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Cactus Grill

FAIL

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 5:02 PM

Address
42 MAVERICK SQ
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FT
Violations
9 total
⚠️ 3 critical
Facility History
55 inspections
26 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16

Hot Holding

Hot holding unit Retail Area- Unit overfilled with chicken. Chicken registered 100F. Unit 175F. PIC reheated the chicken to above 165F. Maintain all PHFs at 165F or above.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Maintain all hot TCS foods at 135°F or above; Cannot use hot holding equipment to reheat

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
⚠️ CRITICAL 20-4-703.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Wash bay blocked with soiled equipment.Food equipment being washed at the Rinse bay and rinsed at the sanitizing bay. No sanitizing step. Warewash properly. (Wash Rinse Sanitize). PIC set up the sanitizing bay.

Why This Matters

INVISIBLE KILLERS: Bacteria survive on 'clean-looking' surfaces for days. Inadequate sanitization caused Salmonella outbreak affecting 1,500 people via ice cream. Cutting boards can harbor 200 times more fecal bacteria than toilet seats. E. coli survives 1-4 hours on surfaces. Norovirus survives 2 weeks. One contaminated slicer infected 300 people with Listeria.

Code Requirements

SANITIZATION MANDATORY: Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds by immersion; Contact time: minimum 7-30 seconds depending on sanitizer; Test concentration EVERY 2 hours; Change solution when visibly soiled; ALL food contact surfaces must be sanitized: After each use with different foods; When switching raw to ready-to-eat; Every 4 hours in continuous use.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Set up proper sanitizer at ALL stations; Test and adjust concentration NOW; Re-sanitize ALL food contact surfaces; Obtain test strips immediately; Post sanitizer concentration chart; Train staff on test strip use; Create sanitization log; Change solutions every 2 hours minimum

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-703.11
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-103.11

PIC Performing Duties

Re-train staff with regard to proper warewashing and hot holding.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(B) | FDA Code: Section 2-103.11
• MINOR 10-3-304.12

Food Utensil Storage

In-use utensils stored in stagnant water (67F). Store properly.

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 10.3.304
• MINOR 16-4-301.12

Three Compartment Sink

Soiled dish rack missing. Soiled dish being stored at the wash bay. Provide.

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 16.4.301
• MINOR 17-4-204.112/.115

Equipment Thermometers

Some refrigerating units missing interior thermometers. Provide.

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 17.4.204
• MINOR 17-4-302.14

Test Kit Provided

Sanitizing solution test kit missing. Provide.

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 17.4.302
• MINOR 21-3-304.14

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Wiping cloths stored soiled on the counter at the retail area. Store properly in sanitizer solution.

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 37-6-201.11

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Ceiling tiles damaged at the lower level. Repair or replace.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department