What is Mustard Seed Kitchen's health inspection score?

Mustard Seed Kitchen has a SafeDine safety score of 70 out of 100 (Grade C). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Mustard Seed Kitchen last inspected?

Mustard Seed Kitchen was last inspected on March 24, 2025. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Mustard Seed Kitchen have?

Mustard Seed Kitchen has 37 total violations across 5 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Mustard Seed Kitchen safe to eat at?

Mustard Seed Kitchen has a good safety record with a score of 70/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Mustard Seed Kitchen serve?

Mustard Seed Kitchen serves American cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Mustard Seed Kitchen

Name: Mustard Seed Kitchen
Address: 43-51 E CERMAK RD, Chicago, 60616
Rating: 70

43-51 E CERMAK RD, Chicago

Data may be outdated — inspected 3/24/2025

▲Improving

Own or manage this restaurant?

Claim it to unlock analytics →

0Good

American•Chinatown

Ranked #345 of 465 in ChinatownBetter than 22% of american restaurants

Improving

5 inspections

Last: Mar 24, 2025

low confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

7.4

Avg Violations

15 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Pest issues

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

SanitationHigh Priority

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-35

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-4 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-7 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-6 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Freshness Penalty

-12 pts

Score reduced due to stale inspection data

Inspection Timeline

+15 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

Real-time Score: 65/100 — This score includes today's freshness penalty and may differ slightly from the displayed score (70/100) which is computed during our regular data sync.

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

Open location in Google Maps →

43-51 E CERMAK RD, Chicago, IL 60616

Open in Maps

View Menu Order Online

Violation Timeline

Nov 2023

2 inspections

2 high priority

1 intermediate

18 basic

Nov

Apr 2024

2 inspections

2 high priority

5 intermediate

5 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

1 intermediate

3 basic

Mar

Inspection History

5 records on file

3 Canvass2 Canvass Re-Inspection

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionLatestPass

1 Med3 Basic

4 total

89/100inspection score

−11 pts

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED DRY INGREDIENTS AND SQUIRT BOTTLES NOT LABELED WITH COMMON FOOD NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED A PLASTIC DISPOSABLE BOWL STORED INSIDE THE FLOUR DRY INGREDIENT CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO TRANSFER FOOD ITEMS WITH UTENSILS WITH HANDLES.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE ICE GUARD PANEL INSIDE OF THE ICE MACHINE WITH SLIGHT BLACK AND PINK RESIDUE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED THE WALL UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISWAHSING MACHINE WITH OPENINGS. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE WALL SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE TO PREVENT POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE POINTS.

Base deductions−11 pts

Apr 24

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
6-301.14: OBSERVED THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE PREP/ DISHWASHING AREAS MISSING THE REQUIRED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
3-302.12: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREAS AND IN THE FOOD STORAGE CLOSETS NOT LABELED WITH THE FOOD ITEM COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
6-202.15: OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
3-307.11: OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE UNIT NOT IN A CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
4-202.18: OBSERVED SPIDER WEBS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE PASTA AND FISH STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−24 pts

Apr 24

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High3 Med3 Basic

7 total

69/100inspection score

−31 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE PREP/ DISHWASHING AREAS MISSING THE REQUIRED HANDWASHING SIGNAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (3)

