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Al's South St. Express

PASS

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 5:26 PM

Address
179 ESSEX ST
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FT
Violations
7 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
36 inspections
10 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.14-P
✓ Corrected

Cooling (P)

Chicken salad prepared from the morning (as stated by managment) and placed into the front service cooler at 49F. Discontinue and ensure all foods have been properly cooler prior to being placed out for service.

Why This Matters

TOXIN FORMATION: Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling. Produce toxin that causes violent illness. Responsible for 1 million illnesses annually. Large batches can take 24+ hours to cool unsafely.

Code Requirements

Cool rapidly using: Shallow pans (2 inches max), Ice baths with stirring, Blast chiller, Cut large items into portions, Add ice as ingredient. NEVER cool at room temp. NEVER stack hot containers. Monitor with thermometer. Document cooling times.

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

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

Cooked chicken inside of the steam table at 110F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are at 135F and above.

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 590.005/5-103.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Capacity-Quantity and Availability (Pf)

At the time of the inspection hand sinks in the main kitchen area were unable to produce hot water. Hot water in the restrooms was sufficient. Address and ensure hot water is sufficient throughout all business hours.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
✓ Corrected

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

No one on site with a current Food Allergen Certification. Provide.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(C). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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

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

Squeeze bottles filled with dressings and sauce have no labels. Provide.

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 590.004/4-202.16-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Storage Storage used rack for drying clean pots and pans observed being stored directly next to mop sink. Discontinue and either relocate or provide some form of splash guard.

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 590.005/5-205.15-C
✓ Corrected

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Pipe under the hand sink near the front service area is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department