Skip to content
Loading map…

BIG SAMS FOOD MART

133 E 75TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60619 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

BIG SAMS FOOD MART has been inspected 9 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since November 5, 2021. The most recent inspection, on January 30, 2026, recorded 5 infractions.

3 of 9 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 5 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Cleaning and sanitizing.

Recent inspections have recorded more infractions than earlier ones, so it is worth reading the latest reports closely.

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.

  • 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 7 times across 5 separate inspections, most recently on January 30, 2026. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 4 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on January 30, 2026. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on January 30, 2026. For example: WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on August 29, 2025. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • 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 August 29, 2025. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

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.

9 inspections

  1. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA KIT AND PROCEDURE.N INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ESTABLISHMENT MUST ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF BOTH ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MOP, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MASK, AND ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS*) AND THE CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE TO PROPERLY CLEAN UP ANY VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PERSON IN CHARGE SENT EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR DISH/ PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. HANDSINK WAS BLOCKED BY STATIONARY PREP TABLE WITH LARGE SCALE AND MEAT SLICER. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED WITH HANDSOAP AND PAPERTOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PERSON IN CHARGE MOVED TABLE DURING INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • NOTED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD COOKED, DELIVERED AND SERVED. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PERSON IN CHARGE SENT EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER USED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PERSON IN CHARGE SENT EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.
  2. Complaint

    7 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE, LARGE CARDBOARD BOX OF CLEAR PLASTIC STORED INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED BY PREP/WRAPPING TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS INSIDE AND AROUND HAND WASHING SINK TO MAKE ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDAITON 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINKS IN WASHROOM AND PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HAND DRYING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED READY TO EAT SLICED MELON, CHICKEN SALAD, SEAFOOD SALAD, TUNA SALAD AND SANDWICHES NOT LABELED AND DATED AND DISPLAYED FOR SALE IN DISPLAY COOLER. COLD READY TO EAT TCS FOOD SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH USE BY DATE OR DISCARD DATE NO MORE THAN 7 DAYS FROM DATE OF PREPARATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 45. SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
      • OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED EXCESS BOXES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE AND FILLED WITH MULTI-USE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. HAND WASHING SINK IS FOR HAND WASHING ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED BOXES OF CHIPS STORED ON FLOOR BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED OPEN ARIZONA JUICE CONTAINER STORED INSIDE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS FROM COOLERS USED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED HANDLE OF TONGS LAYING ON TOP OF SLICED TOMATOES IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 60. PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED
      • PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2607650 ON 11-19-24:37- TCS FOODS STORED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER THAT'S MADE ON SITE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL TCS FOODS WITH INGREDIENTS, USED BY DATE, ETC. 40-FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD. MAINTAIN SAME.51-LEAK AT THE ELBOW OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING. 55-WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT, PREP AND TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED
  5. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • PERSONNELL STORING PERSONAL ITEMS IN THE COOLER USED FOR THE BUSINESS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS AWAY FROM BUSINESS ITEMS. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • TCS FOODS STORED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER THAT'S MADE ON SITE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL TCS FOODS WITH INGREDIENTS, USED BY DATE, ETC.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • FLY STRIP IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO NOT USE IN THE PREP AREA.
    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • LEAK AT THE ELBOW OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT, PREP AND TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DOES NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.
  6. Complaint Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED GRAPES DIPPED WITH NUTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED( MORE SPECIFICALLY, ILLEGIBLE LABELING AT TIME OF REINSPECTION) WITH INGREDIENTS, NET WEIGHT, ALLERGENS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CORRECT/PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
  7. Complaint

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD.PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED HAND SINK IN DISH AREA NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK BLOCKED BY LARGE TABLE AND MEAT GRINDING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT ALL HAND SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED
    • 13. FOOD IN GOOD CONDITION, SAFE, & UNADULTERATED
      • OBSERVED ADULTERATED MEATS, FISH, THAT HAD FOUL SMELL, GREYISH AND GREENISH COLOR THAT WERE BEEN SOLD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVED AND DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 50LBS TOTALING $150.
    • 21. PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED MINCED/GROUND BEEF THAT WAS READING AT 78.9F AT THE HOT HOLDING STATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE ALL HOT HOLDING FOODS ABOVE 135F.MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 3LBS. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED TCS FOODS BEING HELD AT IMPROPER INTERNAL TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 53.2F TO 53.6F IN THE MEAT COLD HOLDING UNIT, SUCH AS CHICKEN WINGS, CHICKEN QUATERS, GROUND BEEF AND STEAK. MANAGER DISCARDED AND DENATURED A TOTAL 150-200LBS OF MEAT AT $400. ALL COLD TCS FOODS MUST MAINTAIN 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED MEAT COOLER NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 54F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW.MEAT COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. PRIORITY 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED PACKAGED SANDWICHES AND GRAPES DIPPED WITH NUTS NOT PROPERLY LABELED WITH INGREDIENTS, NET WEIGHT, ALLERGENS, BUSINESS NAME AND ADDRESS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL PACKAGED SANDWICHES AND GRAPES DIPPED WITH NUTS.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
  8. License

    0 infractions

  9. License

    0 infractions

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website