GOOD INFORMATION. BETTER PEACE OF MIND.Español · Always free. No signup required.

Restaurant · Minneapolis, MN

Mama Safia Kitchen

720 Lake St E #120

Last inspected Jun 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Complete

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Mama Safia Kitchen has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

No account needed. Unsubscribe at any time.

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

The full inspection history

5 inspections

Routine

Jun 2, 2026

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

4 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.1540Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Hang mops to dry after using. Store mops in a way that will not make walls, equipment or supplies dirty.

Inspector’s notes

Observed mop sitting in mop bucket. Hang mop to dry when not in use.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1110ABHandwashing

Official wording

Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.

Inspector’s notes

Observed sanitizer bucket and utensils sitting in handwash sink. Ensure handwashing sinks are used only for handwashing and are accessible at all times.

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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1440Handwashing

Official wording

Have hand soap at all handwashing sinks.

Inspector’s notes

Observed soap missing from 2 of the 3 handwash sinks in back of kitchen. Ensure all handwashing sinks are properly stocked.

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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1445Handwashing

Official wording

Keep at each handwashing sink or group of adjacent handwashing sinks one of: • A supply of disposable towels • A continuous towel system • An approved air temperature hand drying device

Inspector’s notes

Observed towels missing from 2 of the 3 handwash sinks in back of kitchen. Ensure all handwashing sinks are properly stocked.

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 problems

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 2, 2026 · Original Source

Follow-Up

Jun 17, 2025

Complete

Official score: 92 · Understand this area’s scale

6 recorded violations

minorCode MN Rule 4626.0450BCDECleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Remove all multi-use equipment, utensils, and food storage containers that are not: • Smooth • Easily cleanable • Durable • Nonabsorbent • In good condition

Inspector’s notes

Observed storage racks lined with cardboard. Discussed with operator. Cardboard is not a non-absorbent material. Discontinue with practice.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1540Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Hang mops to dry after using. Store mops in a way that will not make walls, equipment or supplies dirty.

Inspector’s notes

Observed mops leaning against the wall in mop sink area. Hang mops to dry after use.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1110ABHandwashing

Official wording

Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.

Inspector’s notes

Observed handwash sink with box of saran wrap laid over the top. Discussed with operator. Ensure handwash sinks are accessible at all times.

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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.

Inspector’s notes

Operator did not have test strips for quat sanitizer tabs. Ensure you have test strips for each type of sanitizer used on site (quat, chlorine, etc.)

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
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Food temperature

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

Observed TCS food in the prep cooler (bean- 44 degrees F) holding above 41 degrees F. Discussed with operator. Unit will be turned down and monitored.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0380ABCFood temperature

Official wording

Thaw TCS food by one of the following methods: • Inside a refrigerator • Kept completely under running water of 70 degrees F or less. The food must remain at 41 degrees F or less. • In a microwave oven • As part of the cooking process

Inspector’s notes

Observed frozen chicken thawing in prep sink NOT under running water. If thawing in a prep sink, foods must be under running water.

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

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 17, 2025 · Original Source

Routine

Jun 3, 2025

Complete

Official score: 82 · Understand this area’s scale

11 recorded violations

majorCode MN Rule 4626.0840ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils must be clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed 1 live cockroach walking on clean utensils sitting on the drain board of the 3 comp sink. Discussed with operator. These utensils are to be re-washed/rinsed/sanitized and stored in a protected area.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0450BCDECleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Remove all multi-use equipment, utensils, and food storage containers that are not: • Smooth • Easily cleanable • Durable • Nonabsorbent • In good condition

Inspector’s notes

Observed cardboard lining the storage racks. Cardboard is not non-absorbent. Discontinue this practice.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1540Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Hang mops to dry after using. Store mops in a way that will not make walls, equipment or supplies dirty.

Inspector’s notes

Observed used mop heads leaning against the wall in the mop sink. Hang mops to dry when not in use.

