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FARMER'S FRIDGE

5555 S ARCHER AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60638 · VENDING COMMISSARY

Inspection summary

FARMER'S FRIDGE has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since March 6, 2019. The most recent inspection, on September 29, 2026, recorded 7 infractions.

2 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 3 inspections with 15 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Food source, labelling and allergens.

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 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 29, 2026. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 11, 2025. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on November 5, 2019. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on March 29, 2019. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 13 times across 7 separate inspections, most recently on September 29, 2026. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

11 inspections

  1. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT VALID ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE AS WELL AS CERTIFIED MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • HANDWASH SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE IN PREP ROOM "X". OBSERVED BOTTOM PIPE DETACHED CAUSING WATER TO LEAK DIRECTLY ON FLOOR. (HANDSINK REPAIRED AND CONNECTED AT TIME OF INSPECTION). PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • OBSERVED CLEANED DISHES IN CLEAN ROOM NOT INVERTED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO INVERT ALL DISHES ONCE WASHED AND WHILE STORED TO PREVENT POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT HANDSINK IN DISH ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN UNISEX RESTROOM IN HALL NEAR CONFERENCE ROOM. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED WALLS IN CONFERENCE ROOM AND RESTROOM IN HALL NEAR CONFERENCE ROOM NOT COVED/ENCLOSED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO INSTALL BASEBOARDS FOR THE PREVENTION OF PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DAMAGE TO WALL OUTSIDE WOMEN'S LOCKER ROOM CAUSING SURFACE TO BE CRACKED. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR SURFACE TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): MISSING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL WALK IN COOLERS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15: EYEWASH DEVICE ATTACHED TO HANDWASH SINK FAUCET IN PREP AREA Y. INSTD TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN AS HANDWASH SINK ONLY
  3. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT HANDWASH SINK IN PREP AREA H WHERE EMPLOYEES ARE ACTIVELY WORKING, CURRENT TEMPERATURE AT 60.0F. INSTD TO PROVIDE HOT RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE (100F-120F) AT ALL TIMES. CITAION ISSUED 7-38-30(C) PRIORITY
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • NO HAND DRYING PROVISIONS AT HANDWASH SINKS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS WHERE EMPLOYEES ARE ACTIVELY WORKING: PREP AREA T, PREP AREA V , PREP AREA W, PREP AREA X, PREP AREA Y. PREP AREA Z, AND WAREWASHING ROOM. INSTD TO PROVIDE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. PAPER TOWELS PROVIDED AT HANDWASH SINKS DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • HANDWASH SINK NOT ACCESSIBLE IN WAREWASHING ROOM. EQUIPMENT IN BASIN OF SINK, ITEMS IN FRONT OF SINK, AND WATER TURNED OFF. INSTD TO HAVE WATER ON AND MAINTAIN SINK ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. DURING INSPECTION, EQUIPMENT AND ITEMS REMOVED, AND WATER TURNED ON. VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) PRIORITY FOUNDATION. SEE ABOVE FOR VIOLATION ISSUED
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MISSING THERMOMETERS FOR ALL WALK IN COOLERS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • EYEWASH DEVICE ATTACHED TO HANDWASH SINK FAUCET IN PREP AREA Y. INSTD TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN AS HANDWASH SINK ONLY
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • IN USE SCRAPE SINKS ATTACHED TO WAREWASHING UNITS MISSING PIPES UNDERNEATH, WHICH IS CAUSING WASTE WATER TO ACTIVELY ACCUMULATE ON FLOOR IN WAREWASHING ROOM. INSTD TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN PLUMBING TO PROPERLY CONVEY WASTE WATER. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C) PRIOERITY
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • OBSERVED PIPE IN DISHWASHING ROOM DRAINING ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO EXTEND TO DRAIN.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION.PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INSTALL HAND WASHING SINK WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER UNDER CITY PRESSURE, SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PRODUCE RINSE/PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINKS SLOWLY DRAINING IN PRODUCE AND LARGE PRODUCTION AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Suspected Food Poisoning

    1 infraction

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MISSING ON ALL LABELS:(A) FOOD PACKAGED SHALL BE LABELED AS SPECIFIED IN LAW, INCLUDING 21 CFR 101- FOOD LABELING, AND 9 CFR 317 LABELING, MARKING DEVICE, AND CONTAINERS. (B) LABEL INFORMATION SHALL INCLUDE: (1) THE COMMON NAME OF THE FOOD, OR ABSENT A COMMON NAME; AN ADEQUATELY DESCRIPTIVE IDENTITY STATEMENT; (3) IF MADE FROM TWO OF MORE INGREDIENTS, A LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND SUB-INGREDIENTS IN DESCENDING ORDER OF PREDOMINANCE BY WEIGHT, INCLUDING A DECLARATION OF ARTIFICAL COLORS, ARTIFICAL FLAVORS AND CHEMICAL PRESERVATIVES, IF CONTAINED IN THE FOOD. (3) AN ACCURATE DECLARATION OF THE NET QUANTITY OF CONTENTS; (6) EXCEPT AS EXEMPTED IN THE FEDERAL FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT SECTION 403(q)(3)-(5), NUTRITION LABELING AS SPECIFIED IN 21CFR, 101- FOOD LABELING AND 9 CFR 317 SUBPART B NUTRITION LABELING. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN FOR ALL PRODUCTS, INCLUDING HOUSEMADE GREEK HERB VINAIGRETTE.
  8. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • 4-204.112(B): MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR VENDING MACHINES. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • 5-402.12: UNABLE TO VERIFY LOCATION OF GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTD TO BE ABLE TO VERIFY/VISUALLY SEE LOCATION
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • 5-501.1 REFUSE RECEPTACLE OBSERVED WITHIN A VENDING MACHINE. INSTD TO REMOVE. A REFUSE RECEPTACLE MAY NOT BE LOCATED WITHIN A VENDING MACHINE.
  9. License

    6 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND INSTALL.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MISSING INTERNAL THERMOMETERS FOR VENDING MACHINES. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • RECEIVING AND SHIPPING OVERHEAD DOORS NOT RODENT PROOF, APPROX 1/4-1/2 GAP NOTED AT BOTTOM AND SIDES OF DOORS. INSTD TO RODENT PROOF SAME AND HAVE TIGHT FITTING AT ALL TIMES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • VENDING MACHINES USED FOR TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS WITHOUT AN AUTOMATIC CONTROL THAT PREVENT THE MACHINE FROM VENDING FOOD IF THERE IS A POWER FAILURE, MECHANICAL FAILURE OR OTHER CONDITION THAT RESULTS IN THE INTERNAL MACHINE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER FOOD TEMPERATURES. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY 7-38-005.
    • 52. SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
      • UNABLE TO VERIFY LOCATION OF GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTD TO BE ABLE TO VERIFY/VISUALLY SEE LOCATION.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • REFUSE RECEPTACLE OBSERVED WITHIN A VENDING MACHINE. INSTD TO REMOVE. A REFUSE RECEPTACLE MAY NOT BE LOCATED WITHIN A VENDING MACHINE.
  10. License

    0 infractions

  11. License

    0 infractions

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