OBSERVED COOKED AND RAW FOOD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE:COOKED MEAT WITH RICE INSIDE A POT AT TEMP OF 46.4F ;SOUP AT TEMP OF 46.7F; TWO CONTAINERS OF COOKED BEEF AT TEMP OF 45.9F TO 46.6F; THREE CONTAINERS OF CHOPPED RAW BEEF AT TEMP OF 45.7F TO 46.9F. COOKED PASTA AT TEMP OF 45.7F.CHOPPED HAM, BOILED EGGS AND DICED COOKED POTATOES AT TEMP OF 45.7F TO 46.4F. COOKED SAMSI(FILLED WITH BEEF) AT TEMP OF 45.1F. 1 CASE OF FRESH EGGS AT TEMP OF 46F. COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE PROVIDED. ALL MENTIONED FOOD WAS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED. POUND 75, VALUE 289. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005, CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER. REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
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 problemsnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s notes
NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
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 issuesnotedCode 58Permits, training, and postings
Official wording
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
Inspector’s notes
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS
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 issuesnotedCode 33Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Inspector’s notes
WALK-IN COOLER MAINTAINS AIR OF 45.8F TO 46.7F.TCS FOOD WERE STORED INSIDE THE UNIT.TECHNICIAN ON SITE NOT ABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO CONDENSER UNIT PIPES ARE FROZEN WITH EXCESS ICE BUILD-UP. TAGGED UNIT "HELD FOR INSPECTION". DO NOT USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION: 7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
DRY FOOD STORED INSIDE PLASTIC CONTAINERS MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME.
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 problemsnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 9, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jun 7, 2024
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT FAUCET OF MOP SINK. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERNT PART OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER,.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 7, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
May 30, 2024
Fail
9 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s notes
NOTED PAPER TOWELS DISPENSER AT FRONT PREP AREA STORED ABOVE CUTTING BOARD OF PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE PAPER TOWELS ABOVE HANDWASHING SINK.
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 problemsnotedCode 22Food temperature
Official wording
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
Inspector’s notes
WE OBSERVED TCS FOOD STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: TWO COVERED POTS OF BROTH FROM COOKED LAMB AT TEMP OF 45.6F AND 46.5F. ALSO WE OBSERVED COOKED HOME MADE PASTA AT TEMP OF 61F.NO TIME AND TEMPERATURE LOG PROVIDED.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMP OF 41F AND BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED.POUNDS 20 VALUE 20. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
In plain English
Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.
More about food kept at an unsafe temperaturenotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s notes
LABEL FOOD WITH COMMON NAME IN STORAGE AND ALL COOLERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 38Pests
Official wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s notes
WE OBSERVED 3 ADULT ROACHS INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER BETWEEN RUBBER GASKET AND HINGE OF THE DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION: 7-38-020(A),CITATION ISSUED
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 insectsnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s notes
OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP THE CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO 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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s notes
MUST NOT USE DUCT TAPE AS A MEANS OF REPAIR ON THE DOOR OF WHITE CHEST FREEZER.REPLACE BROKEN LINER OF THE SAID FREEZER.SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
EXCESS GREASE AT INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF OVEN AND UNDER BURNERS BY THE WALL.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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s notes
DRAIN PIPES UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK CORROTED WITH EXCESS MINERAL, SLIME SUBSTANCE UNABLE TO CLEAN.CLEA,REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s notes
WE OBSERVED WALL BROKEN AND WITH HOLES IN DIFFERNT PART OF THE KITCHEN: HANDWASHING SINK BY THE PREP COOLER,BEHIND THREE COMPARTMENT SINKETC.REPAIR ISSUE WITH A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 30, 2024 · Original Source