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LIFEWAY KEFIR SHOP

1745 W DIVISION ST, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

LIFEWAY KEFIR SHOP has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 18, 2010. The most recent inspection, on July 9, 2025, found no infractions.

4 of 17 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, Protecting food from contamination and Food temperature control.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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 January 19, 2021. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 December 27, 2013. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

  • 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 once on May 15, 2012. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 14 times across 10 separate inspections, most recently on March 8, 2016. 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 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on January 19, 2021. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

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.

17 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN OR POSTER NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A FEW BROKEN FLOOR TILES IN REAR DINING AREA. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON VENTILATION VENT INSIDE CUSTOMER'S WASHROOMS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  4. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • ICE MAKER NOT CLEAN INSIDE, ORANGE FILM NOTED ON INTERIOR SURFACES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  5. Canvass

    0 infractions

  6. Canvass

    0 infractions

  7. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A HEALTH EMPLOYEE POLICY AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ATIMES SUCH AS MASK, GLOVES DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINKS IN FRONT PREP AND REAR DISH DISHWASHING ARE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE STORAGE CLOSET AND THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES THROUGHOUT BASEMENT. MUST CLEAN AND ORGANIZE AREA TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR/AWAY FROM THE WALL.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MICROWAVE STORED ON TOP POROUS SHELF( FOAM AND WOOD) ON EAST WINDOW, NEED TO REPLACE, SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH CLEANABLE AND NON ABSORBENT MATERIAL
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR TILE BETWEEEN FRONT AND REAR AREA ARE BROKEN. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • HOT/COLD WATER HANDLES AT TOP LOADER YOGURT MACHINE ARE LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  9. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAK AT FAUCET AT HANDSINK IN REAR DISH AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
  10. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS UNDER AND AROUND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • LEAK AT FAUCET AT HANDSINK IN REAR DISH AREA. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET ABOVE SOFT SERVE MACHINE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN CLOSET FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED PER MUNICIPAL CODE OF CHICAGO FROM REPORT #1283346 ON 12-27-13 AND #1395352 ON 1-9-14. 38-FAUCET NOT MAINTAINED ABOVE TOP LOAD SOFT SERVE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FAUCET TO SUPPLY HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REPAIR DAMAGED FAUCET ON REAR EXPOSED SINK.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • ELEVATE ALL STOCK OFF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN CLOSET FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
  13. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FAUCET NOT MAINTAINED ABOVE TOP LOAD SOFT SERVE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FAUCET TO SUPPLY HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOODS NOT PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY OR SERVICE. INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE HAS BROWN AND BLACK FOREIGN SUBSTANCE THAT IS COMING INTO CONTACT WITH FRESH ICE BEING MADE AND STORED. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE UNIT TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005(A). "HELD FOR INSPECTION" TAG PLACED ON ICE MACHINE.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS IS BEING PREPARED AND HANDLED-KEIFER AT 38 F. INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON PREMISES DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FAUCET NOT MAINTAINED ABOVE TOP LOAD SOFT SERVE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE FAUCET TO SUPPLY HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • STOCK NOT MAINTAINED IN STORAGE CLOSET. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE SUPPLIES 6 ICNHES OR HIGHER AND AWAY FROM WALL.
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Cutting boards with deep, dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN A THERMOMETER INSIDE THE 2 DOOR COOLER.
  16. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. MUST REPAIR LEAKING FAUCET AT REAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK
  17. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair.REPLACE WORNED-OUT CUTTING BOARDS.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • All employees shall be required to use effective hair restraints to confine hair.HAIR RESTRAINTS NOT PROVIDED.

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