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Boston Living Center

FAIL

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 4:56 PM

Address
29 STANHOPE ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FS
Violations
17 total
⚠️ 3 critical
⚠ 6 major
Facility History
94 inspections
40 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-306.11-P

Food Display-Preventing Contamination by Consumers (P)

Self-service cubed ice on serving line stored unprotected in cambro. Provide overhead protection for ice to prevent contamination.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

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
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

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

Prepared salads being served on the line not held in active cold holding temped at 62F-64F PIC removed to walk-in to reach 41F before returning to line. Maintain cold holding of foods at 41F. Prepared sandwiches in kitchen on table temped at 80F. Place prepared foods in walk-in fridge after preperation or before a break to hold at 41F.

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
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Vegetarian sandwiches in hot holding on serving line temped at 81F PIC removed to reheat to 165F before returning to serving line. Hold all hot foods at least 135F.

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)

PIC did not answer correctly proper hot holding temperature of at least 135F; PIC did not answer correctly proper two stage cooling procedures for their leftovers to be given as meals for the next day.

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(D)/2-103.11-PF

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

PIC not checking that staff are observing proper cold holding of foods that are left out on the counter; PIC not ensuring proper warewashing is taking place as contact time in Quats sanitizer not met as dishes dunked into santizer and immediatly removed and staff was drying sanitized dishes with a cloth.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(D) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-501.17-PF

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

Observed opened shredded cheeses and sliced cheese in standing 2-door fridges not date marked; observed opened dairy in standing 2-door fridges not date marked. Provide date marking for all opened TCS products.

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 590.004/4-302.14-PF

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Quats sanitizer testing strips expired provide new test strips.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-501.112-PF

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

High temp dish machine ran three times gauge read no more than 170F dish simulator thermomoter ranged from 151F-154F. Repair to ensure at least 160F at the plate.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-501.111-PF

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Observed small rodent droppings on floor of pantry closet on floors in service line inside hot holding cabinets. Clean to remove droppings and provide ongoing pest control reports to damien.yee@boston.gov

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
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.11-C

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

In walkin fridge observed cut zucchini stored in hotel pans uncovered; observed raw shell eggs stored directly above RTE salads and defrosting fish.

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
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

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

In walk-in fridge observed a container missing identification label with product moved from original package. Provide labeling for all products not in original packaging.

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)

On serving line observed tongs used for salads stored inside hotel pans with handles in contact with RTE foods. In kitchen observed inside sugar storage container a bowl without a handle. Provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination and store in use utensils without contacting food.

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)

Observed sanitizer buckets at serving line stored on floor. Store sanitizer buckets off of floor.

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)

In walkin fridge observed foods stored directly on floor. Store foods at least 6" off floor to prevent contamination.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Floors in warewashing area heavily soiled; ceiling tile in pantry area above freezers water damaged clean and repair.

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 590.004/4-901.11-C

Equipment and Utensils Air-Drying Required (C)

Observed in warewashing area worker drying dishes coming out of sanitizer with a cloth. Sanitized dishes must be air dried only.

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 590.005/5-205.15-C

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Provide food preparation sink with proper air gap from a licensed plumber

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department