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Cafe Beirut

🚫 CLOSED BY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Friday, September 16, 2022 at 4:33 PM

Address
650 CENTRE ST
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Category
FT
Violations
18 total
⚠️ 3 critical
⚠ 5 major
Facility History
61 inspections
29 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.14-P

When to Wash (P)

Did not observe any handwashing when changing tasks. Review handouts.

Why This Matters

ILLNESS TRANSMISSION: 70% of foodborne outbreaks traced to poor handwashing. Unwashed hands after restroom carry 10 billion bacteria including E. coli. One contaminated hand can spread bacteria to 7 surfaces in 10 seconds. Causes 48 million illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

Wash hands for 20 seconds minimum with soap and 100°F water: After restroom ALWAYS, Before food prep, After touching face/hair/clothing, Between raw and ready-to-eat foods, After handling garbage, Every 30 minutes during continuous prep, After any contamination risk.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-403.11-P

Reheating for Hot Holding (P)

Rice in rice cooker 99F - 114F to reheat then staff stated will be placed on grill. Chicken / lamb schwarmas on verticle broiler reheating with various temperatures 144F 154F 165F. Multiple foods reheated on chargrill unevenly; not stirred. Ensure foods reheated to hot hold at or above 165F before serving. Revise procedures for reheat. Final chicken reheat after raising temperature 186F.

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

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)

Multiple TCS foods stored above 41F. Grape leaves top layer 47F - 50F upstairs kitchen removed by PIC. Pumpkin kibee in basement walkin - 59F raw kafta 46F felafel mixture 48F - 51F. Remove foods not at or below 41F held overnight.

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(D)/2-103.11-PF

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

Owner Sami Saba not monitoring hot / cold holding temperatures reheating procedures and cleaning /sanitizing of food and non food contact surfaces with proper frequency. Foods acidified for preservation (pickled) without a HACCP plan. Hand wash stations not maintained clean and accessible.

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 590.003/3-502.11-PF

Variance Requirement (Pf)

Owner pickling (acidifying for preservation) produce. Pickles pickled turnips held 14 days. Discontinue until a HACCP plan is submitted and approved.

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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Multiple food and non food contact equipment with heavy grease (hand grill chargrill top range fryer metal guard) and carbon build up. Rice cooker exterior / interior with residue. Hot holding units have soiled water and stains. Cook line hood filters and walls with dripping grease. Multiple refrigeration units interiors / exteriors with dried food soils and dripping food debris. Gaskets in basement units heavily soiled. Small wares on wall over refrigeration with dried food soils. Equipment storage racks refrigeration shelves exterior door of walkin in basement with soils. Wash rinse sanitize all food non food service equipment to remove soils.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PF

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Staff stated food cooker cleaned weekly. Clean food contact surfaces holding TCS foods with proper frequency.

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 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Front service rear handwash stations blocked with equipment / fans. Maintain accessible.

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
• MINOR 590.002/2-402.11-C

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Staff without beard / hair restraints. Provide.

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.

Code Requirements

All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

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

Several unlabeled bottles of sauces condiments oils.

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)

Plastic container without a handle stored inside rice bin. Remove. Scoop stored in stagnant water. Discontinue.

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)

Soiled wiping cloths not in sanitizing 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 590.003/3-501.15-C

(B) Cooling Methods (C)

TCS foods cooled in deep containers overnight. Discontinue.

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 590.004/4-202.16-C

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Remove frost build up inside frrezer in basement clean floors walss ceilings throughout to remove dried food soils.

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 590.004/4-204.112-C

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Multiple refrigerated units without conspicuous thermometers. Provide. Ensure units at or below 41F.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-501.11-C

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Dish machine and ice machine not operating. 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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-802.11-C

Specifications-Laundering Frequency (C)

Soiled linens stored in a cardboard box. Store properly.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.008/8-201.13-C

When a HACCP Plan is Required (C)

Acidification requires a HACCP plan / variance for prservation.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.008. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.008 | FDA Code: Section 8
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department