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SAVE-A-LOT #856

5555 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60639 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

SAVE-A-LOT #856 has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 21, 2011. The most recent inspection, on November 25, 2022, found no infractions.

1 of 11 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: Food temperature control and Pests.

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.

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on October 16, 2014. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 3, 2015. For example: OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

  • 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 19 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on January 19, 2018. For example: VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED 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 10 times across 9 separate inspections, most recently on January 19, 2018. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on July 19, 2016. 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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON FLOOR UNDER THE SHELVING UNITS NEXT TO MEAT COOLER AT FRONT, UNDER THE PET FOOD SHELVING AND NEXT TO WALK-IN FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN FREEZER IN REAR STORAGE ROOM AND FREEZER IN BASEMENT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN COLD HOLDING UNITS AT FRONT. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NOT WORKING VENTILATION INSIDE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOMS IN REAR STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • Observed manual pulling mechanism on paper towel dispenser in rear produce area stiff and difficult to dispense paper towels. Instructed manager to repair and maintain at all times. Observed warped raw wood shelving units in walk in freezer in basement dry storage area. Informed manager that all surfaces must be smooth and easily cleanable. Instructed manager to remove and store items on plastic or stainless steel shelving. Maintain it all times.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Observed dust and food debris underneath all aisle on showroom floor. Instructed manager to apply cleaning schedule and maintain at all times.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Observed left side door sweep along 1st of 4 front entrance doors in need of adjustment. Instructed manager to adjust and maintain at all times.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Observed inventory stored on floor in dairy walk-in cooler, in basement storage area. Informed manager to elevate inventory off floor at least 6 in at all times while in storage. Maintain it all times. Observed clutter and debris on left side of walk-in freezer in basement storage area. Instructed manager to detail clean and maintain it all times to prevent rodent harborage.
  4. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR THRU OUT FRONT NEEDS DETAILED CLEANING, UNDER ALL PALLETS.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILES BY THE OUTER SIDE OF THE FROZEN OPEN FREEZERS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE POSTED AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. NOR ON PREMISES WHEN MEATS PRE-PACKAGED RAW /SMOKED.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012a.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR THRU OUT FRONT NEED DETAILED CLEANING UNDER ALL PALLETS, AND IN REAR REMOVE ALL STANDING WATER.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILING NOT CLEAN INSIDE DAIRY COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
  7. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND OUTSIDE DUMPSTER AREAS NOT CLEAN. (GARBAGE SPILLAGE SURROUNDING DUMPSTERS) SERIOUS VIOLATION.7-38-020.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • FOUND NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER ON PREMISES WHILE HANDLING POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD.(HANDLES FRESH MEAT). SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-38-012. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • FOUND PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED.10-16-14. REPORT# 1497864. VIOLATION 41. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. SERIOUS VIOLATION. 7-42-090.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • FOUND BOTTOM OF DAIRY DISPLAY REACH IN COOLERS NOT CLEAN. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOUND FLOORS NOT CLEAN AT FOLLOWING AREAS: BASEMENT, 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREAS, AND REAR STORAGE AREAS. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • FOUND FLOORS, WALLS, AND CEILING NOT CLEAN INSIDE DAIRY COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
  8. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FIX (LEVEL) CONCRETE FLOOR BY WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR AREA (1ST FLOOR).----------MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKY DRAINPIPE (FROM CEILING) IN REAR OF BASEMENT STORAGE.----------MUST REPAIR INOPERABLE/BROKEN CEILING VENTILATION INSIDE MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN REAR (FIRST FLOOR).----------INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  9. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER WITH MISSING LID/COVER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-020
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF MEAT DISPLAY OPEN COOLER AND FREEZER LINE WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND BLACK MOLD LIKE BUILD-UP.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FIX (LEVEL) CONCRETE FLOOR BY WALK-IN COOLER IN REAR AREA (1ST FLOOR).----------MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAKY DRAINPIPE (FROM CEILING) IN REAR OF BASEMENT STORAGE.----------MUST REPAIR INOPERABLE/BROKEN CEILING VENTILATION INSIDE MEN AND WOMEN'S WASHROOM IN REAR (FIRST FLOOR).----------INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE WORKING DRAIN STOPPERS AT (2) 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE THERMOMETER VISIBLE AND ACCURATE INSIDE WALK-IN COOLERS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, MAINTAIN AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND CLUTTER STORED IN BASEMENT STORAGE TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  10. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • MUST REMOVE ICE BUILT-UP IN WALK-IN FREEZER, BASEMENT AREA
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FREEZER BINS DOWN GROCERY AISLES
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FLOOR SECTIONS AT REAR WAREHOUSE STORAGE AREA ON 1ST. FLOOR, AND MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS, FIRST AND BASEMENT AREAS, UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN/REPAIR WALL BASE BOARDS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, FRONT AND REAR OF STORE, AND REPAIR CORNERS OF WALL REAR STORAGE
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE INTERIOR THERMOMETER FOR COOLERS
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA, MUST CLEAN AND BETTER ORGANIZE,
  11. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT BASEMENT STORAGE AREA.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR FAUCET LEAK NEXT TO EXPOSED HAND SINK IN MEAT PREP AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND UNUSED EQUIPMENT IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. MUST CLEAN AND REORGANIZE.

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