Pollo Centro
⚠️ This facility has been closed 1 time by the Health Department
Latest: FAIL
November 21, 2025
Address
223 BOWDOIN ST
Dorchester, MA 02122
Inspection History
48 inspections
27 failures
1 closures
License
License #166755
Last inspected: November 21, 2025
Inspection History (48 most recent)
FAIL
November 21, 2025
at 5:50 PM
1 violation
590.005/5-202.13-P - Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P): No air gap at the prep sink provide.
FAIL
November 4, 2025
at 4:44 PM
5 violations
590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Some ingredient containers are missing ingredient labels provide with ingredient name. | 590.005/5-202.13-P - Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P): No air gap at th...
FAIL
October 27, 2025
at 4:51 PM
5 violations
590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Some ingredient containers are missing ingredient labels provide with ingredient name. | 590.005/5-202.13-P - Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P): No air gap at th...
PASS
August 7, 2025
at 2:32 PM
3 violations
590.005/5-501.13-C - Receptacles (C): Grease container in back trash area is soiled with grease build up. Clean to remove all soils. | 590.006/6-501.114-C - Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C): Area surrounding dumpster is soil...
FAIL
July 30, 2025
at 11:31 PM
3 violations
590.005/5-501.13-C - Receptacles (C): Grease container in back trash area is soiled with grease build up. Clean to remove all soils. | 590.006/6-501.114-C - Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C): Area surrounding dumpster is soil...
PASS
May 19, 2025
at 6:37 PM
1 violation
590.006/6-201.16-C - Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C): Some ceiling tiles in the basement area observed missing . Provide
FAIL
April 18, 2025
at 5:42 PM
24 violations
590.002/2-402.11-C - Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C): Front of the house staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide (corrected on site) | 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF - (A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)...
FAIL
April 16, 2025
at 4:53 PM
24 violations
590.002/2-402.11-C - Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C): Front of the house staff observed working with RTE foods without proper hair restraint. Provide (corrected on site) | 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF - (A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)...
PASS
August 26, 2024
at 5:50 PM
1 violation
590.006/6-501.111-PF - Controlling Pests (Pf): Multiple flies at the basement dry storage area provide a current pest control report.
FAIL
August 19, 2024
at 4:30 PM
1 violation
590.006/6-501.111-PF - Controlling Pests (Pf): Multiple flies at the basement dry storage area provide a current pest control report.
FAIL
August 8, 2024
at 2:43 PM
4 violations
590.005/5-205.15-C - System Maintained in Good Repair (C): Leaky pipe at the basement area near the dry storage area repair. | 590.005/5-501.115-C - Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C): Remove noninuse equipment and empty bottles stored o...
FAIL
August 1, 2024
at 4:50 PM
4 violations
590.005/5-205.15-C - System Maintained in Good Repair (C): Leaky pipe at the basement area near the dry storage area repair. | 590.005/5-501.115-C - Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C): Remove noninuse equipment and empty bottles stored o...
PASS
May 10, 2024
at 6:43 PM
9 violations
590.004/4-501.12-C - Cutting Surfaces (C): Some cutting boards heavily worn and scoreded replace. | 590.004/4-903.11-C1 - (A) (B) and (D) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles Storing (C): Discontinue storing foo...
FAIL
May 3, 2024
at 5:30 PM
9 violations
590.004/4-501.12-C - Cutting Surfaces (C): Some cutting boards heavily worn and scoreded replace. | 590.004/4-903.11-C1 - (A) (B) and (D) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles Storing (C): Discontinue storing foo...
PASS
August 16, 2023
at 5:13 PM
11 violations
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C - (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C): At the time of the inspecition there was no Food Allergen Ceritifcation. Provide. | 590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Several sq...
FAIL
August 8, 2023
at 2:07 PM
11 violations
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C - (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C): At the time of the inspecition there was no Food Allergen Ceritifcation. Provide. | 590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Several sq...
PASS
April 19, 2023
at 3:03 PM
10 violations
590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Food containers in refrigerators and in walk in will need to have covers for protection as discussed. | 590.003/3-403.11-P - Reheating for Hot Holding (P): Cut chick...
