Sweet Rice Thai Sushi

187 Main St, Charlestown, MA 02129

Japanese / Sushi

Last inspected: May 4, 2026

Score

High Risk

Public records show 13 inspections at Sweet Rice Thai Sushi stretching back to 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated May 4, 2026. High risk indicates the latest inspection turned up problems worth knowing about.

Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around 18 violations lately compared to roughly 10 violations before.

“Ventilation hood systems filters” comes up most often, recorded six times in the inspection record.

That's lower than the typical Charlestown restaurant, which scores around 93. The pattern in the record is worth a careful look.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

May 4, 2026

Routine

3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 16 minor violations.

View 27 violations

Backflow prevention (p)

Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed missing air gap. PIC to provide detailed plumbers report on the cost of install of airgap to: inca.prince@boston.gov

590.005/5-402.11-P

Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)

Inspector notes: Sanitizer bucket observed above 200ppm chlorine. Set up to read according to law (cos)

590.007/7-204.11-P

Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)

Inspector notes: Raw shrimp observed stored above RTE chicken fingers. Discontinue

590.003/3-304.11-P

Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)

Inspector notes: Several containers of cooked foods stored in walk in cold unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date before storing. Per PIC food were cooked the night before.

590.003/3-501.17-PF

(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)

Inspector notes: Violations noted on the inspection report. PIC to train staff on violations noted and provide active managerial controls.

590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

Temperature measuring devices-functionality (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide a metal probe thermometer. Provide & keep accessible at all time.

590.004/4-204.112-PF

Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide an irreverssible thermometer for the high temp diswasher. Provide

590.004/4-302.13-PF

(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)

Inspector notes: Multiple refrigeration untis observed visible soiled on the insterior/exterior chest freezer unit observed with heavy ice build up and dry food spills interior of ice machine observed with brown substances walk in shelves observed visble rusty Clean & sanatize to remove

590.004/4-601.11-PF

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Handsink observed blocked by water filter. Discontinue & keep accessible at all time for handwashing only.

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Multiple small flies observed downstairs in the basement area. Old rat droppings observed behind coffin unit downstairs in the basement area. PIC to provide detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.com

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Conformance with approved procedures (pf)

Inspector notes: Notes:Sushi rice lab report on file is expired 5.6.24. Provide updated lab report for the sushi rice acidification Buffer solution observed expired 7.11.25 & 6.12.25. PIC placed the order for a new buffer in front of inspector to be delivered in 2 hours .

590.008/8-103.12-PF

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: Portioned cups observed stored inside bulk bins. Discontinue provide utensils with handles to prevent contamination by hands.

590.003/3-304.12-C

Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)

Inspector notes: Buckets of RTE sauces and bags of rice observed stored on the floor. Keep elevated

590.003/3-305.11-C

Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)

Inspector notes: Observed RTE sauce stored on raw chicken box. Discontinue to prevent contamination.

590.003/3-307.11-C

Sponges use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Observed staff using yellow sponges for warewashing. Discontinue

590.004/4-101.16-C

Characteristics-single-service and single-use (c)

Inspector notes: Aluminum foil observed lining equipments. Discontinue

590.004/4-102.11-C

Backflow prevention device location (c)

Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed missing air gap. PIC to provide detailed plumbers report on the cost of install of airgap to: inca.prince@boston.gov Plumbers report in procees If air gap is installed plumber to pull out a permit with ISD Plumbing division at 1010 Mass Ave

590.005/5-204.12-C

Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)

Inspector notes: Floor under equipments observed in need of deep cleaning due to grease and soils build up ceiling tiles observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove

590.006/6-201.11-C

Outer openings protected (c)

Inspector notes: Noted doors missing effective door sweep. Install to prevent pest/rodent access.

590.006/6-202.15-C

Handwashing signage (c)

Inspector notes: Restroom observed missing employee must wash hands signage. Provide

590.006/6-301.14-C

Controlling pests (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple small flies observed downstairs in the basement area. (corrected prior to 5.4.26) Old rat droppings observed behind coffin unit downstairs in the basement area. (corrected prior to 5.4.26) PIC to provide detailed IPM report from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.com IPM report provided was prior to inspection taken place.

590.006/6-501.111-C

Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)

Inspector notes: Basement area observed heavily clutter (old equipments) . Clean & organize to remove

590.006/6-501.114-C

Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple holes observed in the basement area exposed dirty observed in the basement . Provide repair to exclude pest/rodent access.

590.006/6-501.11-C

Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide

590.002/2-402.11-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Hood vent and attachment observed heavily soiled and dripping oil. Clean to remove Hood sticker expires: June 12th 2026

590.004/4-202.18-C

Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)

Inspector notes: Several containers of foods from previous night observed stored in the walkin missing cover. Provide cover before storing

590.003/3-302.11-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Food storage containers (bulk bins squeeze bottles) and condiment at the cookline observed missing labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers.

