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BROWN SUGAR CAFE

PASS

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 3:59 PM

Address
1033 COMMONWEALTH AV
Allston, MA 02134
Category
FS
Violations
8 total
⚠️ 3 critical
Facility History
40 inspections
17 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16(A)
✓ Corrected

Cold Holding

Scallops 54F chicken 50F. Provide proper cold holding of 41F or below.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(D) | FDA Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-206.12/.13
✓ Corrected

Pesticide Usage

There are cans of raid and they are spraying. All spraying should be done by a licensed exterminator.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

No evidence of pests; Seal all openings; Remove harborage; Professional treatment when needed

FDA Code: Section 41.7.206
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-207-09.11
✓ Corrected

Medicines FirstAid Storage

There medicines stored in the kitchen above food items. Store medications in an employee area so it is notnear food products.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.207
• MINOR 06-3-501.13
✓ Corrected

PHF's Properly Thawed

There is steak thawing outside the walk-in. Thaw properly.

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 06.3.501
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

The soup and other hot holding items on the stove are uncovered. Cover to protect from possible contamination. The ice is stored on top of the mussels. Store ice separated so it can drain away from food products.

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 08.3.305
• MINOR 14-4-202.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Design

The cutting boards are heavily scored. Resurface or replace.

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 36-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Floors

There are a few places where the tile grout is missing or damaged. Repair to provide a smooth cleanable durable surface.

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 37-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

The back door is not rodent proof and there are a few holes that are mentioned on the pest reports. Repair door and walls to prevent pests from entering the establishment.

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