FAIL
April 6, 2023
at 3:11 PM
10 violations
590.003/3-305.11-C - Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C): Food containers in refrigerators and in walk in will need to have covers for protection as discussed. | 590.003/3-403.11-P - Reheating for Hot Holding (P): Cut chick...
PASS
April 15, 2022
at 4:38 PM
11 violations
590.003/3-302.11-C - Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C): Disconintue to store grey buckets of sauces and marinade on pipe under prep sink. | 590.003/3-304.14-C - Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C): PIC will nee...
FAIL
April 8, 2022
at 4:16 PM
11 violations
590.003/3-302.11-C - Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C): Disconintue to store grey buckets of sauces and marinade on pipe under prep sink. | 590.003/3-304.14-C - Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C): PIC will nee...
PASS
February 9, 2022
at 5:40 PM
4 violations
590.003/3-305.12-C - Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C): Food in storage (refrigerator and freezer) without covers. Provide covers for food in storage. | 590.004/4-202.11-PF - Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf): PIC will need to replace broke...
FAIL
February 3, 2022
at 12:49 PM
9 violations
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): PIC will need to review with staff proper reheating and hot holding temperatures. Also if in the future and issue like the leak in the roof PIC will need to close the location so no fo...
🚫 CLOSURE
February 2, 2022
at 4:28 PM
9 violations
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): PIC will need to review with staff proper reheating and hot holding temperatures. Also if in the future and issue like the leak in the roof PIC will need to close the location so no fo...
PASS
November 5, 2021
at 2:35 PM
13 violations
590.002/2-301.12-P - Cleaning Procedure (P): At the time of inspection I did not observe handwashing - I told PIC she and staff washed hands. Handwashing is inevitable train staff to wash hands when changing tasks and make sinks accesible | 590....
FAIL
October 29, 2021
at 2:56 PM
13 violations
590.002/2-301.12-P - Cleaning Procedure (P): At the time of inspection I did not observe handwashing - I told PIC she and staff washed hands. Handwashing is inevitable train staff to wash hands when changing tasks and make sinks accesible | 590....
PASS
July 22, 2021
at 6:23 PM
11 violations
590.002/2-301.14-P - When to Wash (P): No proper handwashing due to handsinks blocked and dry- COS removed items and washed hands. Discontinue storing anything in front of handsinks. | 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf):...
FAIL
July 21, 2021
at 4:54 PM
11 violations
590.002/2-301.14-P - When to Wash (P): No proper handwashing due to handsinks blocked and dry- COS removed items and washed hands. Discontinue storing anything in front of handsinks. | 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf):...
PASS
April 12, 2021
at 6:49 PM
6 violations
590.002/2-301.11-P - Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P): Employees unable to properly wash hands at blocked handsink | 590.003/3-302.11-P - Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P): Observed raw foods and vegetables ...
FAIL
April 1, 2021
at 4:59 PM
6 violations
590.002/2-301.11-P - Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P): Employees unable to properly wash hands at blocked handsink | 590.003/3-302.11-P - Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P): Observed raw foods and vegetables ...
PASS
October 5, 2020
at 7:04 PM
6 violations
590.002/2-301.14-P - When to Wash (P): Employees unable to properly wash hands at handsinks- Corrected at the time of the inspection | 590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Squeeze bottles throughout...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
October 2, 2020
at 6:59 PM
6 violations
590.002/2-301.14-P - When to Wash (P): Employees unable to properly wash hands at handsinks- Corrected at the time of the inspection | 590.003/3-302.12-C - Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C): Squeeze bottles throughout...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
September 25, 2020
at 6:47 PM
10 violations
590.002/2-301.15-PF - Where to Wash (Pf): Observed multiple employees washing hands in 3 bay sink- discontinue | 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): CFPM must properly monitor preparation and handwashing procedures | 590...
FAIL
September 17, 2020
at 4:09 PM
10 violations
590.002/2-301.15-PF - Where to Wash (Pf): Observed multiple employees washing hands in 3 bay sink- discontinue | 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF - (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf): CFPM must properly monitor preparation and handwashing procedures | 590...