590.003/3-302.12-C

Apr 29, 2026

Routine

3 critical violations. 8 major violations. 14 minor violations.

View 25 violations

Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)

Inspector notes: Sanitizer bucket observed above 200ppm chlorine. Set up to read according to law (cos)

590.007/7-204.11-P

Backflow prevention (p)

Inspector notes: Food prep sink observed missing air gap. PIC to provide detailed plumbers report on the cost of install of airgap to: inca.prince@boston.gov

590.005/5-402.11-P

Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)

Inspector notes: Raw shrimp observed stored above RTE chicken fingers. Discontinue

590.003/3-304.11-P

(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)

Inspector notes: Violations noted on the inspection report. PIC to train staff on violations noted and provide active managerial controls.

590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)

Inspector notes: Several containers of cooked foods stored in walk in cold unit observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date before storing. Per PIC food were cooked the night before.

590.003/3-501.17-PF

Temperature measuring devices-functionality (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide a metal probe thermometer. Provide & keep accessible at all time.

590.004/4-204.112-PF

Temperature measuring devices manual and mechanical warewashing (pf)

Inspector notes: PIC unable to provide an irreverssible thermometer for the high temp diswasher. Provide

590.004/4-302.13-PF

(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)

590.004/4-601.11-PF

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Handsink observed blocked by water filter. Discontinue & keep accessible at all time for handwashing only.

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Conformance with approved procedures (pf)

590.008/8-103.12-PF

Controlling pests (pf)

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)

Inspector notes: Buckets of RTE sauces and bags of rice observed stored on the floor. Keep elevated

590.003/3-305.11-C

Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)

Inspector notes: Observed RTE sauce stored on raw chicken box. Discontinue to prevent contamination.

590.003/3-307.11-C

Sponges use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Observed staff using yellow sponges for warewashing. Discontinue

590.004/4-101.16-C

Characteristics-single-service and single-use (c)

Inspector notes: Aluminum foil observed lining equipments. Discontinue

590.004/4-102.11-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Hood vent and attachment observed heavily soiled and dripping oil. Clean to remove Hood sticker expires: June 12th 2026

590.004/4-202.18-C

Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)

Inspector notes: Floor under equipments observed in need of deep cleaning due to grease and soils build up ceiling tiles observed heavily soiled. Clean to remove

590.006/6-201.11-C

Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple holes observed in the basement area exposed dirty observed in the basement . Provide repair to exclude pest/rodent access.

590.006/6-501.11-C

Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)

Inspector notes: Basement area observed heavily clutter (old equipments) . Clean & organize to remove

590.006/6-501.114-C

Handwashing signage (c)

Inspector notes: Restroom observed missing employee must wash hands signage. Provide

590.006/6-301.14-C

Outer openings protected (c)

Inspector notes: Noted doors missing effective door sweep. Install to prevent pest/rodent access.

590.006/6-202.15-C

Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)

Inspector notes: Multiple staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide

590.002/2-402.11-C

Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)

Inspector notes: Several containers of foods from previous night observed stored in the walkin missing cover. Provide cover before storing

590.003/3-302.11-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Food storage containers (bulk bins squeeze bottles) and condiment at the cookline observed missing labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers.

590.003/3-302.12-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: Portioned cups observed stored inside bulk bins. Discontinue provide utensils with handles to prevent contamination by hands.

590.003/3-304.12-C

Jun 17, 2025

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Equipment and utensils-durability and strength (c)

Inspector notes: Discard all non commercial grade utensils and cutting boards - they are porous and splintered

590.004/4-201.11-C

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Post curent copy of PIC's food safety certificate

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: Ensure all individual ingredients starches and protiens in food storage containers and bins have individual utensils with handles to reduce potential contamination- commercial grade only -discontinue using NON- COMMERCIAL grade utensils for the commercial business

590.003/3-304.12-C

Jun 10, 2025

Routine

4 major violations. 8 minor violations.

