Boston Common Coffee Co.
FAILWednesday, October 5, 2011 at 2:41 PM
Violations Cited
03-3-501.16(A)
Cold Holding
Cut fruit that had just been prepared put out for service at 58-62F.Properly chill down to 41F and/or below before being put out for service.
Why This Matters
THE DANGER ZONE KILLS: Between 41°F-135°F bacteria double every 20 minutes. At 70°F, 10 bacteria become 10,000 in 2 hours, 10 million in 4 hours. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins that cooking cannot destroy. Clostridium perfringens causes 1 million illnesses yearly from temperature abuse. Listeria grows even under refrigeration, killing 20% of victims including pregnant women and newborns.
Code Requirements
ALL TCS foods MUST be held at 41°F or below at ALL times. This includes: All meat, poultry, seafood; Dairy products; Cut melons, tomatoes, leafy greens; Cooked rice, pasta, potatoes; Tofu, soy products; Sprouts; Garlic in oil. Check temperatures every 2 hours (4 hours maximum). If above 41°F for less than 2 hours, rapidly cool. If above 41°F for 2-4 hours, use immediately. If above 41°F for over 4 hours, DISCARD.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Check ALL refrigerated foods NOW; Discard any food above 41°F for >4 hours; Rapidly cool foods 41-70°F if <4 hours; Repair/adjust all refrigeration immediately; Reduce inventory to prevent overstocking; Install thermometers in warmest part of all coolers; Implement 2-hour temperature checks; Create power outage procedure
12-2-301.12-.15
Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How
Food handler observed rinsing hands under sink(not for required 20 seconds) and then wiping on cooks jacket.Please train all staff on requirements of handwashing(Please thoroughly wash/scrub hands for 20 seconds/rinse and dry with paper towel).
Why This Matters
Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
27-5-103.11-.12
Hot and Cold Water
No hot running water at handsink at front counter.Provide.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
31-5-204/05.11
Location Accessible
Handsink at 3bay station used as shelving/storage.Please utilize handsinks for handwashing only.
Why This Matters
FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.
Code Requirements
Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.
Corrective Actions
Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance
41-7-201/04.11
Separation/Sanitizer Criteria
Single Sanitizer bucket observed set up in rear dishwash area tested at 400+ppm.Please read manufacturers instructions for appropriate concentration.Quat sanitizer should be at 200ppm unless specific instruction available per manufacturer.Additional soiled cloths observed lying over sinks at front counters.Properly store in either proper sanitizer solution or soiled linen container.
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.
M-2-103.11
PIC Performing Duties
CFM is no longer working for establishment(Please sign up an individual for an upcoming class).In the meantime a PIC who is knowledgeable about safe food principles and practices needs to be at establishment training and educating staff.Currently staff onsite do not know what type of sanitizer is used(How to test or what concentration needs to be).Staff are incorrectly washing hands washing(rinsing) fruit at dirty 3bay station(food prep sink used for storage) Handsinks blocked hazardous chemical(Raid) stored on top of where clean/sanitized equipment is no hot running water at handsink at front counter and general facility is greasy dirty to sight and touch.Manager on site indicates that food prepared at other sister facility is not checked for required temperatures upon delivery.Staff at closing not properly cleaning per manager onsite before leaving facility.Staff are newer and left without supervision per manager onsite(?).Please provide a knowledgeable responsible PIC who can properly train/educate and supervise staff for proper execution with required safe food principles/practices and Codes.
Why This Matters
EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.
Code Requirements
PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist
13-2-304/402.11
Clean Cloths Hair Restraint
Food handler in rear has hair in braids as a hair restraint.Provide a proper hair covering/restraint such as a hat or hair net.
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.
14-4-202.11
Food Contact Surfaces Design
Interior of ice unit is visibly filthy(Mildew/grime growing on interior of unit).Properly clean/sanitize on a regular basis.Recommended schedule is 1xmonthly.
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.
32-6-501.11-.12/6-202.14
Toilet Enclosed Clean
Uncovered waste receptacle in unisex restroom.Provide a covered container.
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.
36-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Floors
Floors under and behind equipment visibly filthy.Clean.Move any/all equipment to clean and not just clean open spaces.Please clean/sanitize any/all floor drains and sink drains.
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION RESERVOIR: Damaged floors harbor bacteria in cracks. Standing water breeds Listeria, Pseudomonas. Broken tiles create pest harborage. Floor contamination spreads via shoes, equipment wheels, and dropped items. CDC found floor drains positive for Listeria in 40% of retail delis.
Code Requirements
Floors must be: Smooth and non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot); Coving at wall junctures sealed; No cracks, holes, or missing tiles; Grout intact and sealed; Cleaned daily or more frequently; Dry except when cleaning.
Corrective Actions
Schedule floor repairs within 30 days; Seal all cracks immediately with approved sealant; Improve drainage to eliminate standing water; Increase cleaning frequency; Replace missing tiles; Re-grout as needed; Remove any carpeting from food areas
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
Walls attachments ceilings ledges throughout visibly dirty greasy to sight and touch.Clean all.
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
42-5-203.13
Mop Sink not Provided
Mop sink visibly dirty(Once white sink is black) and dirty stagnant water left in bucket in mopsink.Please dispose and clean after use.
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.
42-6-501.113/.114
Premises Maintained
Establishment has limited space.Establishment needs to be reorganized so that storage does not occur in handsinks prepsinks and places it shouldn't be.Please organize.
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.