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Alma Gaucha

FAIL

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 5:22 PM

Address
401 D ST
Boston, MA 02210
Category
FS
Violations
14 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 5 major
Facility History
21 inspections
8 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Cut melon on buffet is 54F. Watermelon is 52F. Product removed from service and cooled to below 41F.

Why This Matters

RAPID BACTERIAL GROWTH: At 50°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. At 70°F, it doubles every 20 minutes. After 4 hours above 41°F, bacteria can reach dangerous levels causing severe illness. Common result: 24-72 hours of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, potential hospitalization.

Code Requirements

Immediately discard foods held above 41°F for over 4 hours. Rapidly cool foods above 41°F if less than 2 hours. Check ALL cooler temps every 2 hours with calibrated thermometer. Repair/adjust refrigeration immediately. Never store food in non-refrigerated areas.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Grilled salmon in hot holding cabinet is 120F. Mashed potatoes are 114F. Product prepared within the hour rethermalized to above 165F and returned to service. COS.

Why This Matters

RAPID BACTERIAL GROWTH: At 50°F, E. coli doubles every 30 minutes. At 70°F, it doubles every 20 minutes. After 4 hours above 41°F, bacteria can reach dangerous levels causing severe illness. Common result: 24-72 hours of diarrhea, vomiting, fever, potential hospitalization.

Code Requirements

Immediately discard foods held above 41°F for over 4 hours. Rapidly cool foods above 41°F if less than 2 hours. Check ALL cooler temps every 2 hours with calibrated thermometer. Repair/adjust refrigeration immediately. Never store food in non-refrigerated areas.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control.

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(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(D) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-306.13-PF

(B) and (C) Consumer Self-Service Operations (Pf)

Buffet not being monitored properly. Observed child retrieve cut melon with bare hands. Product volunatrily discarded. Retrain staff to monitor.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-204.115-PF

Warewashing Machines Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

PSI gauge with broken lense. Replace. Machine does not appear to have wash/rinse temperature gauges. 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 590.004. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.14-PF

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

No chlorine test kit for low temp dish machine. 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 590.004. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-501.111-PF

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Evidence of mice activity in rear storage area with what appears to be mice droppings on floor. Clean and disinfect all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon reinspection.

Why This Matters

SEVERE CONTAMINATION: Rodent droppings carry 35+ diseases including Hantavirus (36% mortality rate), Salmonella (20% of cases from rodents), Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure). Mice contaminate 10 times more food than they eat through urine and droppings.

Code Requirements

IMMEDIATE ACTION: Clean/sanitize all affected areas with 10% bleach solution. Discard ALL exposed food. Seal holes over 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Remove food sources. Install bait stations. Professional extermination within 24 hours.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-501.13-C

Thawing (C)

shrimp defrosting in standing water. COS.

Why This Matters

SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.

Code Requirements

Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-204.113-C

Warewashing Machine Data Plate Operation Specifications (C)

Date plate is worn and indeciphireable. 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 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Clean floors in dry storage room of heavy buildup of soils.

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 590.006/6-201.11-C

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Broken tiles near threshold to kitchen. Repair.

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-202.12-C

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning System Vents (C)

Clean HVAC vents above kitchen.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-202.15-C

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Several holes in drywall in dry storage area with evidence of mice activity. Seal walls with pest proof materials. No door sweep on door to utility closet with large gap at bottom of door. Seal with pest proof materials.

Why This Matters

PEST INVASION: Open doors allow entry of flies (carry 100+ pathogens), rodents (35+ diseases), and airborne contaminants. One fly can contaminate entire prep area in minutes, landing on 30+ surfaces spreading E. coli, Salmonella.

Code Requirements

Install self-closing devices on ALL exterior doors immediately. Doors must close completely within 3 seconds. No gaps over 1/4 inch. Consider air curtains for frequently used doors. Keep doors closed when not in active use.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-303.11-C

Intensity-Lighting (C)

Light bulb out in cookline hood. Replace.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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