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 MCO 188.590Pests

Official wording

The services of a licensed pest control operator shall be required when a facility has evidence of rodent or insect activity to the extent that rodent droppings are visible, or live insects are seen during an inspection. The facility shall maintain records of the pest control operator's services on file for inspection. (2003-Or-023, ? 3, 2-28-03)

Inspector’s notes

Observed 1 live cockroach on site at time of inspection. Per operator, they work with a licensed pest control operator. Continue working with a licensed pest control operator and keep records of service.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1440Handwashing

Official wording

Have hand soap at all handwashing sinks.

Inspector’s notes

Observed hand soap missing from one of the 3 handwash sinks on site. Ensure all handwash sinks are properly equipped.

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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.1110ABHandwashing

Official wording

Keep handwashing sinks accessible at all times. Make sure they are only used for handwashing.

Inspector’s notes

Observed access to one handwash sink blocked with boxes and another handwash sink with a box of food wrap laid over the top of the sink. Ensure handwash sinks are accessible at all times to encourage frequent handwashing.

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 problems
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0900Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitize food contact surfaces before using and after cleaning.

Inspector’s notes

Observed 3 compartment sink set up but with no sanitizer in the 3rd compartment. Observed sanitizer buckets with only soap and water in them. Discussed with operator. They ran out of quat tablets. Bleach was available on site. Explained to operator how to set up bleach for the sanitizing step, left test strips with operator, and instructed to use chlorine as a sanitizer until more quat tabs can be obtained.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.

Inspector’s notes

No test strips available on site for either chlorine or quat. Obtain and use test strips for each type of sanitizer used on site.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0030JKLMOChemicals

Official wording

The person in charge must be able to demonstrate their knowledge to the inspector of the food safety risks within their food operation and the relationship of the following factors to preventing foodborne disease: maintaining the food establishment and equipment in a clean condition and in good repair; procedures for cleaning and sanitizing utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment; the importance of adequate food service equipment; responsibilities when a HACCP plan is required; proper use of toxic compounds in the establishment; and preventing contamination of the water supply from plumbing cross connections or backflow.

Inspector’s notes

Per discussion with operator and violations found during the inspection, it is unclear if the person in charge has proper knowledge of the role cleaning and more specifically sanitizing plays in preventing foodborne illness. Ensure sanitizer is available and used every day the establishment is open to the public, and that sanitizing of food contact surfaces is occurring every 4 hours at a minimum, or when switching between raw products, from raw to ready to eat, etc.

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
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A2Food temperature

Official wording

Keep all cold TCS foods at 41 degrees F or colder under mechanical refrigeration.

Inspector’s notes

Observed foods in the prep cooler holding above 41 degrees F (sambusa 44, cut tomato 44) Discussed with operator. Unit was turned down and is to be monitored by the person in charge to ensure the reach and maintain a temperature of 41 or below.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0380ABCFood temperature

Official wording

Thaw TCS food by one of the following methods: • Inside a refrigerator • Kept completely under running water of 70 degrees F or less. The food must remain at 41 degrees F or less. • In a microwave oven • As part of the cooking process

Inspector’s notes

Observed chicken thawing on counter at room temperature, and beef thawing in prep sink NOT under running water. Ensure proper thawing practices using the methods described in rule above.

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

Official record from Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 3, 2025 · Original Source

Follow-Up

Jun 18, 2024

Complete

Official score: 94 · Understand this area’s scale

8 recorded violations

minorCode MCO 204.30AOther

Official wording

Provide containers for food or beverages prepared for takeout or to be eaten immediately. Containers must be reuseable, recyclable or compostable.

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A1Food temperature

Official wording

Maintain all hot, TCS foods at 135 degrees F or hotter. (Roast beef may be held at 130 degrees F or hotter, if it is cooked according to Part 4626.0340 item B or reheated according to Part 4626.0360, item E.)

Inspector’s notes

Observed meat on stovetop in pot with an internal temperature of 115 degrees F. Discussed with person in charge Saida and with kitchen staff. Any meat or other TCS foods MUST be held at or above 135 degrees F or at or below 41 degrees F at all times. Contact inspector with additional questions.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0855Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep non-food contact equipment surfaces clean.