−15 pts

37FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER−5
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREAS AND IN THE FOOD STORAGE CLOSETS NOT LABELED WITH THE FOOD ITEM COMMON NAME. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 60 MICE DROPPINGS ON SITE. THE FOLLOWING FLOORS WERE OBSEREVD WITH MICE DROPPINGS: SURROUNDING THE HOT WATER TANK, UNDER THE LOW TEMPERATURE DISWAASHING MACHINE EQUIPMENT, IN THE MOPSINK CLOSET, AND IN THE OFFICE. THE SURFACES THAT WERE OBSERVED WITH MICE DROPPINGS WERE: IN ALL THREE LOWER COMPARTMENTS OF THE DEEP-FRYING UNITS, ON THE OUTLET BOX ON THE SIDE OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR FOOD PREP/DISHWASHING AREA, ON THE SHELVING UNIT WITH POTS UNDER THE FOOD PREP TABLE IN THE PASTA/FISH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE MICE DROPPINGS, CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND UTENSILS. RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR A SERVICE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A), CITATION ISSUED
38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED A SMALL OPENING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO RODENT PROOF MENTIONED DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED THE ICE SCOOP IMPROPERLY STORED ON TOP OF THE ICE MACHINE UNIT NOT IN A CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED SPIDER WEBS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD ABOVE THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE PASTA AND FISH STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM 11/15/2023 , REPORT # 2585269: #49: OBSERVED BUILD UP OF RUST AND GRIME ON BOTTOMS OF TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. #53: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. #56: OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM IN REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN. #58: OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-090, CITATION ISSUED

Base deductions−31 pts

Nov 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

7 Basic

7 total

86/100inspection score

−14 pts

Basic (7)

−14 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FOIL COVERING COOKING EQUIPMENT AND TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF RUST AND GRIME ON BOTTOMS OF TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM IN REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−14 pts

Nov 23

Canvass InspectionFail

2 High1 Med11 Basic

14 total

53/100inspection score

−47 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS OR HAND DRYING PROVISION AT HANDSINK IN REAR PREP AREA NEXT TO EXTERIOR DOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE HAND DRYING PROVISION AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
16FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED−10
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING DISHES AND UTENSILS IN THE 1 COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE WITHOUT USING ANY TYPE OF SANITIZING SOLUTION AFTER WASHING. INSTRUCTED FACILITY THAT ALL FOOD CONTACT SURFACES AND EQUIPMENT ARE TO BE CLEANED USING A WASH/RINSE/SANITIZE PROCEDURE IN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK WITH THE APPROPRIATE SANITIZING SOLUTION USED. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-025. CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 200 MOUSE DROPPINGS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT FACILITY IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; UNDER SHELVING IN DRY STORAGE ROOM, IN CORNERS OF PREP AREA, UNDER TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION #7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (11)

−22 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEES WITH NO HAIR RESTRAINTS HANDLING AND PREPARING FOOD. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOOD HANDLER EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR PROPER HAIR RESTAINT.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS IMPROPERLY STORED ON PREP TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL WIPING CLOTHS MUST BE STORED IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED OR STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED FOIL COVERING COOKING EQUIPMENT AND TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REMOVE AND MAINTAIN SURFACE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE.
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED FACILITY WITHOUT A CHEMICAL TEST KIT FOR SANITIZER FOR DISH WASHER(CHLROINE) INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE A TEST KIT THAT ACCURATELY MEASURES THE CONCENTRATION IN MG/L OF SANITIZING SOLUTION MUST BE PROVIDED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF RUST AND GRIME ON BOTTOMS OF TABLES THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
52SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED−2
OBSERVED INADEQUATE WASTE AND SEWAGE WATER DISPOSAL FROM FLOOR DRAIN NEAREST ICE MACHINE. DRAIN IS BACKING WASTEWATER ONTO FLOOR. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPAIR AND MAINTIAN. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. (WATER DRAINED ON SITE PRIOR TO END OF INSPECTION)
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES IN UNISEX RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO PROVIDE COVERED RECEPTACLES FOR SANITARY PRODUCTS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND GRIME ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED BLOWN LIGHT BULBS IN HOOD VENTILATION SYSTEM IN REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE FOR CERTIFIED MANAGER. INSTRUCTED PERSON IN CHARGE TO OBTAIN ALLERGEN TRAINING AND RETAIN CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.

Base deductions−47 pts

Community Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Leave a Review

Community Safety Reports

No reviewed safety reports. Help keep others safe by reporting any food safety concerns.

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.

Explore More

Restaurants in Chicago American Restaurants Best in Chicago All Illinois Restaurants