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T & K AFRICAN KITCHEN AND GROCERY STORE

2955 E 87TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60617 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

T & K AFRICAN KITCHEN AND GROCERY STORE has been inspected 11 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 3, 2021. The most recent inspection, on June 24, 2026, found no infractions.

5 of 11 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 0 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Cleaning and sanitizing, Pests and Protecting food from contamination.

The last 4 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.

  • 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 8 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 21, 2023. For example: FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on December 21, 2023. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on March 1, 2024. For example: CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

  • 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 4 times on March 14, 2022. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on November 8, 2023. For example: FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

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.

11 inspections

  1. Canvass

    0 infractions

  2. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  3. Non-Inspection

    0 infractions

  4. Canvass Re-Inspection

    0 infractions

  5. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY 7-38-030 (C)
  6. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • OBSERVED NO SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINK NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO COLD RUNNING WATER AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY 7-38-030 (C)
  7. Canvass Re-Inspection

    10 infractions

    • 16. FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
      • 4-303.11(B)OBSERVED NO SANITIZER FOR THE THREE-COMPARTMENT SINK ON SITE FOR SANITIZING DISHWARE. INSTRUCTED THE FACILITY TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A FOOD GRADE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER SOLUTION TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE DISHWARE, UTENSILS, AND FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES. (SANITIZER FOR THE THREE-COMP. SINK) PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED PROBE STEM THERMOMETER FOR TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES NOT WORKING AT THIS TIME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE PROBE STEM THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005, NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • 6-501.111: OBSERVED A LIVE MOUSE IN THE REAR STORAGE AREA AND APPX. 30 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES SUCH AS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA AND STORAGE ROOM & IN BETWEEN PALLETS, DISH WASHING AREA ALONG WALL BASES, REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA-UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES, HOT WATER TANK ROOM IN BETWEEN CLUTTER, ON SALES FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 12/21/2023. PRIORITY 7-38-020(A), NO CITATION ISSUED
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • 3-307.11: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINKS NEXT TO 2 & 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • 4-903.11 (A;B;D): MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • 4-501.11: MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 50. HOT & COLD WATER AVAILABLE; ADEQUATE PRESSURE
      • OBSERVED NO HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MUST RESTORE HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT ALL OF THE HANDWASHING SINKS (100-120F) AND THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK (110-120F). PRIORITY VIOLATION) 7-38-030(C)
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 5-205.15: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT REAR HAND WASHING SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • 6-201.13: MUST REPAIR DAMAGED WALLS & HOLES IN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. ISNTRUCTED TO SEAL ALL CRACKS AND CREVICES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • 4-301.14: MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
  8. Canvass

