Brooklyn, NY — Muteki Udon, a Japanese restaurant at 234 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, received a Grade C score of 29 following a health inspection conducted on February 11, 2026. Inspectors documented two critical violations and two non-critical violations during the visit, marking a significant decline from the restaurant's prior Grade A rating.

The inspection data was released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) on February 25, 2026.

What Inspectors Found

The most serious violation involved deficiencies with hand washing facilities. Inspectors cited the restaurant under Code 05D, noting that hand washing facilities were either not accessible, obstructed, or being used for non-hand washing purposes. The citation also referenced issues with hot and cold running water, inadequate water pressure, and the absence of soap or acceptable hand-drying devices in or adjacent to food preparation, food service, or ware washing areas.

The second critical violation, cited under Code 02B, involved hot time and temperature control for safety (TCS) food items not being held at or above the required 140°F threshold. When potentially hazardous foods are held below this temperature, bacteria can multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.

Inspectors also documented two non-critical violations. Under Code 10G, the restaurant was cited for deficient cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment. A separate citation under Code 20-04 noted the absence of required posted signage, including a "Choking first aid" poster, an "Alcohol and Pregnancy" warning sign, and resuscitation equipment signage for exhaled air resuscitation masks and latex gloves.

Food Safety Context

The violations documented at Muteki Udon relate to foundational food safety requirements established under NYC Health Code Article 81 and the FDA Food Code.

Hand washing is considered one of the most critical safeguards against the spread of foodborne pathogens. The FDA Food Code requires that hand washing facilities be accessible to food workers at all times and equipped with running warm water, soap, and disposable towels or an air dryer. When these facilities are obstructed or improperly maintained, the risk of cross-contamination increases significantly.

Temperature control for hot TCS foods is equally fundamental. The 140°F minimum holding temperature is a well-established threshold in food safety science. Foods held in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 140°F for extended periods can support the rapid growth of harmful bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium perfringens. For a restaurant specializing in udon and Japanese cuisine, where broths and cooked proteins are central to the menu, maintaining proper hot holding temperatures is particularly important.

Inspection History

Muteki Udon's recent inspection record shows fluctuation in compliance:

  • September 12, 2024: Score 13, Grade A
  • August 1, 2024: Score 32, no grade issued

The restaurant had demonstrated improvement between its August and September 2024 inspections, moving from a score of 32 down to 13 and earning a Grade A. The February 2026 inspection score of 29 represents a return to the range seen during the initial August 2024 cycle.

Understanding NYC Restaurant Grades

New York City assigns letter grades to restaurants based on inspection scores, with lower scores indicating fewer violations:

  • Grade A: 0–13 points
  • Grade B: 14–27 points
  • Grade C: 28 or more points

Muteki Udon's score of 29 placed it just above the Grade C threshold. Restaurants receiving a Grade C have the option to request a re-inspection or an adjudicatory hearing through the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH).

Consumers can look up the full inspection history of any New York City restaurant through the DOHMH restaurant inspection database, which is publicly accessible online. The database provides detailed violation descriptions, scores, and grade histories for all inspected food service establishments across the five boroughs.

More About This Restaurant

View the full inspection history for Muteki Udon including all past inspections, violations, and grade changes.