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Boston Common Coffee Co.

FAIL

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 3:25 PM

Address
97 SALEM ST
North End, MA 02113
Category
FT
Violations
17 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
28 inspections
12 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-301.12-.15
✓ Corrected

Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How

Wash hands before before and after changing gloves - after use of the rest room and in-between tasks

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.

FDA Code: Section 12.2.301
⚠️ CRITICAL 27-5-103.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Hot and Cold Water

No hot water at the faucet in the restroom - cannot wash hands properly - repair immediately

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.

FDA Code: Section 27.5.103
⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

White cutting boards are badly soiled and appear uncleanable - replace where needed

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 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12

Food Container Labels

Label all bulk food containers - label all clear plastic spray bottles to properly identify product

Why This Matters

Improper labeling can lead to using wrong or expired ingredients

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 02.3.602
• MINOR 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12
✓ Corrected

Food Container Labels

Label all bulk food containers where needed

Why This Matters

Improper labeling can lead to using wrong or expired ingredients

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 02.3.602
• MINOR 14-4-202.11

Food Contact Surfaces Design

Replace cutting boards where needed

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 14.4.202
• MINOR 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Defrost single door freezer from built up ice

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 15.4.202
• MINOR 16-4-501.11/.15
✓ Corrected

Dishwashng Facilities

Repair broken gages oin the high temperature dish machine

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 16.4.501
• MINOR 21-3-304.14
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Provide a sanitizer / cloth for the slicer - seperate from other food contact surfaces

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 exterior of bulk food containers from visible food soils

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 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Clean inside of all refrigeration units - clean all shelving in the kitchen from visible soils - clean exterior of all bulk food containers - under all cooking equipment from visible food spillls.

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 24-4-904.11AB
✓ Corrected

Improper Storage of Re-usable Utensils

Store utensils as discussed

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 24.4.904
• MINOR 32-6-301.11-02.11
✓ Corrected

Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage

No soap or signage at the hand sink at the front counter -provide

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 32.6.301
• MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Clean floors throughout the kitchen from all visible soils

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(A) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
• MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Clean floors throughout the kitchen from all visible soils

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(A) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
• MINOR 37-6-201.11
✓ Corrected

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Clean walls where discussed during inspection from all visible soils

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

FDA Code: Section 37.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Clean walls throughout the kitchen - under the three bay sink and behind all the shelving from old food spills stains and soils

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