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WHOLE FOODS MARKET

255 E GRAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60611 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

WHOLE FOODS MARKET has been inspected 24 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since June 11, 2014. The most recent inspection, on October 1, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

6 of 24 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: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food temperature control and Handwashing and staff hygiene.

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.

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded 8 times across 8 separate inspections, most recently on October 1, 2025. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 5 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on September 5, 2023. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 4 separate inspections, most recently on July 17, 2024. For example: ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on August 28, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on January 3, 2018. For example: FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION

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.

24 inspections

  1. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE IN BAR AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF CALCIUM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  2. Complaint

    0 infractions

  3. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HANDSINK IN PREP AREA NOT STOCKED WITH HAND SOAP. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT HAND SOAP MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED HAND SOAP FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • OBSERVED A BLUE PANEL INSIDE THE ICE MACHINE THAT TOUCHED ICE FILLED WITH A BLACK MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO WASH, CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN, ICE IS USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. VIOLATION CORRECTED DURING INSPECTION MANAGER HAD ICE MACHINE ICE REMOVED AND CLEANED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005.CITATION ISSUED.
  4. Complaint

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR SURFACES OF SLIDING DOORS ON DISPLAY COOLERS IN BEEF/POULTRY AND PREPARED FOOD COOLERS WITH EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS. INTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN FREE OF ACCUMULATION TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED TRASH AND SPILLS ON FLOORS IN GARBAGE RECEPTACLE SPACE. INTSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN REFUSE AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/TRASH UNDERNEATH DRY STORAGE BLACK SHELVING UNITS IN REAR FACILITY AND FLOORS OF WALK IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL TRASH AND DEBRIS. MUST MAINTAIN
  5. Complaint Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED MISSING OR BROKEN THERMOMETERS IN THE CHEESE COOLER AND WALK IN PRODUCE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN CHEESE PREP AREA WITH HEAVY ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON ALL SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES AND INSIDE OF 6 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH FROM ALL WALK IN COOLER FLOORS ON PREMISE AND IN STOCK STORAGE SPACES IN REAR OF FACILITY. MUST MAINTAIN.
  6. Complaint

    5 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED MISSING OR BROKEN THERMOMETERS IN THE CHEESE COOLER AND WALK IN PRODUCE COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED DIFFERENT SPECIES OF SHELLSTOCK COMINGLING IN SEAFOOD DISPLAY CASE AND STORED IN SAME ICE BIN DURING TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO NOT COMINGLE SHELLSTOCK WITH BATCHES THAT HAVE DIFFERENT CERTIFICATION NUMBERS, HARVEST DATES, OR GROWING AREAS AND MAINTAIN TAGS ATTACHED FOR IDENTIFICATION. PERSON IN CHARGE DISCARDED SAID SHELLSTOCK VOLUNTARILY DURING THIS TIME. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 30 SMALL BLACK LIVE FLIES IN WOMENS TOILET ROOM BEHIND BAR PREP ON CEILINGS, WALLS, PLUMBING FIXTURES, 2 FLYING NEAR BAKERY DISPLAY CASE AND APPROX., 6 NEAR HANDSINK DRAIN AND LIQUOR STORAGE RACK IN BAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. MUST ELIMINATE PEST ACTIVITY ON PREMISE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. #7-38-020 (A). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN CHEESE PREP AREA WITH HEAVY ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON ALL SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES AND INSIDE OF 6 DOOR REFRIGERATION UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH FROM ALL WALK IN COOLER FLOORS ON PREMISE AND IN STOCK STORAGE SPACES IN REAR OF FACILITY. MUST MAINTAIN.
  7. Suspected Food Poisoning

