Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Black Seed

Name: Black Seed
Address: 140 Tremont St, Boston, MA

140 Tremont St

Last inspected Jan 16, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

13 inspections

Inspection

Jan 16, 2026

Passed

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an air gap at the 2 bay prep sink

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

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Raw shell eggs observed stored above ready to eat items. Provide proper storage for raw shell eggs PIC correcting

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Stuffed grape leaves observed stored in the original can.Provide a food grade container during storage PIC correcting

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

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide labels listing ingredients on all retail packaged items in the open air display case PIC correcting

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 L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

The 2026 Health Permit has not been paid.Provide payment Discussed with the PIC to Email ISDHealth@Boston.gov to request a bill & payment link

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 16, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 9, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Raw shell eggs observed stored above ready to eat items. Provide proper storage for raw shell eggs PIC correcting

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Stuffed grape leaves observed stored in the original can.Provide a food grade container during storage PIC correcting

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide labels listing ingredients on all retail packaged items in the open air display case PIC correcting

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

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

Provide an air gap at the 2 bay prep sink

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 L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

The 2026 Health Permit has not been paid.Provide payment Discussed with the PIC to Email ISDHealth@Boston.gov to request a bill & payment link

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 9, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 30, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line observed with no hair restraint. Provide.

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

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrapped cheese and ham obsevred with no date marking in walk in cooler. Provide date marking for all foods held longer than 24 hours.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No labels on orange juice and rice pudding in grab and go station. Provide.

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

majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Service counter hand sink at 80F. Hot water at all other hand sinks. Repair to have water at least 100F at hand sink.

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.

Sep 23, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line observed with no hair restraint. Provide.

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

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrapped cheese and ham obsevred with no date marking in walk in cooler. Provide date marking for all foods held longer than 24 hours.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No labels on orange juice and rice pudding in grab and go station. Provide.

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

majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Service counter hand sink at 80F. Hot water at all other hand sinks. Repair to have water at least 100F at hand sink.

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.

Jul 23, 2025

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line with no hair restraint. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food product observed on floor of walk in cooler. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Orange juice in self serve cooler observed with no labels. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Excess trash and cardboard in basement area. Call for additional service if necessary.

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 issues

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 7, 2025

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line with no hair restraint. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food product observed on floor of walk in cooler. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Orange juice in self serve cooler observed with no labels. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Excess trash and cardboard in basement area. Call for additional service if necessary.

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 issues

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 7, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 23, 2025

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line cooking without hair restraint. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bulk rice bins downstairs are observed uncovered. Cover to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Packaged rice pudding in grab and go cooler observed with no labels. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink observed leaking. Repair as necessary.

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 issues

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 23, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 15, 2025

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employee on production line cooking without hair restraint. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.003/3-302.11-COther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bulk rice bins downstairs are observed uncovered. Cover to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Packaged rice pudding in grab and go cooler observed with no labels. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink observed leaking. Repair as necessary.

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 issues

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired. Schedule cleaning appointment.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 15, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 29, 2024

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employees on production line and prep area without hair restraints. Provide.

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

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat product. Corrected on site.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rice pudding in grab and go area observed without labels. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.004/4-101.17-COther

Official wording

Wood Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wood panels being used on speed rack in walk in cooler. Wood is discolored and soiled. Remove all wood and replace with food grade material that is easily cleanable.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink on production line observed leaking into bucket. Repair as necessary.

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 issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 29, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 21, 2024

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Employees on production line and prep area without hair restraints. Provide.

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

criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Raw shell eggs stored over ready to eat product. Corrected on site.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rice pudding in grab and go area observed without labels. Provide.

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

minorCode 590.004/4-101.17-COther

Official wording

Wood Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wood panels being used on speed rack in walk in cooler. Wood is discolored and soiled. Remove all wood and replace with food grade material that is easily cleanable.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink on production line observed leaking into bucket. Repair as necessary.

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 issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 21, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 30, 2024

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ceramic bowl in bulk rice container. Remove.

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

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hard boiled eggs for retail sale left out in grab in go cooler without any protection. Package in container with label to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Packaged rice pudding observed for retail sale without label. Provide labels for all grab and go items.

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

majorCode 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Chemical spray bottle observed with no label. Provide.

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 Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 30, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 23, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ceramic bowl in bulk rice container. Remove.

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

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hard boiled eggs for retail sale left out in grab in go cooler without any protection. Package in container with label to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Packaged rice pudding observed for retail sale without label. Provide labels for all grab and go items.

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

majorCode 590.007/7-102.11-PFOther