    20 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF OPEN TOXIC RODENTICIDE PELLETS SCATTERED ON FLOOR THROUGHOUT PREMISES IN DISH WASHING AREA, PREP AREA AND STORAGE AREA. MUST REMOVE CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. (PRIORITY 7-39-015)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL REPACKAGED FOOD ITEMS ON DISPLAY FOR SALE WITH NAME OF BUSINESS, ADDRESS,PHONE NUMBER AND INGREDIENTS.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF INFESTATION OF APPX. 300 OR MORE MICE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT PREMISES SUCH AS ON FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES IN PREP AREA BEHIND REFRIGERATOR,DISH & FOOD SHELVING UNITS.ADJACENT STORAGE ROOM ON & IN BETWEEN PALLETS,DISH WASHING AREA ALONG WALL BASES, REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA-UNDER AND AROUND STORAGE SHELVES,HOT WATER TANK ROOM IN BETWEEN CLUTTER,ON SALES FLOOR ALONG WALL BASES.OBSERVED NESTING MATERIAL IN BETWEEN PALLET IN STORAGE AREA.ALSO. APPX. 8-10 LIVE SMALL FLIES FLYING AROUND PREMISES. MUST REMOVE DROPPINGS CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 11/8/23.(PRIORITY 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT RODENT ENTRY.
    • 39. CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
      • MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD AT HAND SINKS NEXT TO 2 & 3 COMPARTMENT SINKS.
    • 44. UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED
      • MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON DISH STORAGE SHELVES.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST APPLY A SEALANT ON RAW WOOD SURFACES AT COUNTER OF KITCHEN.MUST REPLACE MISSING GLASS LID ON CHEST FREEZER.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • MUST PROVIDE SINK STOPPERS FOR 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIROITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM STOVE, STORAGE RACKS & SHELVING UNITS,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF REFRIGERATOR,SINKS,EXTERIOR OF GREASE TRAPS AT SINKS. DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM CHEST FREEZER.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LEAKY PIPE AT REAR HAND WASHING SINK.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FLOOR TILES WHERE NEEDED,DAMAGED WALLS & HOLES IN WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER,DIRT BUILD UP FROM WALLS AND CEILINGS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR DRAINS AND REPLACE DRAIN COVER.MUST REMOVE STANDING WATER FROM FLOOR IN HOT WATER TANK AREA AND KEEP DRY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • MUST ELEVATE ARTICLES AND DISHES FROM FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND FLOORS AND WALLS THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FILTERS AND HOOD AT COOKING EQUIPMENT.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • MUST PROVIDE ADEQUATE LIGHTING THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  9. License Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED THE WINDOW IN THE FRONT IN POOR REPAIR (BROKEN). MUST REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SINK STOPPERS FOR THE NEW 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.
  10. License Re-Inspection

    19 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT A CFM MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012)
    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE AS REQUIRED; MUST PROVIDE. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION OF EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT ANY ILLNESS TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • OBSERVED NO ADEQUATE SUPPLIES ON SITE TO PROPERLY RESPOND TO VOMIT AND/OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SOAP/CLEANSER AT THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SOAP MUST BE PROVIDED AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. 7-38-030(C)
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT ANY HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES AT HAND WASHING SINK IN PREP AREA AND HAND SINK NEXT TO 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE. MANAGER PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C).
    • 28. TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED
      • OBSERVED UNKNOWN CHEMICAL STORED IN WATER BOTTLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGE TO ALL LABEL ALL CHEMICALS WHEN STORED IN SECONDARY CONTAINMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.
    • 37. FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
      • OBSERVED FOOD IN REFRIGERATOR WITH NO LABEL. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO LABEL ALL FOODS WITH COMMON NAME.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED REAR EXIT DOOR WITH 1 INCH GAP OR MORE ON SIDES AND UNDERNEATH DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL GAP TO PREVENT ENTRY OF PESTS.
    • 41. WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
      • OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED ONE STOPPER FOR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EACH COMPARTMENT MUST A STOPPER FOR A TOTAL OF 3 STOPPERS.
    • 48. WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
      • OBSERVED COOKING EQUIPMENT TOO LARGE TO FIT IN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT COOKING EQUIPMENT MUST EFFECTIVELY BE WASHED, RINSED AND SANITIZED.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED INTERIOR OF COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH EXTREME ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND OLD BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE DEBRIS, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED LEAK AT BOTTOM OF UTILITY SINK IN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE FOR FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS IN TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
    • 54. GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED RESIDENTIAL DUMPSTER NOT A COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER AS REQUIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HAVE A COMMERCIAL DUMPSTER TO ACCOMODATE WASTE ACCUMULATION. PROIRITY FOUNDATION. 7-39-020(B).
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLES IN WALL IN PREP AREA AND CRACKED FLOOR TILES NEAR 3 COMPARTMENT SINK.OBSERVED RAW WOOD DOOR LEADING TO STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL AND PATCH/SEAL HOLES AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO COMPLY WITH THE IDPH FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENT.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • OBSERVED FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER WITHOUT FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET REQUIREMENT.
  11. License

    0 infractions

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