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AL'S BEEF

5441 S WENTWORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60609 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

AL'S BEEF has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 25, 2011. The most recent inspection, on November 6, 2017, recorded 6 infractions.

1 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. No inspections are on record from the past 12 months. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene and Protecting food from contamination.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 6, 2017. For example: APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

  • Protecting food from contaminationHigher risk

    This covers how food is stored, prepared and displayed: raw meat kept away from ready-to-eat food, food covered and stored off the floor, and nothing dripping or splashing into it. Cross-contamination from raw to cooked food is a direct route for salmonella and E. coli.

    Recorded once on July 19, 2012. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 13 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 6, 2017. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on November 6, 2017. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • Food safety training and certificationLower risk

    Most jurisdictions require a certified food handler or manager on site, and some require allergen or food-worker training. These findings mean the paperwork or the trained person was missing at the time. They do not by themselves mean food was handled unsafely.

    Recorded 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on October 31, 2017. For example: * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

8 inspections

  1. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON WALK IN COOLER. REPAIR BROKEN WALK IN COOLER DOOR, DOOR OFF HINGES, AND REMOVE RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN SAID COOLER, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. DISCONTINUE USING ALUMINUM FOIL ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT. REMOVE PLASTIC WRAPPED AROUND FAUCET ON 3-COMP SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF MICROWAVE AND CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE. CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, WALK IN COOLER, IN OUTSIDE STORAGE SHED, AND TOILET ROOM.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM CEILING VENT IN TOILET ROOM. ALSO, CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE FROM HOOD FILTERS. REPAIR DETACHED WALL TRIM ON WALL BEHIND TOILET ROOM DOOR.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES IN PREP AREA, OBSERVED STAFF NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS.
  2. Canvass

    7 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION, WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS; BEEF AND POTATOES ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE CERTIFIED MANAGER ON-SITE AT ALL TIMES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON WALK IN COOLER. REPAIR BROKEN WALK IN COOLER DOOR, DOOR OFF HINGES, AND REMOVE RUST ON STORAGE RACKS IN SAID COOLER, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. DISCONTINUE USING ALUMINUM FOIL ON HEAVY EQUIPMENT. REMOVE PLASTIC WRAPPED AROUND FAUCET ON 3-COMP SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF MICROWAVE AND CLEAN INTERIOR PANEL OF ICE MACHINE. CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM LOWER SHELVES ON PREP TABLES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, WALK IN COOLER, IN OUTSIDE STORAGE SHED, AND TOILET ROOM.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST FROM CEILING VENT IN TOILET ROOM. ALSO, CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE FROM HOOD FILTERS. REPAIR DETACHED WALL TRIM ON WALL BEHIND TOILET ROOM DOOR.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • MUST CLEAN UNKNOWN DEBRIS FROM LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • HAIR RESTRAINTS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES IN PREP AREA, OBSERVED STAFF NOT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINTS.
  3. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 6. HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITH POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES, BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD (SANDWICHES)DURING PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED ON PROPER HANDWASHING AND BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY TO EAT FOOD. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-010(A).
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHCIAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVERED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF,CHILI,HAMBURGER. A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 1537322 DATED 4/25/2015 (45)(29)INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS. NOT CORRECTED, MUST COMPLY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT.
  4. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO VALID CITY OF CHCIAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVERED SUCH AS ITALIAN BEEF,CHILI,HAMBURGER. A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served. CITATION ISSUED #7-38-012.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVERED RUST, FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVING INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • NOTED FLOORS INSIDE OUTSIDE DRY STORAGE ROOM DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO NOTED GREASE AND SPILLS BEHIND COOKING EQUIPMENT. MUST CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED FOOD SPLATTER INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER ON WALLS. MUST CLEAN. ALSO CLEAN INSIDE LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DINING AREA TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED LEAKY FAUCET AT THE EXPOSED HAND SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH'S FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS.
  5. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO PERSON ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE CERTIFICATE AND PERSON ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS. CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AND PERSON ON SITE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED NO CITY OF CHGO SANITATION CERT/PERSON ON SITE.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • THE FOLLOWING IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL FOOD BUIKLD UP: STOVE TOP, FRYERS, GRILL AND PREP TABLES. ICE MACHINE IN NEED OF CLEANING. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS IN CORNERS AND UNDER ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. COVING IN POOR REPAIR AT PICK UP WINDOW AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • HOOD VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL GREASE BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
  6. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOOD NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, OBSERVED LIVE ANT ON EXTERIOR OF BEVERAGE UNIT AND ALSO IN CUP WHEN SODA DISPENSED. UNIT TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION AT THIS TIME. INSTD TO SERVICE UNIT, CLEAN AND SANITIZE. INSTD NOT TO USE UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CDPH. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A SERIOUS.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • LIGHTSHIELDS THRU-OUT NOT CLEAN. CLEAN SAME.
  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 37. TOILET ROOM DOORS SELF CLOSING: DRESSING ROOMS WITH LOCKERS PROVIDED: COMPLETE SEPARATION FROM LIVING/SLEEPING QUARTERS
      • Toilet rooms shall be completely enclosed and shall be vented to the outside air or mechanically ventilated. MUST INSTALL SELF CLOSING DEVICE ON WASHROOM DOOR.

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