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Cafe 26

PASS

Monday, March 16, 2020 at 6:25 PM

Address
26 TEMPLE PL
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FT
Violations
7 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
42 inspections
18 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.14-P
✓ Corrected

Cooling (P)

Cooked chicken from the other location (131 Tremont) is being cooked an then brought to this particular location to finish the cooling process. This particular location is unable to finish the cooling process based upon teh equipment that is currently in place. Ensure all foods are properly cooled prior to being brought to this location for sale.

Why This Matters

TOXIN FORMATION: Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling. Produce toxin that causes violent illness. Responsible for 1 million illnesses annually. Large batches can take 24+ hours to cool unsafely.

Code Requirements

Cool rapidly using: Shallow pans (2 inches max), Ice baths with stirring, Blast chiller, Cut large items into portions, Add ice as ingredient. NEVER cool at room temp. NEVER stack hot containers. Monitor with thermometer. Document cooling times.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P
✓ Corrected

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

Deli meats Salmon lox and and cooked chicken salads inside of the second deli style cooler with elevated temperatures of 60F. PIC stated that the deli meats had been in the unit from the previous day and the chicken salads had been prepared from morning hours. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. All foods inside of the deli unit not at the appropriate temperature (<41F) were voluntarily disposed of at the time of the inspection.

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 590.004/4-302.12-PF
✓ Corrected

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

At the time of the inspection there were no food thermometers available. Provide.

Why This Matters

TEMPERATURE ABUSE: Without thermometers, 73% of foods are held at unsafe temperatures. Bacteria double every 20 minutes between 41-135°F. Undercooked ground beef (not reaching 155°F) causes E. coli outbreaks affecting hundreds.

Code Requirements

Provide calibrated probe thermometers immediately: One per cook station minimum, Range -40°F to 200°F, Accurate to ±2°F, Calibrate daily in ice water (32°F). Check temps every 2 hours for holding, always for cooking.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C
✓ Corrected

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

Several squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide.

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 590.004/4-202.16-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Second deli style cooler with an elevated temperature of 48F. Discontinue use unless the unit is able to maintain a temeprature of below 41F. Unit was completely emptied at the time of the inspection.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings on the lower shelf of the small preparation table. Clean to remove.

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 590.006/6-501.111-C
✓ Corrected

Controlling Pests (C)

Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed on lower shelf of the small preparation table near the grill top. Clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control reoprt for the re-inspection.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department