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NAYO'S AFRICAN CUISINES

1418 W HOWARD ST, CHICAGO, IL 60626 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

NAYO'S AFRICAN CUISINES has been inspected 8 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 10, 2023. The most recent inspection, on April 17, 2026, recorded 2 infractions.

1 of 8 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 2 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Food source, labelling and allergens and Food temperature control.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on April 17, 2026. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on April 17, 2026. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 4, 2024. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 August 17, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 August 10, 2023. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

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. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • FOUND BULK FOOD CONTAINERS WITH NO LABELS.(FLOUR, SUGAR,ETC.)MUST LABEL.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • FOUND EXTERIOR WATER FILTER COVER AT DISHWASHING AREA MADE OF RAW WOOD.MUST PAINT/SEAL.
  2. Complaint

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass Re-Inspection

    4 infractions

    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • 3-302.12 OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • 4-602.13 MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR FLOORS. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED LEAK AT THE FAUCET AND DRAINPIPE OF THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15 OBSERVED ONE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN LOWER-LEVEL AREA WITHOUT HOT OR COLD WATER. MANAGER STATED SINK IS NOT USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL SINKS ON PREMISES NEED TO HAVE ADEQUATE HOT AND COLD WATER WITH ADEQUATE PRESSURE.
  4. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 3. 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 IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED READY-TO-EAT, TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY (TCS) FOODS (RICE, MEAT PIES, BEEF) NOT DATE MARKED TO INDICATE THE PRODUCT'S NAME AND DATE IN WHICH THE FOOD MUST BE SOLD, DISCARDED OR CONSUMED WITHIN 7 DAYS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LABELS FOR DATE MARKING AND DISCARD DATE FOR REFRIGERATED, READY-TO-EAT, TCS FOODS HELD OVER 24HRS PLACED IN ALL COLD-HOLDING UNITS. MANAGER DISCARDED APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $75. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD STORED IN CONTAINERS IN ALL THE COOLERS, WALK IN COOLER AND DRY STORAGE WITHOUT PROPER LABELING OF NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE A LABEL REFLECTING THE FOOD ITEM'S NAME WHEN FOOD HAS BEEN REMOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED FROZEN CHICKEN, BEEF, & GOAT, STORED IN PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE FREEZER. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO USE PROPER FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND CONTAINERS ONLY.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED FACILITY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK FOR WAREWASHING NOT MEETING REQUIREMENTS. WATER TEMPERATURE OF THE SINK WAS OBSERVED AT 10.57F. INFORMED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT THE PROPER WATER TEMPERATURE OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK SHALL BE MAINTAINED AT A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 110F. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR FLOORS. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT THE FAUCET AND DRAINPIPE OF THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED ONE-COMPARTMENT SINK IN LOWER-LEVEL AREA WITHOUT HOT OR COLD WATER. MANAGER STATED SINK IS NOT USED FOR FOOD PREPARATION. INSTRUCTED THAT ALL SINKS ON PREMISES NEED TO HAVE ADEQUATE HOT AND COLD WATER WITH ADEQUATE PRESSURE.
  5. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • FOUND COOKED COW FEET INSIDE PLASTIC BAGS,STORED INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT TEMP OF 44.7F TO 45.9F.FOOD WAS COOKED ON 9-3-24 IN THE EVENING,PER MANAGER STATEMENT.COLD FOOD MUST MAINTAIN 41F AND BELOW. FOOD DISCARDED AND DENATURED BY THE MANAGER,POUNDS 50,VALUE 163. PRIORITY VIOLATION:7-38-005,CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST NOT USE TIN FOIL AS LINER FOR COOKING EQUIPMENT OR CARDBOARD AS LINER FOR COOLER SHELVING. MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE. INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE GAS STOVE WITH EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • THREAD FAUCET AT HANDWASHING SINK IN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNTHREAD FAUCET
  6. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. RESTORE SURFACE TO SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
  7. License Re-Inspection

    3 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE PEST CONTROL ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK WITHALL REQUIRED AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. RESTORE SURFACE TO SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.
  8. License

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICIES ON SITE.MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO BODILY FLUID CLEAN-UP KIT ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED GRILL NOT INSTALLED UNDERHOOD. INSTALL GRILL TO PREPARE, AND HEAT FOOD PROPERLY PROPERLY. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED METAL STEM THERMOMETER MUST BE OPERATIONAL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED NO PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE PEST CONTROL LOG BOOK FROM LICENSED PEST CONTROL FACILITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED NO DUMPSTER IN PLACE AND NO CONTRACT FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(B)
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK NOT SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. RESTORE SURFACE TO SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE CONDITION AND MAINTAIN.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS. MUST PROVIDE.

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