African Food Palace
Last inspected: Jun 23, 2025
78
Score
Public records show seven inspections at African Food Palace stretching back to 2021. On Jun 23, 2025, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
The picture has improved over the last few visits: recent inspections have averaged around five violations, down from roughly 11 violations earlier in the record.
The pattern that stands out is “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean”, which has been cited 13 times.
That's lower than the typical Chicago restaurant, which scores around 81. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
7
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 23, 2025
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO THERMOMETERS INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN
36
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER AND NO SANITIZING BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 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
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
55
78
Jun 12, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 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
2
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 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
38
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER AND NO SANITIZING BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION
41
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: 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
44
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN
55
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOOD ITEMS. COOKED RIC, COOKED STEW ETC
1
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED VARIOUS REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO THERMOMETERS INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN
36
61
Aug 1, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 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.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT STORED IN UNUSED ICE MACHINE AND COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
90
Jan 5, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
Inspector notes: 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
1
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: 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.
2
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 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.
38
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS AND CLUTTET STORED INSIDE UNUSED COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBOARGE
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.
58
67
Jan 30, 2023
Reinspection
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT ,PREP AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Violation Codes: 6-304.11 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOM.
56
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN DINING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON ROLLING CARTS AND REAR STORAGE AREA,STORE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED PITTED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 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.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE MASSIVE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
58
Jan 23, 2023
Complaint
2 major violations. 13 minor violations.
View 15 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
3
Warewashing facilities: installed, maintained & used; test strips
Inspector notes: 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)
48
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN DINING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
10
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
39
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON ROLLING CARTS AND REAR STORAGE AREA,STORE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS.
44
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PITTED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REACH IN FREEZER MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COUNTER UNDERNEATH MICROWAVE AND INTERIOR PARTS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 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.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE MASSIVE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY .
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT ,PREP AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOM.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
57
43
Jul 26, 2021
License
1 major violation. 8 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: 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.
3
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 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.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AND HANDLES OF THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE TOLIET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STAINED CEILING TILE IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE STAINED CEILING TILE.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED ICE MACHINE, PREP COOLER AND CLUTTER IN THE REAR OF THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS OFF SITE AND ORGANIZE CLUTTER.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
56
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON SITE FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ON FILE.
57
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO HAVE ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was African Food Palace last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at African Food Palace on file is from Jun 23, 2025. The public record contains seven inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at African Food Palace?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited 13 times, more than any other issue at African Food Palace.
Has African Food Palace's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at African Food Palace have averaged around five violations per visit, down from roughly 11 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at African Food Palace means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.
How often is African Food Palace inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, African Food Palace is inspected around two times per year on average.
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