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SAM FOOD,DELI & FAST FOOD

6558 S ASHLAND AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60636 · Grocery Store

Inspection summary

SAM FOOD,DELI & FAST FOOD has been inspected 7 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since August 21, 2020. The most recent inspection, on September 13, 2024, found no infractions.

2 of 7 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: Food temperature control, Pests and Cleaning and sanitizing.

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.

  • 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 February 18, 2021. For example: PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

  • 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 on September 6, 2024. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on September 6, 2024. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 once on September 6, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 18 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on September 6, 2024. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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.

7 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Canvass

    14 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 15 MICE DROPPINGS ON FLOOR UNDER SHELVING UNIT AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AND APPX. 8 RAT DROPPINGS UNDER STAIRCASE IN BASEMENT ALSO EVIDENCE OF CAT FECES IN SAME AREA AND A OPEN EMPTY CAN OF CAT FOOD IN REAR PREP AREA UNDER UNUSED PREP COOLER. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS & CAT FECES CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 9/6/24.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED SEVERAL PIN HOLES IN FRONT ENTRY DOOR AND GAP ALONG LEFT SIDE MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN HAND SINK AND 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMP SINK.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST APPLY A SEALANT OR PAINT RAW WOOD SHELVING UNIT IN REAR PREP AREA.MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN DOOR GASKET ON 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER,DOOR HANDLE & LOOSE FAN GUARD COVER IN WALK IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR.MUST ELIMINATE CRATE USED FOR STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF REAR REACH IN COUNTER COOLERS,WALK IN COOLER- POP SLEEVES,DISPLAY SHELVES ON SALES FLOOR,WINDOW SILLS,SERVICE COUNTER-SHELVING UNITS.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SMALL PIN HOLE IN FAR RIGHT BASIN REAR ,LEAKY PIPE & FAUCET OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, LEAKY PIPE AT HAND SINK IN TOILETROOM.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN SPLATTER FROM WALL AT FRONT SERVICE COUNTER,WALK IN COOLER FAN GUARD COVERS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CEILING & LOOSE FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLER,STAINED CEILING TILES ON SALES FLOOR AND REAR PREP AREA,BROKEN CONCRETE FLOOR AT ENTRY,MISSING AND DAMAGED FLOOR TILES AT FRONT & REAR PREP/SERVICE COUNTER,TOILET ROOM.MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE CAULKING ALONG WALL BASES AND WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND WALK IN COOLER TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPLACE MISSING CEILING VENT COVER IN TOILET ROOM.MUST CLEAN DEAD INSECTS AND SOILED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST PROVIDE A HOOKING SYSTEM TO HANG WET MOPS AND REMOVE MOP FROM INSIDE OF MOP BUCKET TO DRY PROPERLY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES ON SALES FLOOR,BASEMENT UNDER STAIRCASE,WALK IN COOLER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS IN BASEMENT,REAR PREP AREA,UNUSED EQUIPMENT (MEAT SLICER,PIZZA OVEN,PREP COOLER,ETC .
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN 3- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    6 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT FOR PIZZA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY VIOLATION
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT WATER AT NO HANDWASHING SINKS OR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK,((70.0F-80.0F). INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SUFFICENT HOT WATER THROUGHOUT PREMISES BY REINSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS IN UPPER 2ND FL OFFICE AREA AND BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED 2 LIGHTS NOT SHIELDED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
  6. Canvass

    8 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES HEALTH. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
    • 33. PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL
      • OBSERVED NO EQUIPMENT ON SITE TO BE USED FOR COOKING AND MAINTAIN HOT TEMPERATURES FOR HOT FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MICROWAVE,COOKER FOR GROUND BEEF, PIZZA HOT HOLDING UNIT,ETC. PRIORITY VIOLATION. NO CITATION.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER FOR MONITORING FOODS THAT WILL BE PREPARED AND HANDLED.. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SLOW DRAINING AT HANDSINK BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED 2 HOLES IN WALL AT MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SEAL TO PREVENT HIDING AREAS FOR PEST.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS IN UPPER 2ND FL OFFICE AREA AND BASEMENT AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED 2 LIGHTS NOT SHIELDED INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
  7. License

    4 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER DIRTY AND RUSTY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND REMOVE RUST SPOTS. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN ALL STORAGE AND DISPLAY SHELVING TO REMOVE DUST AND DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGH OUT PREMISES TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL HOLES AND OPENINGS INTO THE FLOORS, WALLS, CEILING AND ANYWHERE ELSE NEEDED TO PREVENT ENTRY POINTS FOR PESTS.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MAINTAIN ALL LIGHTS AND LIGHT SHIELDS AS NEEDED. OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS AND BRUNT OUT LIGHTS.

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