PASS
December 13, 2019
at 6:25 PM
6 violations
590.002/2-501.11-PF - Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf): At the time of the inspection there were no procedures/kit available for vomit and diarrhea clean-up. Provide. | 590.004/4-202.16-C - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C): Gaskets aroou...
FAIL
December 5, 2019
at 7:16 PM
6 violations
590.002/2-501.11-PF - Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf): At the time of the inspection there were no procedures/kit available for vomit and diarrhea clean-up. Provide. | 590.004/4-202.16-C - Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C): Gaskets aroou...
PASS
May 7, 2019
at 6:25 PM
2 violations
34-5-501.111/.115 - Outside Storage Improperly Maintained: Clean exterior grounds to remove non-use equipment and free of debris. | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Maintenance of Floors: Floor pitted and cracked near cooking equipment repair.
FAIL
April 16, 2019
at 5:16 PM
4 violations
29-5-201/02.11 - Installed and Maintained: Pipe is leaking below hand sink repair. | 34-5-501.111/.115 - Outside Storage Improperly Maintained: Clean exterior grounds to remove non-use equipment and free of debris. | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Ma...
FAIL
April 5, 2019
at 5:37 PM
4 violations
29-5-201/02.11 - Installed and Maintained: Pipe is leaking below hand sink repair. | 34-5-501.111/.115 - Outside Storage Improperly Maintained: Clean exterior grounds to remove non-use equipment and free of debris. | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Ma...
PASS
October 26, 2018
at 5:27 PM
3 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Remove cardboard box as liner and provide commercial food service grade shelving liner. | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Maintenance of Floors: Clean floor below cooking equipment to remove visible soil. Repair...
FAIL
October 19, 2018
at 4:45 PM
3 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Remove cardboard box as liner and provide commercial food service grade shelving liner. | 36-6-501.11-.12 - Improper Maintenance of Floors: Clean floor below cooking equipment to remove visible soil. Repair...
PASS
March 22, 2018
at 3:56 PM
4 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: No labels on bulk food containers provide. | 23-4-602.13 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean: Clean spills inside freezer unit. Unit 0F-ok | 33-5-501.116 - Improper Cleaning of Receptacles: Provide ...
FAIL
March 15, 2018
at 5:52 PM
4 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: No labels on bulk food containers provide. | 23-4-602.13 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean: Clean spills inside freezer unit. Unit 0F-ok | 33-5-501.116 - Improper Cleaning of Receptacles: Provide ...
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
December 18, 2017
at 3:02 PM
0 violations
PASS
July 19, 2017
at 1:57 PM
1 violation
16-4-501.11/.15 - Dishwashng Facilities: Rinse cycle on dishwasher don't reaching 180F. PIC has called for repair will use three compartment until repair is completed. Repair not completed at time of reinspection PIC is installing separate w...
FAIL
June 21, 2017
at 5:06 PM
9 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Some large container with labels . Provide proper labeling. | 03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Grilled chicken 125F breaded chicken 126F Pork 105F . Wamer on low PIC removed reheated to 165F and adjuste...
FAIL
June 14, 2017
at 5:00 PM
9 violations
02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12 - Food Container Labels: Some large container with labels . Provide proper labeling. | 03-3-501.16 - Hot Holding: Grilled chicken 125F breaded chicken 126F Pork 105F . Wamer on low PIC removed reheated to 165F and adjuste...
PASS
January 10, 2017
at 8:03 PM
3 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Steam table not operating. .Provide proper installation. | 27-5-103.11-.12 - Hot and Cold Water: No hot water in Restrooms 45F Repair | 37-6-201.11 - Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed: Incorre...
FAIL
January 9, 2017
at 4:27 PM
3 violations
15-4-202.16 - Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Steam table not operating. .Provide proper installation. | 27-5-103.11-.12 - Hot and Cold Water: No hot water in Restrooms 45F Repair | 37-6-201.11 - Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed: Incorre...