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211 Better Bagels

FAIL

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM

Address
211 CONGRESS ST
Financial District, MA 02110
Category
FT
Violations
8 total
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
15 inspections
8 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ MAJOR 590.002/2-501.11-PF

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

No Vomit and diarrheal clean up kit on site with procedures/ Provide

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.002/2-402.11-C

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Food Handling staff observed without hair restraints Provide hair cover for all food service staff.

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.

Code Requirements

All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Multiple squeeze bottles observed without labels. Provide labels when removed from original containers

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Bulk foods/floor sugar/provide proper scoop with handle for bulk food bin Portion cup observed in use to dispense foods from bulks. Discontinue and provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-501.12-C

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Observed Cutting boards with scores and soils resurface or replace

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-601.11-C

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Black mold-like substance on interior chute of ice machine. Clean/sanitize to prevent contamintation interior of microwave observed soiled/ clean to remove

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

kitchen/clean floor area under around and behind all shelving reach in units to remove debris kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and debris storage room clean the floor to remove debris front service area clean the floor to remove flour build up. clean under the cabinet to remove debris

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.006/6-201.17-C

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Storage room and in front of walk-in fridge missing ceiling tile Repair

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department