Allston Market
FAILThursday, June 10, 2010 at 3:02 PM
Violations Cited
01-3-202.11-.17
Recieving/Sound Condition/Proper Temperatures
One dented can of Goya chili was observed. The dent was in the middle of the sidewall of the can. Dented cans should be returned to the distributor and not placed on the shelf for retail sale. Several small bottles of Indian food coloring were observed on the third shelf toward the rear of the store. The posted expiration date on the food coloring was 09/04. The product should be removed from the shelf.
Why This Matters
Improper temperatures allow rapid bacterial growth, potentially causing severe foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
Sliced watermelon was observed on a shelf within the refrigerated vegetable display unit. The unit is operating at 60 F (two unit thermometers confirmed by BISD). No cut fruits or potentially hazardous foods may be stored within the unit until it can maintain a product temperature of 41 degrees or below.
Why This Matters
THE DANGER ZONE KILLS: Between 41°F-135°F bacteria double every 20 minutes. At 70°F, 10 bacteria become 10,000 in 2 hours, 10 million in 4 hours. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins that cooking cannot destroy. Clostridium perfringens causes 1 million illnesses yearly from temperature abuse. Listeria grows even under refrigeration, killing 20% of victims including pregnant women and newborns.
Code Requirements
ALL TCS foods MUST be held at 41°F or below at ALL times. This includes: All meat, poultry, seafood; Dairy products; Cut melons, tomatoes, leafy greens; Cooked rice, pasta, potatoes; Tofu, soy products; Sprouts; Garlic in oil. Check temperatures every 2 hours (4 hours maximum). If above 41°F for less than 2 hours, rapidly cool. If above 41°F for 2-4 hours, use immediately. If above 41°F for over 4 hours, DISCARD.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Check ALL refrigerated foods NOW; Discard any food above 41°F for >4 hours; Rapidly cool foods 41-70°F if <4 hours; Repair/adjust all refrigeration immediately; Reduce inventory to prevent overstocking; Install thermometers in warmest part of all coolers; Implement 2-hour temperature checks; Create power outage procedure
31-5-204/05.11
Location Accessible
The hand sink between the two-basin sink and the food preparation table was filled with three cans of Arizona Tea products and two sponges. Nothing may be stored within the hand sink.
Why This Matters
FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.
Code Requirements
Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.
Corrective Actions
Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance
41-7-206.12/.13
Pesticide Usage
Ant traps were observed on a preparation table adjacent to a microwave. Bait and pest traps cannot be stored on a food preparation surface within a food preparation area or above the floor.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
No evidence of pests; Seal all openings; Remove harborage; Professional treatment when needed
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
Five styrofoam trays were observed on a rear preparation table beside a roll of Sealwrap. The establishment is not permitted to repackage foods without proper permitting staff training labeling cleaning and sanitization procedures.
Why This Matters
EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.
Code Requirements
PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist
35-6-501.111/.115
Insects Rodents Animals
Upon the reinspection please provide proof that a licensed exterminator is providing pest control services to the establishment. Visual evidence of mice and other pests was observed during the inspection.
Why This Matters
DISEASE VECTORS: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms. Flies regurgitate and defecate on food, spreading E. coli, Shigella. One mouse can contaminate 10 times more food than it eats. Pest allergens trigger asthma in 26% of inner-city children.
Code Requirements
Facility must be pest-free: No live or dead pests; No droppings or urine; No gnaw marks or rub marks; No nesting materials; Effective pest control program; Monthly professional service recommended; All openings sealed; Remove harborage conditions.
Corrective Actions
Call pest control service immediately; Discard ALL contaminated food; Clean and sanitize all affected areas; Seal all openings larger than 1/4 inch; Install door sweeps; Eliminate standing water; Remove clutter; Increase cleaning frequency
32-6-301.11-02.11
Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage
The hand sink between the two-basin sink and the rear preparation table was not equipped with signage or towels. Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Several floor tiles are missing from the rear of the store. The floor tiles must be replaced to make the floor smooth durable non-absorbent and readily cleanable. Clean the restroom floor to eliminate the odor(s) present.
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION RESERVOIR: Damaged floors harbor bacteria in cracks. Standing water breeds Listeria, Pseudomonas. Broken tiles create pest harborage. Floor contamination spreads via shoes, equipment wheels, and dropped items. CDC found floor drains positive for Listeria in 40% of retail delis.
Code Requirements
Floors must be: Smooth and non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot); Coving at wall junctures sealed; No cracks, holes, or missing tiles; Grout intact and sealed; Cleaned daily or more frequently; Dry except when cleaning.
Corrective Actions
Schedule floor repairs within 30 days; Seal all cracks immediately with approved sealant; Improve drainage to eliminate standing water; Increase cleaning frequency; Replace missing tiles; Re-grout as needed; Remove any carpeting from food areas