🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

Cactus Grill

PASS

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at 4:28 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1
✓ Corrected

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

Sausages 115F and Empanadas 112F at serving line placed out of temperature control. Mantain 135 or above. PIC stated they had been out for 30 minutes and placed them on the stove top for re-heating at 165F.

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 590.004/4-501.114-P
✓ Corrected

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Three Bay Sink not set up and very soiled filled with soiled dishes. PIC states that they wash with soap only. Provide proper warewashing all the time by setting up three bay sink properly and wash rinse and sanitize.

Why This Matters

INEFFECTIVE SANITIZATION: Below 50ppm chlorine or 200ppm quat, bacteria survive on 'clean' dishes. Above 200ppm chlorine leaves toxic residue causing chemical burns, nausea. 70% of restaurant outbreaks linked to improper sanitization.

Code Requirements

Maintain sanitizer at: Chlorine 50-100ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400ppm, Iodine 12.5-25ppm. Test every 2 hours with test strips. Change solution when cloudy/dirty. Train all staff on mixing procedures.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.004/4-602.11-P
✓ Corrected

Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (P)

Mixer of seasoning with chicken at lower level soiled. PIC stated it is washed 3-4 times a week. Warewash properly every 4 hours. Potato cutter soiled with dried up debris. Clean and sanitize properly. Can opener knife (lower level) very soiled with dried up food debris. Clean and sanitize properly.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
✓ Corrected

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

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

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 590.004/4-301.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf)

Observed several trays with rice placed outside the cooking line out of any hot holding means. Rice registered above 135F. PIC stated that they probably need another hot holding unit and placed them inside the oven to mantain the temperature. Provide additional hot holding capacity.

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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.14-PF
✓ Corrected

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

No sanitizer test kit on site. Provide.

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 590.005/5-205.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Handsink at lower level used to store soiled utensils. Discontinue use for handwashing only.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-301.12-PF
✓ Corrected

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Handsink at lower level without paper towel. Provide.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Wiping cloths soiled on counters. 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 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
✓ Corrected

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Several food boxes stored on the floor at both levels and inside refrigerating units. Elevate properly. Walk-in freezer at lower level with large amount of several food items piled up over each other. Separate and store properly.

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 590.003/3-501.13-C
✓ Corrected

Thawing (C)

Observed raw beef left out for thawing at room temperature and not being monitored.It was not slacking anymore and PIC placed it inside walk-in. Thaw properly all the time.

Why This Matters

SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.

Code Requirements

Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.14-C
✓ Corrected

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Hood Vent Sticker with expired sticker. PIC called to set up a cleaning appointment. Provide a current sticker.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
View Facility Profile →
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department