Skip to content
Loading map…

SAVE A LOT

3939 W OGDEN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60623 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

SAVE A LOT has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 21, 2011. The most recent inspection, on December 2, 2020, found no infractions.

4 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: Pests and Food temperature control.

Recent inspections have recorded fewer infractions than earlier ones, so the record is improving.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 2, 2012. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 October 21, 2011. For example: FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE

  • 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 12 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 27, 2015. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

  • 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 4 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on November 27, 2015. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • Other findingsLower risk

    Findings that do not fit the categories above, such as follow-ups that confirm an earlier violation was corrected, or requirements specific to this type of facility.

    Recorded once on October 21, 2011. For example: WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE

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. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES IN THE REAR BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN THE MEAT WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SHELVES IN THE REAR WITH MINOR DIRT AND DUST DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT IN NEED OF MINOR CLEANING TO REMOVE DIRT AND DUST DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED VENTS IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELDS ARE NEEDED ON THE LIGHTBULBS LOCATED ABOVE THE PRODUCE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHTING IN THE MILK WALK IN COOLER AND WALK IN FREEZER LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE ALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED SINK STOPPERS NEEDED AT BOTH 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  4. Complaint Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Short Form Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. I OBSERVED 25 MOUSE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR IN REAR STORAGE AREA UNDERNEATH STAIRS. FRONT ENTANCE DOOR WAS NOT COMPLETELY RODENT PROOFED AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF DOOR. DOOR HAD A STRIP WITH A RUBBER BOTTOM WHICH APPARENTLY CRACKED AND WAS REPLACED WITH A SMALL STRIP WITH BRUSHES. GAPS OBSERVED BETWEEN STRIPS AND CORNER END OF DOOR. MUST CLEAN AREA IN REAR WHERE DROPPINGS NOTED AND REPAIR BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR.
  6. License Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  7. License Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • Inspector Comments: All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RODENT PROOF ALL DOORS.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • Inspector Comments: The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisancE. OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVER FLOWING.MUST HAVE OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER LIDS TIGHT FITTING.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MUST REPAIR, REPLACE OR PROVIDE TRIM ON COOLER, MISSING OUTLET COVER, BUMPERGUARDS ON COOLERS, CUTTING BOARDS,WALK IN FREEZER GASKET, LOOSE HAND SINK AT MEAT WRAPPING STATION AND SINK STOPPERS FOR 3 COMP SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • Inspector Comments: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN ALL SHELVING UNITS, CASHIER STATIONS, VENTS,MOTORS OF ALL COOLERS, ALL REACH IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, SINKS, CUTTING BOARDS, LIGHTS, AND ALL FAN GUARDS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Inspector Comments: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST REPAIR, CLEAN, SEAL, REPLACE OR REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA, HOLES IN THE FLOORS WHERE NEEDED, AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN MEAT PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Inspector Comments: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN, REPAIR, OR SEAL HOLES IN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, DAMAGED WOOD BASES IN REAR STORAGE AREAS,MISSING AND DAMAGED WALL TRIM THROUGHOUT AND OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS, STAINED CEILINGS TILES.MUST PROVIDE LIGHTING WHERE NEEDED AND SHIELDS. MUST PAINT WALLS IN REAR AREAS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Inspector Comments: All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST ELEVATE, ORGANIZE OR REMOVE ALL CLUTTER IN REAR AND 2ND FL AREAS.
  8. License

    10 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous food shall have adequate refrigerated food storage facilities. OBSERVED INADEQUATE REFRIGERATION. MUST HAVE COLD HOLDING AT 40F AND BELOW AND 0F FOR FROZEN.
    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • All food establishments shall be provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold water under pressure properly connected to the city water supply.MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.
    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • All necessary control measures shall be used to effectively minimize or eliminate the presence of rodents, roaches, and other vermin and insects on the premises of all food establishments, in food-transporting vehicles, and in vending machines. OBSERVED RODENT DROPPINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. REMOVE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL AFFECTED AREAS. RODENT PROOF ALL DOORS. NO PEST CONTROL LOGBOOK ON SITE AT THIS TIME. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • The area outside of the establishment used for the storage of garbage shall be clean at all times and shall not constitute a nuisance. MUST PROVIDE AN OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER AT ALL TIMES.
    • 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. MUST REPAIR, REPLACE OR PROVIDE TRIM ON COOLER, MISSING OUTLET COVER, BUMPERGUARDS ON COOLERS, CUTTING BOARDS,WALK IN FREEZER GASKET, LOOSE HAND SINK AT MEAT WRAPPING STATION AND SINK STOPPERS FOR 3 COMP SINK.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN ALL SHELVING UNITS, CASHIER STATIONS, VENTS,MOTORS OF ALL COOLERS, ALL REACH IN COOLERS, FREEZERS, PREP TABLES, SINKS, CUTTING BOARDS, LIGHTS, AND ALL FAN GUARDS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST REPAIR, CLEAN, SEAL, REPLACE OR REMOVE PEELING PAINT ON FLOORS IN REAR STORAGE AREA, HOLES IN THE FLOORS WHERE NEEDED, AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN MEAT PREP AREA.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN, REPAIR, OR SEAL HOLES IN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, DAMAGED WOOD BASES IN REAR STORAGE AREAS,MISSING AND DAMAGED WALL TRIM THROUGHOUT AND OPENINGS AROUND PIPES LEADING INTO WALLS AND CEILINGS, STAINED CEILINGS TILES.MUST PROVIDE LIGHTING WHERE NEEDED AND SHIELDS. MUST PAINT WALLS IN REAR AREAS.
    • 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 LOUD VENTILATION EXHAUST AT MEN'S WASHROOM.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors. MUST ELEVATE, ORGANIZE OR REMOVE ALL CLUTTER IN REAR AND 2ND FL AREAS.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website