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Bean & Leaf Cafe

FAIL

Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 6:01 PM

Address
20 CUSTOM HOUSE ST
Financial District, MA 02110
Category
FT
Violations
9 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
61 inspections
25 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-401.11-.12

Good Hygienic Practices

do not wear wiping cloths as part of uniform

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 12.2.401
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-201/04.11

Separation/Sanitizer Criteria

remove painting supplies from bathroom

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.201
⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

clean interior of convection oven

Why This Matters

BIOFILM FORMATION: Visible soil indicates biofilms - communities of bacteria protected by slime layers that resist sanitizers. Biofilms on slicers have caused Listeria outbreaks killing 30% of victims. Meat slicer contamination sickened 300 across 6 states. Grease harbors Listeria which grows at refrigeration temperatures.

Code Requirements

Food contact surfaces must be: Visibly clean with no food debris; Free of grease accumulation; Smooth and cleanable; Cleaned and sanitized after each use; Cleaned every 4 hours if in continuous use; Equipment must be disassembled for cleaning when necessary.

Corrective Actions

Clean and sanitize ALL equipment immediately; Disassemble equipment for thorough cleaning; Establish cleaning schedule with assigned responsibilities; Use cleaning checklist; Train on proper disassembly; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

keep all boxes 6" off floor in kitchen

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.305
• MINOR 17-4-204.112/.115

Equipment Thermometers

Provide thermometers for all refrigerators

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 17.4.204
• MINOR 21-3-304.14

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Provide proper storage of wiping cloths

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 21.3.304
• MINOR 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

clean interior of microwave

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 34-5-501.111/.115

Outside Storage Improperly Maintained

remove all unused equipment from storage in trash area. keep grounds clean

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 34.5.501
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

finish wall in bathroom

Why This Matters

OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.

Code Requirements

Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.

Corrective Actions

Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(B) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department