Skip to content
Loading map…

MANDELA AFRICAN GROCERY

722 E 79TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60619 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

MANDELA AFRICAN GROCERY has been inspected 6 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since October 16, 2015. The most recent inspection, on November 27, 2024, recorded 6 infractions.

1 of 6 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, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on December 11, 2017. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • 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 once on November 27, 2024. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 once on November 27, 2024. 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 once on October 16, 2015. 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 17 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 18, 2017. For example: FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

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.

6 inspections

  1. Canvass

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN AN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY WHERE ALL EMPLOYED HAVE READ AND SIGNED THE POLICY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT/DIARRHEAL CLEAN UP KIT OR PROCEDURE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • LOWER SURFACE OF REACH IN COOLER WITH FOOD AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MOP SINK DOES NOT HAVE A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • WALK IN FREEZER CLUTTER AND UNORGANIZED. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE CLUTTER, ELEVATE ITEMS 6" OFF THE FLOOR, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • NO MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN THE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE OR MAKE WINDOW OPENABLE. MAINTAIN SAME.
  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    7 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE REAR WALK-IN FREEZER COMPRESSOR NOT MAINTAINED,(ICE BUILD UP),INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE/ REPAIR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED ALL FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND OVEN. ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE BAND SAW.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT IN THE REAR RESTROOM, AND BEHIND THE HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPAINT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED MINOR WATER LEAKING UNDER THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED MUCH CLUTTER BEHIND COOLERS FRONT, AND IN REAR/SIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
  4. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED 50 MICE DROPPINGS IN REAR/SIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND HAVE PEST CONTROL RETURN FOR SERVICE. ALSO FRONT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1"GAP UNSER THE FRONT DOOR, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR, MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING. SERIOUS VIOLSTION 7-38-020.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012a.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED THE REAR WALK-IN FREEZER COMPRESSOR NOT MAINTAINED,(ICE BUILD UP),INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE/ REPAIR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED ALL FREEZERS WITH EXCESSIVE ICE, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN AND CLEAN INTERIOR OF THE MICROWAVE AND OVEN. ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE BAND SAW.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED THE FLOOR NOT CLEAN UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT IN THE REAR RESTROOM, AND BEHIND THE HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REPAINT.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED MUCH CLUTTER BEHIND COOLERS FRONT, AND IN REAR/SIDE STORAGE AREA, INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS NOT BEING USED.
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DISCONTINUE USE. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO USE A STAIN ON RAW WOODEN STORAGE RACKS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY CARPET ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILINGS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT THE PREMESIS. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT SO SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. REPAIR COVING AROUND EXPOSE HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MAINTAIN SAME.
  6. Canvass

    9 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 50 RODENT DROPPINGS IN THE REAR STORAGE AREAS, NEAR THE EXIT DOOR, IN STORAGE RACKS THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES, UNDER STORAGE RACKS AND IN ALL CORNERS OF THE STORE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND CONTACT PEST CONTROL PROVIDER. ALSO SIDE DOOR (724) NOT RODENT PROOFED, 1/4 INCH OPENING AT BOTTOM, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL PROPER THESHOLD TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 21. * CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED
      • NO CERTIFIED MANAGER ONSITE WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS, RAW FISH, IS BEING PREPARED. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012.
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED USE OF CARDBOARD THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO DISCARD AND DISCONTINUE USE. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO US A STAIN ON RAW WOODEN STORAGE RACKS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR PREP AREA, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTD TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DIRTY CARPET ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED PEELING PAINT ON CEILINGS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT THE PREMESIS. INSTRUCTED TO PAINT SO SURFACES ARE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. REPAIR COVING AROUND EXPOSE HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. MAINTAIN SAME.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED BROKEN SPLASH GUARD ON 3 COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • INSTALL THERMOMETERS IN ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS, AND MAINTAIN.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED CLUTTER THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES IN REAR STORAGE AREAS, AND SMALL ROOM IN REAR AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.

Nearby inspected facilities

Own this business? Add a badge to your website