New York City, NY - Health department officials identified compliance problems at the Ssam during an inspection on 08/12/2025.
the Ssam is positioned at 307 West 38 Street in the Midtown area, drawing neighborhood patrons and tourists.
Advertisement
Health department documentation states: "09c. Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained. (critical: not critical). 10f. Non-food contact surf." Such infractions require correction to meet regulatory standards.
Inspectors documented deficiencies involving sanitation, an essential component of restaurant operations.
Public health authorities continually highlight the fundamental significance of comprehensive sanitation practices. Studies from public health organizations show that Federal regulators use FDA sanitation guidelines as the benchmark for evaluating food service establishment compliance. The FDA Sanitation Standards offers detailed requirements for maintaining compliance.
These compliance issues require correction to maintain proper standards for the restaurant and public health. Food safety professionals indicate that addressing non-compliance helps ensure customer safety standards.
City health officials have required that the Ssam promptly correct these infractions before continuing food service. Re-examination will be conducted to ensure corrections.
Food service professionals should take note of important insights from these findings, highlighting the importance of ongoing compliance to health code requirements. Public education continues to be an essential element in ensuring public health protection.
📋 Complete Inspection Data
| SCORE | 4 |
| BIN | 1013643 |
| Council District | 03 |
| Latitude | 40.754939423312 |
| RECORD DATE | 08/15/2025 |
| BORO | Manhattan |
| ZIPCODE | 10018 |
| ACTION | Violations were cited in the following area(s). |
| GRADE DATE | 08/12/2025 |
| Longitude | -73.992174723398 |
| CUISINE DESCRIPTION | Korean |
| PHONE | 9178827278 |
| INSPECTION DATE | 08/12/2025 |
| BUILDING | 307 |
| INSPECTION TYPE | Cycle Inspection / Initial Inspection |
| GRADE | A |
| STREET | WEST 38 STREET |
| Community Board | 104 |
| BBL | 1007627503 |
| NTA | MN15 |
| CAMIS | 50142723 |
| DBA | THE SSAM |
| Census Tract | 011500 |
| VIOLATION CODES | 09C; 10F |
| ALL VIOLATIONS | 09C: Design; construction; materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable; sanitized and maintained. || 10F: Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material; not kept clean; or not properly sealed; raised; spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides; above and underneath the unit. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was this inspection conducted?
This inspection was conducted on August 12, 2025.
Who conducted this inspection?
Chicago Department of Public Health
What violations were found during this inspection?
The following violations were found: 09C: Design, construction, materials used or maintenance of food contact surface improper. Surface not easily cleanable, sanitized and maintained. | 10F: Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above and underneath the unit..
Why are these violations concerning?
Health code violations can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Common concerns include improper food temperatures (which can allow bacteria growth), inadequate handwashing facilities (which can spread germs), pest activity (which can contaminate food), and cross-contamination risks. These violations are monitored by health departments to ensure public safety and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.