    2 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • Employees not wearing proper hair restraint at fruits juicing station where hat not containing hair, most of hair sticking out of hat, instructed to use an effective hair restraints.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • Observed using disposable plastic spoons in food production, instructed to use proper multi-use utensil.
  8. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND FLY/PEST LIGHT DEVICE DIRECTLY OVER THE SINGLE SERVICE SUSHI CONTAINERS IN THE SEAFOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RELOCATE PEST DEVICE SO IT IS NOT DIRECTLY OVER FOOD/SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND OLD FOOD RESIDUE IN BOTTOM DOOR TRACKS OF CHEESE COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FOUND FLY/PEST LIGHT DEVICE DIRECTLY OVER THE SINGLE SERVICE SUSHI CONTAINERS IN THE SEAFOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT TO RELOCATE PEST DEVICE SO IT IS NOT DIRECTLY OVER FOOD/SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND OLD FOOD RESIDUE IN BOTTOM DOOR TRACKS OF CHEESE COOLERS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  11. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • FOOD CONTAINER STORED TOO CLOSE TO BROOMS/DUSTPANS HANGER AT FRESH JUICING STATION. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP A WAY.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED A CUTTING BOARD IN THE PREPARED FOODS SECTION NEAR PIZZA OVEN WITH DEEP GROOVES AND BLACK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE SURFACE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF BLACK SLIME IN CAULK AND ON THE WALL AROUND THE HIGH TEMPERATURE DISH MACHINE LOCATED IN THE REAR OF THE PREPARED FOODS AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE, CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED A BUILD UP OF DUST ON VENTS OVER PREPARED FOODS COOK LINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
  13. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • MUST KEEP WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING WATER BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS FROM FLOORS IN BAKERY, FRESH MEAT, AND REAR DOCK AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
  14. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOUND NO TEMPERATURE LOG ON PREMISES FOR FRESHLY SQUEEZED CAPPED ORANGE JUICE, HOWEVER FOUND SAID JUICES HELD INSIDE REACH IN COOLER AT 40 F AND BELOW. INSTRUCTED MANAGER ALL FRESHLY SQUEEZED AND CAPPED ORANGE JUICE MUST BE LOGGED AT 40 F OR BELOW BEFORE SOLD TO PUBLIC. ESTABLISHMENT IS NOW LOGGING ORANGE JUICE ON PREMISES. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED GREASE BUILD UP ON VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS AT DELI PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN SAID VENTILATION HOOD FILTERS.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED ONE CEILING LIGHT COVER LOOSE ABOVE SINK AT DISH PIT. MUST REATTACH SAID CEILING LIGHT COVER.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER THERMOMETER BROKEN. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A WORKING THERMOMETER FOR PRODUCE WALK IN COOLER.
  15. Short Form Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INACCURATE STEM THERMOMETER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE GOOD WORKING ONES
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR
  16. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • PANEL BETWEEN PREP COOLER DOORS NOT CLEAN AT MEAT DEPT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INACCURATE STEM THERMOMETER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE GOOD WORKING ONES.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • FOOD HANDLERS WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
  17. Suspected Food Poisoning Re-inspection

    0 infractions

  18. Suspected Food Poisoning

    7 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • FOOD (ICE) NOT PROTECTED FROM CONTAMINATION DURING STORAGE INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE: OBSERVED MOLD-LIKE SUBSTANCE ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE ICE CHUTE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH ICE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE MACHINE AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005A
    • 30. FOOD IN ORIGINAL CONTAINER, PROPERLY LABELED: CUSTOMER ADVISORY POSTED AS NEEDED
      • INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL BULK FOOD CONTAINERS ON PREMISES.
    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • OBSERVED THE HANDLE OF THE HANDLED SCOOPS LYING DIRECTLY IN THE READY TO EAT FOODS AT THE SALAD BAR. INSTRUCTED TO STORE SCOOPS EITHER IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP OR IN A SEPERATE CONTAINER IN BETWEEN USE TO AVOID CONTAMINATION.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE HOODVENTS ABOVE THE PIZZA OVENS SERVICED TO REMOVE BUILDUP.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED CLEAN CUTTING BOARD STORED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE 3-COMPARMTENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE CUTTING BOARD TO A CLEAN SEPERATE AREA TO AVOID SPLASH CONTAMINATION FROM DIRTY DISHES AND UTENSILS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE DUST BUILDUP FROM CEILING VENTS IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER, EMPTY BOXES AND DEBRIS IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALK-IN FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
  19. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 31. CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES
      • OBSERVED HANDLED SCOOPS AT THE COOKIE DISPLAY CASE WITH THE HANDLES LYING DIRECTLY IN THE FOOD. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS EITHER IN THE FOOD WITH THE HANDLE FACING UP OR IN A SEPERATE CONTAINER IN BETWEEN USE.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY FROST BUILDUP ON THE CEILING AND CONDENSER OF THE WALK-IN BAKERY FREEZER IN REAR. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST FREEZER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • REMOVE DUST BUILDUP ON THE FAN VENT COVER IN DELI WALK-IN COOLER AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DETAIL CLEAN THE WHEELS OF THE SMOKER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS GUNK AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN THE DELI/PREPPED FOOD WALK-IN COOLER, GROCERY WALK-IN COOLER, AND THE FLOORS UNDER THE SMOKER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN VEGETABLE PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE MEAT MARKET AND MAINTAIN.
  20. Short Form Complaint

    0 infractions

  21. Complaint

    0 infractions

  22. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN FLOORS OF DEBRIS, CLEAN/SANITIZE EQUIPMENT, FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND COUNTER TOPS, CUSTOMER DINING TABLES OF DUST BUILD-UP.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL CONSTRUCTION REMAINS, EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND LITTER THROUGHOUT. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
  23. License

    3 infractions

    • 16. FOOD PROTECTED DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION, DISPLAY, SERVICE AND TRANSPORTATION
      • INADEQUATE FOOD PROTECTION AT BAKERY DISPLAY COUNTER, AND WNE COUNTER. MUST PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-005(A). NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN FLOORS OF DEBRIS, CLEAN/SANITIZE EQUIPMENT, FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND COUNTER TOPS, CUSTOMER DINING TABLES OF DUST BUILD-UP.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE ALL CONSTRUCTION REMAINS, EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES AND LITTER THROUGHOUT. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
  24. License

    0 infractions

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