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BOS' Sichuan Taste

FAIL

Friday, April 26, 2024 at 5:11 PM

Address
204 HARVARD AV
Allston, MA 02134
Category
FS
Violations
32 total
⚠️ 4 critical
⚠ 12 major
Facility History
32 inspections
17 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.14-P

When to Wash (P)

Observed an employee leave the restroom and re-enter the kitchen and go to resume food preparation without properly washing his hands- Corrected at this time Review proper handwashing procedures with all staff

Why This Matters

ILLNESS TRANSMISSION: 70% of foodborne outbreaks traced to poor handwashing. Unwashed hands after restroom carry 10 billion bacteria including E. coli. One contaminated hand can spread bacteria to 7 surfaces in 10 seconds. Causes 48 million illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

Wash hands for 20 seconds minimum with soap and 100°F water: After restroom ALWAYS, Before food prep, After touching face/hair/clothing, Between raw and ready-to-eat foods, After handling garbage, Every 30 minutes during continuous prep, After any contamination risk.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

In numerous areas of the establishment the staff is storing raw animal products with other raw animal products and with Ready to Eat Foods. Bowls of fish stored directly on top of vegetables in the lift top refrigerator Raw products stored on top of vegetables in upright refrigeration Packaged raw chicken stored on top of pork All foods shall be stored properly

Why This Matters

DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-304.15-P

(A) Gloves Use Limitation (P)

Observed multiple employees going from one task to another including washing dishws to food prep without removing/changing gloves. Observed an employee go to the outside rear of the establishmnet and re-enter the kitchen without removing/changing gloves Glove use procedures shall be reviewed with all staff

Why This Matters

FALSE SECURITY: Contaminated gloves spread bacteria MORE than bare hands because workers feel 'protected'. Gloves pick up 5x more bacteria than skin. Not changing between tasks spreads contamination to everything touched.

Code Requirements

Change gloves: After touching raw meat/poultry/fish, Between different food types, After touching face/hair/clothing, Every hour maximum, When switching tasks, After touching any non-food surface. Wash hands BEFORE putting on new gloves.

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

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

Numerous items throughout the kitchen held in ambient temperatures including multiple cut vegetables Bean sprouts 55F Cut pepper 53F garlic and oil 60F raw fish 61F cut cabbage 54F The establishment opened1 hour prior to the inspection All foods were removed at this time and placed back into refrigeration

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(B)/2-102.11-PF

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Numerous Priority and repeat violations noted on the inspection report- Nodocumentation of a CFPM for the location

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(B) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.002/2-501.11-PF

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

No evidence of procedures or equipment for cleanup of vomit or diarrheal events- 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 590.002. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.003(A)/3-201.11-PF

Compliance with Food Law (Pf)

Numerous packaged items stored in the lower level with packaging that does not have any language in english from an unknown source. Per the staff products were purchased at a chinese supermarket Provide information for product

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(A) | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PF

Preventing Contamination from Hands (Pf)

Observed numerous employees handling raw meats during preparation with bare hands- Reviewed and corrected

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(C). Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(C) | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-501.17-PF

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Prepared Ready to Eat products in refrigeration throughout with no evidence of datemarking Provide product name-production/discard date

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 temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-502.11-PF

Variance Requirement (Pf)

Throughout the establishment there were multiple items noted in various stages of process Multiple covered plastic containers per the PIC had product that were "Pickeling" I also observed multiple slabs of pork hanging from pipes in the lower level. Per the PIC they were curing pork belly for use Immediately discontinue all processes and submit procedures to the Health Department for review All products were voluntarily discrded and denatured at the time of the inspection

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 590.004/4-302.12-PF

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

No properly operating thermometers available for use at the time of the inspection-Provide

Why This Matters

TEMPERATURE ABUSE: Without thermometers, 73% of foods are held at unsafe temperatures. Bacteria double every 20 minutes between 41-135°F. Undercooked ground beef (not reaching 155°F) causes E. coli outbreaks affecting hundreds.

