Berkshire Farms Market A
FAILThursday, June 8, 2023 at 3:28 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Chicken 50F Cut tomatoes 52F / Chicken comes in pre-cooked and is brought out to prep. Tomatoes are cut before lunch service at 11 and brought to reach in / Discussed prepping earlier and cooling in refrigeration before putting out for service. Items brought to back refrigeration to cool down / Provide 41F or below
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.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf)
Sandwich reach in operating at 50F / Provide 41F or below. Bottom reach in has been empited and brought to refrigeration out back. Ice can be used in the top reach in during servce to keep food cool.
Why This Matters
Improper equipment maintenance can harbor bacteria and contaminate food
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Small flies noted around the smoothie station / A-1 provides bi weekly exterminations and is currently not treating for small flies. Last visit was 5/22/23 / Contact A-1 and begin treatment for small flies until eradicated.
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.
590.006/6-501.12-C
Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)
Walls and ceiling above and around smoothie station with fruit splatter and other soils / Clean to remove
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 cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.