JUN 23
2025
PASSED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
AFRICAN FOOD PALACE.
BEAT. 35/100
8918 S COMMERCIAL AVE · SOUTH CHICAGO, CHICAGO
Last inspected June 23, 2025 · passed
Failed 2 of 7 inspections. 14 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
7
3 passed · 2 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
56
includes 14 critical
RECORDS COVER
3 YEARS
since Jul 2021
INSPECTION HISTORY
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED VARIOUS REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO THERMOMETERS INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER AND NO SANITIZING BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
ALL UTENSILS STORED IN TUBS ON SHELF IN NEED OF WASHING AND SANITIZING DUE TO RODENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UTENSILS. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
JUN 122025FAILED8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 12
2025
FAILED
8 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOOD ITEMS. COOKED RIC, COOKED STEW ETC
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOOD ITEMS. COOKED RIC, COOKED STEW ETC... INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON DUTY TO OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED VARIOUS REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO THERMOMETERS INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED MICE ACTIVITY AT FRONT PREP AREA WHERE UTENSIL ARE BEING STORED AND IN BASEMENT ALONG WALL BASE AND ON UTENSILS. APPROX 30-40 DROPPINGS NOTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AN UPDATED PEST RECEIPT, CLEAN AND SANITIZE PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER AND NO SANITIZING BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
ALL UTENSILS STORED IN TUBS ON SHELF IN NEED OF WASHING AND SANITIZING DUE TO RODENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UTENSILS. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
AUG 12024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
AUG 1
2024
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT STORED IN UNUSED ICE MACHINE AND COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 52024PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 5
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
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
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD (STEW 154.5F) PREPARED AND SERVED. 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.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR, AND BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF BASEMENT EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DEBRIS AND CLUTTET STORED INSIDE UNUSED COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBOARGE
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
JAN 302023PASSED11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 30
2023
PASSED
11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN DINING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON ROLLING CARTS AND REAR STORAGE AREA,STORE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED PITTED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN WALLS IN DINING AREA,DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES / BASES IN PREP AREA,TOILET ROOM AND DINING AREA.DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE MASSIVE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT ,PREP AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Violation Codes: 6-304.11 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOM.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
show all 7 inspections →
JAN 232023FAILED15 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
JAN 23
2023
FAILED
15 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN DINING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON ROLLING CARTS AND REAR STORAGE AREA,STORE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED PITTED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REACH IN FREEZER MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COUNTER UNDERNEATH MICROWAVE AND INTERIOR PARTS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN WALLS IN DINING AREA,DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES / BASES IN PREP AREA,TOILET ROOM AND DINING AREA.DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE MASSIVE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY .
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT ,PREP AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOM.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 262021PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUL 26
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
9 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVES AND SURFACES NEAR AND BEHIND THE FRONT COUNTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO EITHER SEAL OR PAINT TO PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AND HANDLES OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILE IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILE.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED UNUSED ICE MACHINE, PREP COOLER AND CLUTTER IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS OFF SITE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →