What is African Food Palace's health inspection score?

African Food Palace has a SafeDine safety score of 87 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was African Food Palace last inspected?

African Food Palace was last inspected on November 5, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does African Food Palace have?

African Food Palace has 47 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is African Food Palace safe to eat at?

Yes, African Food Palace has an excellent safety record with a score of 87/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does African Food Palace serve?

African Food Palace serves African cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

African Food Palace

Name: African Food Palace
Address: 8918 S COMMERCIAL AVE, Chicago, 60617
Rating: 87

8918 S COMMERCIAL AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 11/5/2025

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0Excellent

African•Chicago

Ranked #993 of 1000 in ChicagoBetter than 92% of african restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Nov 5, 2025

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

14%

Clean Rate

6.7

Avg Violations

5 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature control

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility condition

Building maintenance or structural issues

Food storage

Food not properly stored or protected

Other violation

Regulatory compliance issue

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-13

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-3 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-4 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+24 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

8918 S COMMERCIAL AVE, Chicago, IL 60617

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Violation Timeline

Jan 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

4 intermediate

19 basic

Jan

Jan 2024

1 inspections

2 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Aug 2024

1 inspections

2 basic

Aug

Jun 2025

2 inspections

2 high priority

3 intermediate

8 basic

Nov 2025

1 inspections

Nov

Inspection History

7 records on file

4 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Nov 25

Canvass InspectionLatestCleanOut of Business

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jun 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 Med4 Basic

5 total

87/100inspection score

−13 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED VARIOUS REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO THERMOMETERS INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER AND NO SANITIZING BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
ALL UTENSILS STORED IN TUBS ON SHELF IN NEED OF WASHING AND SANITIZING DUE TO RODENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UTENSILS. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−13 pts

Jun 25

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High2 Med4 Basic

8 total2 risk factors

52/100inspection score

−38 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOOD ITEMS. COOKED RIC, COOKED STEW ETC
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO ONE ON SITE WITH CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE WHILE HANDLING TCS FOOD ITEMS. COOKED RIC, COOKED STEW ETC... INSTRUCTED MANAGER ON DUTY TO OBTAIN CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE AND MAINTAIN PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
OBSERVED VARIOUS REACH IN COOLERS WITH NO THERMOMETERS INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED MICE ACTIVITY AT FRONT PREP AREA WHERE UTENSIL ARE BEING STORED AND IN BASEMENT ALONG WALL BASE AND ON UTENSILS. APPROX 30-40 DROPPINGS NOTED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO OBTAIN AN UPDATED PEST RECEIPT, CLEAN AND SANITIZE PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A) CITATION ISSUED

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS ON COUNTER AND NO SANITIZING BUCKETS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL WIPING CLOTHS IN A CLEAN SANITIZING SOLUTION
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
ALL UTENSILS STORED IN TUBS ON SHELF IN NEED OF WASHING AND SANITIZING DUE TO RODENT CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL UTENSILS. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
ALL PREP TABLES AND COUNTERS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
ALL UNNECESSARY CLUTTER IN BASEMENT AND IN DINING AREA IN NEED OF REMOVAL. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN

Base deductions−38 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionPass

2 Basic

2 total

96/100inspection score

−4 pts

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP, STORAGE AND BASEMENT AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT STORED IN UNUSED ICE MACHINE AND COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

Base deductions−4 pts

Jan 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High2 Med2 Basic

6 total2 risk factors

56/100inspection score

−34 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE WITH VALID CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DESIGNATE PERSON IN CHARGE DURING ALL HOURS OF OPERATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD (STEW 154.5F) PREPARED AND SERVED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROPERLY LABEL ALL FOOD CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR, AND BOTTOM RIGHT CORNER OF BASEMENT EXIT DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DEBRIS AND CLUTTET STORED INSIDE UNUSED COOLERS AND FREEZERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS FROM UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBOARGE
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN AWARENESS TRAINING FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. ALL CERTIFIED MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING.

Base deductions−34 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jan 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High2 Med8 Basic

11 total

64/100inspection score

−36 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN DINING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
Inspector Comments: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (8)

−16 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
Inspector Comments: MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON ROLLING CARTS AND REAR STORAGE AREA,STORE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED PITTED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN WALLS IN DINING AREA,DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES / BASES IN PREP AREA,TOILET ROOM AND DINING AREA.DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Inspector Comments: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE MASSIVE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT ,PREP AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
Violation Codes: 6-304.11 Inspector Comments: MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOM.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−36 pts

Jan 23

Complaint InspectionFail

2 High2 Med11 Basic

15 total1 risk factor

43/100inspection score

−52 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)(CITATION ISSUED)
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND SINK IN DINING AREA MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A GAP ALONG BOTTOM AND SIDE OF REAR DOOR MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.

Basic (11)

−22 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
MUST PROVIDE A SPLASH GUARD IN BETWEEN PREP TABLE AND DRAINBOARD AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.
44UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED−2
MUST INVERT MULTI-USE UTENSILS ON ROLLING CARTS AND REAR STORAGE AREA,STORE HANDLES IN UPRIGHT POSITION ON STAINLESS STEEL UTENSILS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PITTED AND WORN CUTTING BOARDS IN PREP AND DRY STORAGE AREAS MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN REACH IN FREEZER MUST ELIMINATE AND PROVIDE FOOD GRADE BAGS.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO CHEMICAL TEST KIT TO CHECK SANITIZING SOLUTION PPM'S AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005)(CITATION ISSUED)
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COUNTER UNDERNEATH MICROWAVE AND INTERIOR PARTS ON 2- DOOR REACH IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE HOLE IN WALLS IN DINING AREA,DAMAGED AND MISSING WALL TILES / BASES IN PREP AREA,TOILET ROOM AND DINING AREA.DAMAGED AND MISSING FLOOR TILES IN REAR STORAGE AREA.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE OR ORGANIZE MASSIVE ARTICLES IN BASEMENT AND REAR HALLWAY .
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES IN BASEMENT ,PREP AREA,DRY FOOD STORAGE AREAS.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
MUST PROVIDE VENTILATION IN TOILET ROOM.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−52 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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