Skip to content
Loading map…

M. L. K. CONVENIENT STORE

5540 W NORTH AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60639 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

M. L. K. CONVENIENT STORE has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since December 13, 2013. The most recent inspection, on January 7, 2025, found no infractions.

2 of 8 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: Pests and Food temperature control.

The last 2 inspections in a row found no infractions. 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.

  • 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 7 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 3, 2015. For example: OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED

  • 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 once on December 13, 2013. For example: REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

  • 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 8 times across 6 separate inspections, most recently on March 10, 2015. 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 once on December 13, 2013. For example: FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

  • Other findingsLower risk

    Findings that do not fit the categories above, such as follow-ups that confirm an earlier violation was corrected, or requirements specific to this type of facility.

    Recorded 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 3, 2015. For example: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

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.

8 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO WASHBOWL INSIDE ONE RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE WASHBOWL WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND GARBAGE PILEUP OUTSIDE BY REAR EXIT DOOR. GARBAGE INCLUDED FOOD AND BOTTLED SODA. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • FOUND PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT DATED. 8-29-14. REPORT # 1494199. 38. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOP SINK FAUCET. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-090.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FOUND NO WASHBOWL INSIDE ONE RESTROOM. MUST PROVIDE WASHBOWL WITH HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT INSECT/RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.ALSO,THE BASEMENT DOOR WAS WIDE OPEN DURING THIS INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF SAID DOOR ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND ENSURE DOORS TO THE PREMISES ARE CLOSED AT ALL TIMES
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 1383307 DATED 12-13-13 #34 - Floor not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and level floor, replace missing fllor tile, cover floor drains in basement and detail clean under and around equipment. Stock and supplies(soda) stored on floor. nstructed to elevate 6 inches or higher. #35 - Walls and ceiling not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and replace damaged/missing ceiling tile. And remove foam insulation around wall frames, have smooth, seal all openings and/or repaint. Light and ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean #40 - Thermometer not provided inside coolers. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers. 03/13/2014 #41 - Unnecessaryu clutter stored in basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles and eleavte supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOPSINK FAUCET.
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT INSECT/RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.ALSO,THE BASEMENT DOOR WAS WIDE OPEN DURING THIS INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF SAID DOOR ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND ENSURE DOORS TO THE PREMISES ARE CLOSED AT ALL TIMES
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 1383307 DATED 12-13-13 #34 - Floor not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and level floor, replace missing fllor tile, cover floor drains in basement and detail clean under and around equipment. Stock and supplies(soda) stored on floor. nstructed to elevate 6 inches or higher. #35 - Walls and ceiling not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and replace damaged/missing ceiling tile. And remove foam insulation around wall frames, have smooth, seal all openings and/or repaint. Light and ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean #40 - Thermometer not provided inside coolers. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers. 03/13/2014 #41 - Unnecessaryu clutter stored in basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles and eleavte supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOPSINK FAUCET.
  7. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • FOUND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT INSECT/RODENT-PROOFED APPROXIMATELY 1/4" MODE OF ENTRY AT BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER.ALSO,THE BASEMENT DOOR WAS WIDE OPEN DURING THIS INSPECTION.INSTRUCTED TO PEST PROOF SAID DOOR ALL ACROSS THE BOTTOM TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY AND ENSURE DOORS TO THE PREMISES ARE CLOSED AT ALL TIMES.SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 19. OUTSIDE GARBAGE WASTE GREASE AND STORAGE AREA; CLEAN, RODENT PROOF, ALL CONTAINERS COVERED
      • FOUND REAR OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER OVERFLOWING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT# 1383307 DATED 12-13-13. SERIOUS VILOATION ISSUED 7-42-090 #34 - Floor not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and level floor, replace missing fllor tile, cover floor drains in basement and detail clean under and around equipment. Stock and supplies(soda) stored on floor. nstructed to elevate 6 inches or higher. #35 - Walls and ceiling not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and replace damaged/missing ceiling tile. And remove foam insulation around wall frames, have smooth, seal all openings and/or repaint. Light and ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean #40 - Thermometer not provided inside coolers. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers. 03/13/2014 #41 - Unnecessaryu clutter stored in basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles and eleavte supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BACKFLOW PREVENTER DEVICE OR VACUUM BREAKER AT MOPSINK FAUCET.
  8. License

    5 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • Floor not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and level floor, replace missing fllor tile, cover floor drains in basement and detail clean under and around equipment. Stock and supplies(soda) stored on floor. nstructed to elevate 6 inches or higher.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • Walls and ceiling not maintained through-out premises. Instructed to repair and replace damaged/missing ceiling tile. And remove foam insulation around wall frames, have smooth, seal all openings and/or repaint. Light and ventilation covers through-out not cleaned. Instructed to detail clean
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • Toilet in first unused toilet room not working. Instructed to repair toilet.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • Thermometer not provided inside coolers. Instructed to provide thermometer conspicuous inside all coolers.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • Unnecessaryu clutter stored in basement. Instructed to remove all unused articles and eleavte supplies 6 inches or higher and away from wall.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website