Short Form Complaint
Sep 29, 2026
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Sep 29, 2026 · Original Source
Grocery Store · Chicago, IL
Pullman Express Food & Deli
11858 S State St
Last inspected Sep 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Pass
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
- When was Pullman Express Food & Deli last inspected?
- The most recent inspection on record was on Sep 29, 2026. The result listed by Chicago Department of Public Health was “Pass”.
- Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
- No. No violations were recorded at the most recent inspection.
- How many inspections are on record?
- 8 inspections on record, from Oct 4, 2023 to Sep 29, 2026.
- Has Pullman Express Food & Deli ever been closed by the health department?
- No closure appears in the 8 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Oct 4, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
8 inspectionsComplaint
May 29, 2026
Pass
4 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND A FLY STRIP HANGING ABOVE THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND REFRAIN FROM HANGING FLY STRIPS IN PREP AREAS. MAINTAIN SAME.
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 insectsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS WITH A THICK BUILD UP OF GREASE DIRT AND CHARRED MATERIALS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH DIRT, FOOD AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, GREASE, DIRT AND DEBRIS. FLOOR DRAINS UNDER THE 3-COMP. SINK AND IN FRONT OF THE WALK IN COOLER WITH THICK BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
FOUND VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE, DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FILTERS.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, May 29, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass
Feb 20, 2026
Pass
8 recorded violations
notedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
NO HAND-WASHING SIGNAGE AT ANY OF THE HAND-WASHING SINKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND VISIBLY DISPLAY SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINKS. MAINTAIN SAME.
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.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
CUT FRUIT IN THE DISPLAY COOLER AND ARE NOT LABELED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY LABEL TO DISCLOSE WHEN CUT AND WHEN IT MUST BE SOLD BY AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s Notes
WIPING CLOTH STORED ON CUTTING BOARD ON TOP OF PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (SANITIZER MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
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 problemsnotedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
LARGE CAN OPENER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA WITH FOOD AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CAN OPENER.
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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS WITH A THICK BUILD UP OF GREASE DIRT AND CHARRED MATERIALS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE DEEP FRYERS.
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 problemsnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official Wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s Notes
LEAK AT THE BASE OF THE FAUCET ON THE REAR 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO FIX LEAK 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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
WALLS AROUND THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH DIRT, FOOD AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WALLS. -FLOORS IN THE CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT WITH FOOD, GREASE, DIRT AND DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
VENTILATION ABOVE COOKING EQUIPMENT WITH GREASE, DUST AND DIRT BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FILTERS.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 20, 2026 · Original Source
Canvass Re-Inspection
Jun 9, 2025
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 9, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Jun 2, 2025
Fail
4 recorded violations
notedCode 38Pests
Official Wording
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
Inspector’s Notes
6-202.13 OBSERVED FACILITY INSTALLING THEIR OWN FLY LIGHT DEVICES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND ONLY ALLOW PEST CONTROL TO INSTALL ALL INSECT CONTROL DEVICES.
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 insectsnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
4-502.13 OBSERVED CARDBOARD BEING RE-USED AS A SHELF LINING. INSTRUCTED TO NOT RE-USE CARDBOARD, ALL SURFACES MUST BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
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 issuesnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
4-601.11(C) OBSERVED INTERIOR OF FRYERS WITH ACCUMULATED GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
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 problemsOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Jun 2, 2025 · Original Source
Canvass
Nov 13, 2024
Out of Business
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Nov 13, 2024 · Original Source
Canvass
Aug 23, 2024
Pass w/ Conditions
12 recorded violations
notedCode 37Food source and labeling
Official Wording
FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED BULK CONTAINERS NOT LABELED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MAANGER TO LABEL ALL BULK CONTAINERS WITH COMMON NAME OF FOOD.
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 problemsnotedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED SOILED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON PREP TABLES. INSTRUCTED 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 problemsnotedCode 49Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SINKS, BEVERAGE MACHINES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 1Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
Inspector’s Notes
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
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 issuesnotedCode 2Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE OR VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED WHEN TCS FOOD (BEEF 180.1F) PREPARED. A CHICAGO FOOD SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AND VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED AT ALL TIMES TCS FOOD PREPARED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
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 issuesnotedCode 10Handwashing
Official Wording
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGN AT HAND WASHING SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE HAND WASHING SIGNS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINLS USED BY EMPLOYEES.
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.
More about handwashing problemsnotedCode 39Contamination
Official Wording
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR STORAGE AREA. 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 contaminationnotedCode 45Equipment and utensils
Official Wording
SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE UTENSILS NOT INVERTED IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO INVERT ALL SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES 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 issuesnotedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage
Official Wording
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED LEAKING DRAINPIPE UNDER HAND WASHING SINK AND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN DISH WASHING AREA. OBSERVED TOILET NOT FLUSHING PROPERLY IN WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
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 problemsnotedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED FOOD SPILLS ON WALLS UNDER REAR HAND WASHING SINK, FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER, UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN 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 problemsnotedCode 56Facility maintenance
Official Wording
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED GREASE BUILDUP INSIDE VENTILATION HOOD. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
In Plain English
Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.
More about building upkeep issuesnotedCode 57Permits, training, and postings
Official Wording
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
Inspector’s Notes
OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING AVAILABLE. ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING.
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 issuesOfficial record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 23, 2024 · Original Source
License Re-Inspection
Oct 4, 2023
Pass
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Oct 4, 2023 · Original Source