View 12 violations

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Rodent activity noted around the building [ construction ongoing in the streets has amplified the issue ] contact pest control company

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Assignment (pf)

Inspector notes: No PIC is on site to answer qhestion pertaing to the inspection - address

590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF

Conformance with approved procedures (pf)

Inspector notes: Not logging PH reslts for sushi rice on a daily basisi for verification - address immediately

590.008/8-103.12-PF

Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)

Inspector notes: Using the wronf test strips for the sanitizer 0 need chlorine [ purple ] test kits as discussed

590.004/4-302.14-PF

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Clean all cooking eqhipment- freezers and refrigeration units - bulk storage bins from all visible food spills stain asd soils

590.004/4-602.13-C

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

590.003/3-304.14-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

590.003/3-304.12-C

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Post curent copy of PIC's food safety certificate

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Drain boards (c)

Inspector notes: Enlarge the current area being used to air dry pots and pans so they are not dripping on top of one another

590.004/4-301.13-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Remove the vents above the char-grill and soak overnight

590.004/4-202.18-C

Wood use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Remove all splintered wooden spatulas and spoons

590.004/4-101.17-C

Equipment and utensils-durability and strength (c)

Inspector notes: Discard all non commercial grade utensils and cutting boards - they are porous and splintered

590.004/4-201.11-C

Jun 3, 2025

Routine

4 major violations. 5 minor violations.

View 9 violations

Conformance with approved procedures (pf)

Inspector notes: Not logging PH reslts for sushi rice on a daily basisi for verification - address immediately

590.008/8-103.12-PF

Assignment (pf)

Inspector notes: No PIC is on site to answer qhestion pertaing to the inspection - address

590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF

Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)

Inspector notes: Using the wronf test strips for the sanitizer 0 need chlorine [ purple ] test kits as discussed

590.004/4-302.14-PF

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Rodent activity noted around the building [ construction ongoing in the streets has amplified the issue ] contact pest control company

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Remove the vents above the char-grill and soak overnight

590.004/4-202.18-C

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

590.003/3-304.14-C

Wood use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Remove all splintered wooden spatulas and spoons

590.004/4-101.17-C

Drain boards (c)

Inspector notes: Enlarge the current area being used to air dry pots and pans so they are not dripping on top of one another

590.004/4-301.13-C

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Clean all cooking eqhipment- freezers and refrigeration units - bulk storage bins from all visible food spills stain asd soils

590.004/4-602.13-C

Aug 12, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 6 minor violations.

View 9 violations

Conformance with approved procedures (p)

Inspector notes: Letter of guarantee expired. Provide a current one.

590.008/8-103.12-P

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Observed live mice and large amount of rodent-like droppings at the lower level. Provide a current IPM report from a licensed exterminator . Clean area properly from droppings.

590.006/6-501.111-PF

(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)

Inspector notes: Can opener with encrusted food debris. Clean and sanitize proeprly. Several knives stored on magnetic strips soiled. Clean and sanitize before storing away.

590.004/4-601.11-PF

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution. Raw fish and packaged beef placed together in the same container inside the walk in unit. Separate properly. Food items placed on the floor indside walk-in and at storage area. Elevate properly.

590.003/3-304.14-C

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Utility pipes behind cooking line with large grease build up. Clean to remove. Exterior of some refrigerating unit soiled. Clean properly. Magnetic strips for knives storage solied . Clean properly. Exterior of bulk food items at lower level soiled. Clean properly.

590.004/4-602.13-C

Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)

Inspector notes: Wall next to cooking line with grease build up . Clean to remove Wall outside next to the exhaust pipe with grease build up. Clean properly

590.006/6-501.13-C

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood Vent with some grease build up and no hood vent sticker. Provide a current hood vent sticker.

590.006/6-501.14-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Several bulk food containers without labels. Provide.

590.003/3-302.12-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: Observed some cups being used to dispense bulk food items. Use handled utensils only.

590.003/3-304.12-C

Apr 17, 2024

Routine

3 minor violations.

View 3 violations

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Post a copy of PIC's current foodf safety certificate on site

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Wood use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Discard all visibly splintered and blackened utensils in the kitchen - minimize the use of wooden utensils and cutting boards being used on site for food contact surfaces

590.004/4-101.17-C

Service sink (c)

Inspector notes: Replace the missing barriers around the slop sink area as discussed

590.005/5-203.13-C

Apr 9, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 12 minor violations.

View 13 violations

Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)

Inspector notes: Make the necessary changes to the menu on food items offered under cooked where missing

590.003/3-603.11-PF

Service sink (c)

Inspector notes: Replace the missing barriers around the slop sink area as discussed

590.005/5-203.13-C

Wood use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Remove all wooden utensils with visible cracks and burn marks -no wooden utensils shall be used on site except utensils discussed during inspection

590.004/4-101.17-C

Wood use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Discard all visibly splintered and blackened utensils in the kitchen - minimize the use of wooden utensils and cutting boards being used on site for food contact surfaces

590.004/4-101.17-C

Sponges use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Remove sponges from the three bay sink - do not wash commercial utensils pots and pans - non food contact surfaces only

590.004/4-101.16-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Remove soiled vents in the hood to remove all heavy grease and grime

590.004/4-202.18-C

Thawing (c)

