🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

Cafe Med

PASS

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 6:40 PM

Address
31 SAINT JAMES AV
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FT
Violations
8 total
⚠️ 3 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
34 inspections
13 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.14
✓ Corrected

Cooling

At time of reinspection pan of rice in refrigerator dated 10/23/17 per PIC cooled on previous day at 54F. Establishment must ensure proper cooling procedures are in place and followed. 10 Cups of rice voluntarily discarded at time of inspection

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

At time of inspection observed packages of raw chicken and raw beef stored on top of each other in 2 door reach in. Products must be stored properly to reduce risk of cross contamination

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-103.11
✓ Corrected

PIC Performing Duties

CFPM at location not properly monitoring cold holding/ cooling temperatures of RTE foods. Noy maintaining daily logs of cooling cold holding of products to verify process. Provide additional CFPM at location as noted in administrative hearing

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
⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Panini press with heavy encrusted soils per PIC not in use and in process of cleaning and refinishing.- Clean properly or replace

Why This Matters

BIOFILM FORMATION: Visible soil indicates biofilms - communities of bacteria protected by slime layers that resist sanitizers. Biofilms on slicers have caused Listeria outbreaks killing 30% of victims. Meat slicer contamination sickened 300 across 6 states. Grease harbors Listeria which grows at refrigeration temperatures.

Code Requirements

Food contact surfaces must be: Visibly clean with no food debris; Free of grease accumulation; Smooth and cleanable; Cleaned and sanitized after each use; Cleaned every 4 hours if in continuous use; Equipment must be disassembled for cleaning when necessary.

Corrective Actions

Clean and sanitize ALL equipment immediately; Disassemble equipment for thorough cleaning; Establish cleaning schedule with assigned responsibilities; Use cleaning checklist; Train on proper disassembly; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Package of raw meat that had been defrosting under cold running water removed by employee from prep sink and placed at warewashing sink with soiled dishes/equipment. Foods must be stored properly.Removed at time of inspection

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 21-3-304.14
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Sponges used at 3 bay- Discontinue

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 29-5-201/02.11
✓ Corrected

Installed and Maintained

At time or reinspection water temperature at handsink in back prep fluctuated between 64F- 89F with use of water at 3 bay sink. Per PIC water temperature raised at water. Establishment must complete proper repairs by a certified plumber to ensure water temperature is maintained at 110F at handsink for proper handwashing.

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 29.5.201
• MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Floors in upstairs closet with soils and debris- Clean

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
View Facility Profile →
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department