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0840ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils must be clean.

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0450BCDECleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Remove all multi-use equipment, utensils, and food storage containers that are not: • Smooth • Easily cleanable • Durable • Nonabsorbent • In good condition

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1540Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Hang mops to dry after using. Store mops in a way that will not make walls, equipment or supplies dirty.

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

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 MN Rule 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1530ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep all intake and exhaust air ducts and filters clean.

Inspector’s notes

see original inspection for details

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 Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 18, 2024 · Original Source

Routine

Jun 5, 2024

Complete

Official score: 86 · Understand this area’s scale

12 recorded violations

minorCode MCO 204.30AOther

Official wording

Provide containers for food or beverages prepared for takeout or to be eaten immediately. Containers must be reuseable, recyclable or compostable.

Inspector’s notes

Observed both Green to Go compliant materials on site and non-compliant materials. Discussed with operator- was told non-compliant materials were used because they had run out of compliance materials. Do not use materials that are not compliant with the Minneapolis Green to Go ordinance.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0395A1Food temperature

Official wording

Maintain all hot, TCS foods at 135 degrees F or hotter. (Roast beef may be held at 130 degrees F or hotter, if it is cooked according to Part 4626.0340 item B or reheated according to Part 4626.0360, item E.)

Inspector’s notes

Observed lamb meat being hot held on stove at 114 degrees F. Discussed with operator. Operator instructed to discard this food within the hour as we were unable to determine when the temperature went below 135 degrees F from the time it finished fully cooking 3 hours ago. Ensure all foods you intend to hot hold are kept at or above 135 degrees at all times.

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 MN Rule 4626.0705BFood temperature

Official wording

Have a thin-tipped food thermometer easily available to measure the internal temperature of thin pieces of food.

Inspector’s notes

Operator did not have a thin tipped food thermometer on site. Obtain and use thermometer.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0855Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep non-food contact equipment surfaces clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed bottom shelf of reach in freezer soiled with food debris. Clean and maintain 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 problems
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0840ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Equipment food-contact surfaces and utensils must be clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed dirty/dusty utensils in storage mode. Ensure all utensils are cleaned and stored 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 problems
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0450BCDECleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Remove all multi-use equipment, utensils, and food storage containers that are not: • Smooth • Easily cleanable • Durable • Nonabsorbent • In good condition

Inspector’s notes

Observed wooden mortar and pestle bowl in back of kitchen. Observed cracked wooden spoon. Discontinue using utensils that are not nonabsorbent, smooth, and easily cleanable.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1540Equipment and utensils

Official wording

Hang mops to dry after using. Store mops in a way that will not make walls, equipment or supplies dirty.

Inspector’s notes

Observed used mops leaning against the wall by mop sink. Hang mops to dry after use.

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 MN Rule 4626.1040BWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Keep the plumbing system in good repair.

Inspector’s notes

Observed leak under prep sink. Ensure all plumbing is in good repair.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.1530ACleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Keep all intake and exhaust air ducts and filters clean.

Inspector’s notes

Observed hood baffles soiled with grease and debris Clean at a frequency to prevent accumulation.

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
minorCode MN Rule 4626.0275CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Store in-use food preparation and serving utensils only on clean, sanitized surfaces.

Inspector’s notes

Observed tongs hanging from oven handles. Discontinue this practice

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
criticalCode MN Rule 4626.0805C3Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have an approved quaternary ammonium sanitizing solution: • Within the concentration specified in 21CFR.178.1010, and • According to the manufacturer/'s directions

Inspector’s notes

Observed quat concentration at 3 comp sink to be low (100ppm) Discussed with operator. She added more quat tablets to bring concentration up to 200pm.

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
majorCode MN Rule 4626.0715Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Have a test kit for the type of sanitizer used.

Inspector’s notes

Observed no test strips available for quat sanitizer. Obtain and use test strips.

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 Minneapolis Health Department, Jun 5, 2024 · Original Source

More restaurants nearby