Grocery Store · Chicago, IL

Big Sams Food Mart

Name: Big Sams Food Mart
Address: 133 E 75th St, Chicago, IL

133 E 75th St

Last inspected Jan 30, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Canvass

Jan 30, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

5 recorded violations

notedCode 5Other

Official wording

PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITH NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA KIT AND PROCEDURE.N INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE ESTABLISHMENT MUST ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF BOTH ADEQUATE SUPPLIES (DISPOSABLE MOP, DISPOSABLE LATEX GLOVES, DISPOSABLE MASK, AND ADEQUATE SANITIZER *MUST ELIMINATE NOROVIRUS*) AND THE CLEAN UP POLICY ON SITE TO PROPERLY CLEAN UP ANY VOMIT OR DIARRHEA EVENTS THAT CAN POTENTIALLY OCCUR INSIDE OF THE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT. PERSON IN CHARGE SENT EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HAND SINK IN REAR DISH/ PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE. HANDSINK WAS BLOCKED BY STATIONARY PREP TABLE WITH LARGE SCALE AND MEAT SLICER. INSTRUCTED THAT SINK MUST BE ACCESSIBLE AND MAINTAINED WITH HANDSOAP AND PAPERTOWELS AT ALL TIMES. PERSON IN CHARGE MOVED TABLE DURING INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

NOTED NO METAL STEM THERMOMETER ON SITE TO MONITOR THE INTERNAL FOOD TEMPERATURE OF TCS FOOD COOKED, DELIVERED AND SERVED. FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN PROPER THERMOMETERS. PERSON IN CHARGE SENT EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 48Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR CHLORINE SANITIZER USED AT 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PERSON IN CHARGE SENT EMPLOYEE TO PURCHASE DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSONS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH COMPLETION OF TRAINING. MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jan 30, 2026 · Original Source

Complaint

Aug 29, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

6 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE, LARGE CARDBOARD BOX OF CLEAR PLASTIC STORED INSIDE HAND WASHING SINK AND HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED BY PREP/WRAPPING TABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS INSIDE AND AROUND HAND WASHING SINK TO MAKE ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDAITON 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED PACKAGED READY TO EAT SLICED MELON, CHICKEN SALAD, SEAFOOD SALAD, TUNA SALAD AND SANDWICHES NOT LABELED AND DATED AND DISPLAYED FOR SALE IN DISPLAY COOLER. COLD READY TO EAT TCS FOOD SHALL BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH USE BY DATE OR DISCARD DATE NO MORE THAN 7 DAYS FROM DATE OF PREPARATION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION BETWEEN USES.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 45Equipment and utensils

Official wording

SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL UTENSILS TO PROTECT FROM CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED EXCESS BOXES IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 29, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass Re-Inspection

May 28, 2025

Pass

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 28, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

May 16, 2025

Fail

5 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE AND FILLED WITH MULTI-USE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL ITEMS FROM HAND WASHING SINK. HAND WASHING SINK IS FOR HAND WASHING ONLY AND MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED BOXES OF CHIPS STORED ON FLOOR BEHIND FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES OFF FLOOR. OBSERVED OPEN ARIZONA JUICE CONTAINER STORED INSIDE FRONT DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL PERSONAL ITEMS FROM COOLERS USED FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED HANDLE OF TONGS LAYING ON TOP OF SLICED TOMATOES IN PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO STORE HANDLE ABOVE FOOD TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED MISSING CEILING TILES IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 60Other

Official wording

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED

Inspector’s notes

PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM REPORT #2607650 ON 11-19-24:37- TCS FOODS STORED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER THAT'S MADE ON SITE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL TCS FOODS WITH INGREDIENTS, USED BY DATE, ETC. 40-FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD. MAINTAIN SAME.51-LEAK AT THE ELBOW OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING. 55-WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT, PREP AND TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 16, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Nov 19, 2024

Pass

8 recorded violations

notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

FLY STRIP IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND TO NOT USE IN THE PREP AREA.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects

notedCode 40Employee health and hygiene

Official wording

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

Inspector’s notes

FOOD HANDLER NOT WEARING A HAIR RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT WHEN IN THE FOOD PREP AREA AND HANDLING FOOD. MAINTAIN SAME.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

notedCode 28Chemicals

Official wording

TOXIC SUBSTANCES PROPERLY IDENTIFIED, STORED, & USED

Inspector’s notes

PERSONNELL STORING PERSONAL ITEMS IN THE COOLER USED FOR THE BUSINESS. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PERSONAL ITEMS AWAY FROM BUSINESS ITEMS. MAINTAIN SAME.

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely

notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

TCS FOODS STORED IN THE DISPLAY COOLER THAT'S MADE ON SITE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL TCS FOODS WITH INGREDIENTS, USED BY DATE, ETC.

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems

notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

LEAK AT THE ELBOW OF THE FAUCET ON THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX AND MAINTAIN GOOD PLUMBING.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems

notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

WATER STAINED CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT, PREP AND TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER DOES NOT HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A VALID ALLERGEN CERTIFICATE AT ALL TIMES.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 19, 2024 · Original Source