Inspector notes: Discontinue thawing out frozen pork in stagnant water - ensure the water is trickling / flowing over the frozen product or thaw in refrigerator for an extended period of time until thawed [ usually 24 hours on average ]

590.003/3-501.13-C

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Set up as discussed

590.003/3-304.14-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Ensure all bulk food storage bins are properly labeled to identify the contents - [ flour - sugar - corn starch ]

590.003/3-302.12-C

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Post copy of PIC current food safety certificate on site

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)

Inspector notes: Clean floors behind all cooking equipment on the cooking line from visible food spills

590.006/6-101.11-C

Handwashing signage (c)

Inspector notes: Clearly identify all designated hand sinks in the kitchen where needed

590.006/6-301.14-C

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Post a copy of PIC's current foodf safety certificate on site

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Apr 2, 2024

Routine

1 major violation. 9 minor violations.

View 10 violations

Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)

Inspector notes: Make the necessary changes to the menu on food items offered under cooked where missing

590.003/3-603.11-PF

Thawing (c)

590.003/3-501.13-C

(a) certified food protection manager (c)

Inspector notes: Post copy of PIC current food safety certificate on site

590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Ensure all bulk food storage bins are properly labeled to identify the contents - [ flour - sugar - corn starch ]

590.003/3-302.12-C

Wood use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Remove all wooden utensils with visible cracks and burn marks -no wooden utensils shall be used on site except utensils discussed during inspection

590.004/4-101.17-C

Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)

Inspector notes: Clean floors behind all cooking equipment on the cooking line from visible food spills

590.006/6-101.11-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Remove soiled vents in the hood to remove all heavy grease and grime

590.004/4-202.18-C

Handwashing signage (c)

Inspector notes: Clearly identify all designated hand sinks in the kitchen where needed

590.006/6-301.14-C

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Set up as discussed

590.003/3-304.14-C

Sponges use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Remove sponges from the three bay sink - do not wash commercial utensils pots and pans - non food contact surfaces only

590.004/4-101.16-C

Sep 11, 2023

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation.

View 2 violations

(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Cold hold of Raw Shrimp @ 48f Cold hold of Raw beef @ 50f Ensure proper cold hoild of 41for below

590.003/3-501.16-P

Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)

Inspector notes: 2 door cold unit running @ 48f repair to run 41f or below

590.004/4-301.11-PF

Apr 4, 2023

Routine

2 minor violations.

View 2 violations

Floors walls and ceilings utility lines (c)

Inspector notes: Hood baffles and hood with grease build up clean to remove

590.006/6-201.12-C

(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)

Inspector notes: Toaster oven at sushi bar with haevu burn marks and carbon build up replace

590.004/4-601.11-C

Dec 12, 2022

Routine

2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.

View 6 violations

Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)

Inspector notes: Raw chicken sitting over ready to eat foods store raw below ready to eat foods

590.003/3-302.11-P

(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Tufu @ 48f Cut veggies @ 49f ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below

590.003/3-501.16-P

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Hand sink being used to thaw products remove and use sink for hand wash only

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Conformance with approved procedures (pf)

Inspector notes: 1) Logs for testing of acidified rice hasnt been done for over a month ensure logs are filled out daily 2) Buffer solution expired 8/2022 ensure non-expired buffer solution to test

590.008/8-103.12-PF

Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)

Inspector notes: 2 door flip cold unit @ 50f ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below

590.004/4-301.11-PF

Floors walls and ceilings utility lines (c)

Inspector notes: Hood baffles with carbon and grease build up clean to remove

590.006/6-201.12-C

May 16, 2022

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation.

View 2 violations

(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Cold hold of Shrimp @ 48f Cold hold of Cut veggies @ 47 Ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below

590.003/3-501.16-P

Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)

Inspector notes: 2 door flip top running @ 46f repair to ensure proper cold hold of 41f or below

590.004/4-301.11-PF

Show all 13 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Sweet Rice Thai Sushi last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Sweet Rice Thai Sushi on file is from May 4, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Sweet Rice Thai Sushi?

Across the inspection record, “ventilation hood systems filters” has been cited six times, more than any other issue at Sweet Rice Thai Sushi.

How does Sweet Rice Thai Sushi compare to other restaurants in Charlestown?

Sweet Rice Thai Sushi most recently scored 13 out of 100, which is lower than the Charlestown average of 93.

Has Sweet Rice Thai Sushi's inspection record improved over time?

No. Recent inspections at Sweet Rice Thai Sushi have averaged around 18 violations per visit, up from roughly 10 earlier in the record.

What does a high risk rating mean?

A high risk rating at Sweet Rice Thai Sushi means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.

How often is Sweet Rice Thai Sushi inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Sweet Rice Thai Sushi is inspected around three times per year on average.

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