Code Requirements

Provide calibrated probe thermometers immediately: One per cook station minimum, Range -40°F to 200°F, Accurate to ±2°F, Calibrate daily in ice water (32°F). Check temps every 2 hours for holding, always for cooking.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Numerous Food contact surfaces throughout the kitchen with encrusted food soils Include but not limited to: Food slicer and grinder in the lower level Cutting boards throughout the kitchen Scoops used for sauces and rice Surfaces inside containers at service line that hold ingredients All rice cookers Clean all food contact surfaces with proper frequency

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Handsinks in the kitchen completely filled with equipment and food items-Corrected on site

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 personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-301.11-PF

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

No handsoap available at the time of the inspection at handwashing sinks- Corrected

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

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

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

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Evidence of rodent dropping throughout the establishmnet- Under equipment and along walls Provide an updated and detailed pest control report from a licensed pest control company

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.007/7-207.11-PF

Restriction and Storage-Medicines ( Pf)

Observed numerous medical supplied incuding rubbing alchohol stored on shelving directly about area in lower level where food preparation is conducted- Remove and store properly

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 storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007 | FDA Code: Section 7
• MINOR 590.002/2-304.11-C

Clean Condition-Outer Clothing (C)

Employees in kitchen with heavily soiled clothing-

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.002/2-402.11-C

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Employees throughout the kitchen with no hair restraints- Provide

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.

Code Requirements

All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.

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

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

Containers and squeeze bottles throughout the establishmnet with no labeling- 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 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Numerous utensils stored in stagnant water or on soiled surfaces Scoopsin bulk food containers with handles in the products Store properly- Reviewed

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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Heavily soiled and damp wiping cloths on surfaces throughout the kitchen with no evidence of sanitizer set up- 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 safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Numerous containers and boxes of products stored under equipment under sinks on the floors throughout the kitchen and on the floors in the lower level. Excessive amounts of products stored in the lower level All products shall be properly stored

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 590.003/3-307.11-C

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Food products stored on floors directly next to containers with chemicals Corected on site

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 safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-501.12-C

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Cutting board throughout the kitchen that were in use at the time of the inspection are heavily scored with black buildup- Repair if possible or 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 590.004/4-602.12-C

Cooking and Baking Equipment (C)

Wok cookline with heavy encrusted carbon buildup-

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 equipment 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)

All areas throughout the establishment with heavy encrusted soils Areas include but not limited to Exteriors of all appliances including rice cookers and mixers Exteriors interiors shelving doors handles and door tracks of all refrigeration units with heavy soils All floors throughout with heavy black encrusted buildup All shelving throughout the upper kitchen and lower storage Exteriors of all squeeze bottles food containers Walls with dripping grease and soils Exteriors of sinks withfood splashes All areas shall be cleaned with proper frequency- Establishment shall develop and follow a cleaning schedule

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 590.005/5-501.115-C

Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)

Dumpster area behind theestablishmnet with unused equipment soils and trash-Clean properly

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
• MINOR 590.006/6-202.15-C

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Exteriors doors with spaces noted at the bottom of the door- Provide barrier Rear exterior door open at the start of the inspection

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 590.006/6-501.11-C

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Area of the ceiling above the warewashing machine with a damaged ceiling tile that is hanging down Area of the ceiling on the lower level located near wher food is being prepared with evidence of water damage Floor aroung grease trap and at 3 bay sink with damage allowing soils to accumulate- Repair all areas

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 590.006/6-501.114-C

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Extensive amounts of equipment and products stored in the lower level of the establishment Boxes containers and food items stored directly on the floor. The amount of items in the lower levels prevents east access to storage areas and access to pest control Remove excess items and unnessesary items

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 590.006/6-501.14-C

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Hood vents with heavy dripping grease- Clean with proper frequency Hood sticker expires April 2024

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.18-C

Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)

All sinks including handwashing sinks with heavy dried on encrusted soils

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.

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