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Al's South Street Cafe

PASS

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 3:37 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1
✓ Corrected

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

Grilled chicken under the hot holding unit at 110F. Place in hot holding ti maintain temperature. Corrected. Hold hot items 135F or 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 590.007/7-102.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Chemical spray bottles observed with no lables in warewash area. 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 590.007. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007 | FDA Code: Section 7
• MINOR 590.003/3-501.13-C
✓ Corrected

Thawing (C)

Raw steak meat observed thawing in ambient air. Place under refrigeration to thaw under temperature control. Corrected on site.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department