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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Idof Fresh Mediterranean

851 W Belmont Ave

Last inspected Mar 24, 2026 · 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

6 inspections

Canvass

Mar 24, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

14 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE AT START TIME OF INSPECTION WHILE CHICKEN, BEEF AND OTHER TCS FOOD ITMES WERE BEING COOKED. THE DESIGNATED PERSON IN CHARGE, WHO IS PHYSICALLY ON SITE, MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION LICENSE. VIOLATION CORRECTED ON SITE; THE CERTIFIED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER, EDGAR JARA, ARRIVED ON SITE APPROX AT END OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED

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 6Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PROPER EATING, TASTING, DRINKING, OR TOBACCO USE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE EATING AND PLACING THAT SAID FOOD ON PREP TABLE IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT EMPLOYEES MUST CONSUME BEVERAGES/FOOD IN DESIGNATED AREAS OR PUT A LID ON CUP TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION OF FOOD, EQUIPMENT, UTENSILS, ETC.

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 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

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 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (VARIETY OF CHICKEN, SLICED TOMATOES, VAREITY OF CHEESECAKE) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 48.6F-50.7F LOCATED IN DISPLAY COOLER, AND COLD HOLDING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DENATURE ALL SAID TCS FOODS AND TO MAINTAIN A COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F AT ALL TIMES. 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 temperature
notedCode 29Other

Official wording

COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS/HACCP

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING COMPLIANCE WITH VARIANCE/SPECIALIZED PROCESS; FACILITY IN (ROP) REDUCE OXYGEN PACKAGING IN PREP KITCHEN AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS AND FACILITY MUST MEET AND MAINTAIN. TWO ROP UNITS TAGGED ROP FOOD PRODUCTS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 32Other

Official wording

VARIANCE OBTAINED FOR SPECIALIZED PROCESSING METHODS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING VARIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MODIFIED (ROP) PACKAGING PERFORMED IN FACILITY.NO HACCP ON SITE OF DOCUMENTATION FOR PROCEDURE PREFORMED IN FACILITY. INFORMED FACILITY OF REQUIREMENTS MUST MEET AND MAINTAIN. CITATION CONSOLIDATED WITH #29.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

NOTED IMPROPER COLD-HOLD TEMPERATURE OF 50F AT DISPLAY CASES. INFORMED ALL REFRIGERATOR UNITS SHALL MAINTAIN A PROPER TEMPERATURE OF 41F AND BELOW. REFRIGERATOR UNIT MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (CDPH). 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 temperature
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED A PROHIBITED ANIMAL (DOG) ON SITE IN THE FACILITY OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER GAVE CUSTOMER A CUP WITH WATER TO GIVE TO DOG IN DINING ROOM. PERSON IN CHARGE WAS MADE AWARE THAT SUCH ANIMALS ARE PROHIBITED FROM FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ANIMAL FROM THE FACILITY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. DOG WAS REMOVED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-40-060. 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 insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY STORE AND PROTECT FOOD ITEMS FROM CONTAMINATION WHILE STORED BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS.

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 CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.

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 THE REACH IN COOLERS ENCRUSTED WITH FOOD DEBRIS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.

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 HAND SINK INSIDE (DRIP DESSERT LOUNGE) SPRAYING FROM SIDE OF FAUCETS, NOTED HAND SINK IN REAR PREP NEAR 1 COMP SINK IS ALSO LEAKING FROM DRAINING PIPES.INSTRUCTED TO 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Mar 24, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Jul 23, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Jul 15, 2025

Fail

8 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO HAND SIGN AVAILABLE IN BATHROOM INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A HAND SINK INSTRUCTING EMPLOYEES TO WASH HANDS PRIOR TO RETURNING TO WORK.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE UPPER COMPARTMENT OF DRINK DISPENSER IN LOBBY TO BE HEAVILY SOILED AND COVERED WITH A BLACK AND GREY SLIME AND SUBSTANCE THAT IS DRIPPING ONTO THE ICE. ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANTITIZE, AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND FOOD CONTACT SURFACES OF ICE MACHINE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

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 35Food temperature

Official wording

APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VARIOUS PIECES OF BEEF THAWING IN FOOD PREP SINK AT ROOM TEMPERATURE IN THE MIDDLE PREP/MEAT PREP ROOM IN REAR. INSTUCTED TO THAW ALL FOODS APPROPRIATELY AS ALLOWED BY CODE.

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 temperature
notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER PRESENT IN THE TWO DOOR REACH IN COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO ENTRANCE TO THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A THERMOMETER TO MEASURE THE INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF COOLER.

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 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED VARIOUS FOOD ITEMS IN BOXES STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE DRY STORAGE AREA, IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND IN THE WALK IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

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 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS STORED IN BOXES ON THE FLOOR IN THE MEAT PREP ROOM AS WELL AS ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE HALL LEADING TO ALLEY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.

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

OBSERVED THE TWO DOOR STANDING COOLER IN REAR AND VARIOUS DRY STORAGE SHELVES TO HAVE CARDBOARD USED AS A LINER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH, EASILY CLEANABLE, AND NON ABSORBENT REPLACMENT FOR LINERS.

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 THE HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP/STORAGE ROOM, THE SOUTHERN MOST HAND SINK IN KITCHEN PREP, TO BE LEAKING FROM BASE OF FAUCET WHEN IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO SERVICE AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD REPAIR.

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jul 15, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

Aug 16, 2024

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 16, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 9, 2024

Fail

4 recorded violations

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

2-DOOR PREP AREA REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE SAID DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKET.

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 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEP. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOOR.

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
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

STORAGE ROOM FLOOR CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR/REMOVE ITEMS IN STORAGE ROOM.

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

THE FOLLOWING PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT #2582601 DATED ON 09/29/23 NOT CORRECTED-#16 ICE CHUTE AT SELF-SERVE ICE MACHINE WITH BEGINNING OF PINK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP, MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AND #57 RENEW EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES, VALID ONLY FOR 3 YEARS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS MUST BE CORRECTED BY THE DATE OF REINSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090.

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, Aug 9, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Sep 29, 2023

Pass

5 recorded violations

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

DRY FOOD INGREDIENT MUST HAVE A LABEL WITH A 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 problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

REMOVE DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE THE FOOD STORAGE BY THE REAR ENTRANCE DOOR.ALSO ELEVATE ITEMS 6"OFF THE FLOOR.

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 16Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

Inspector’s notes

ICE SHOOTER AT SELF-SERVE ICE MACHINE WITH BEGINNING OF PINK SUBSTANCE BUILD UP, MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE 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 54Facility maintenance

Official wording

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

Inspector’s notes

NOTED OUTSIDE GREASE CONTAINER AND SURROUNDING NOT MAINTAINED WITH THICK GREASE ON THE GROUND AROUND THE GREASE CONTAINER AND TOP OF CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN GREASE CONTAINER AND ITS SURROUNDING.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

RENEW EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE.VALID ONLY FOR YEARS

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

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 29, 2023 · Original Source

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