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Chinatown Cafe

PASS

Friday, November 16, 2007 at 5:58 PM

Address
262 HARRISON AV
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FT
Violations
8 total
⚠️ 5 critical
Facility History
15 inspections
7 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Walk-in 38F. Raw products stored next to ready to eat. Foods soaking and hanging over 3 compartment sink whiles staff adding detergent to wash equipment. Discontinue preparing foods in this area. Utilize food preparation sinks -2 Bay.

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 12-2-301.12-.15
✓ Corrected

Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How

Staff observed sneezing into gloved ungloved hands then returning to food prep without changing gloves washing hands. Manager instructed staff to wash hands.

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 12.2.301
⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11
✓ Corrected

Location Accessible

Hand sink blocked. Not accessible

Why This Matters

FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.

Code Requirements

Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.

Corrective Actions

Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005(D) | FDA Code: Section 5-204.11, 5-205.11
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-103.11
✓ Corrected

PIC Performing Duties

Person in charge not monitoring cooling handwashing and food prep practices. Ducks stored at room temperature during preparation 66F: Provide procedures times for process. Ensure products are only left out of temperature control for brief periods of prep.

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
⚠️ CRITICAL M-8-103.12
✓ Corrected

Conformance w/ Approved Procedures

Logs are not incompliance-with approved procedures. Discontinue using time only and maintain PHF's. at above 140F°. for hot holding.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

• MINOR 04-3-501.15/4-301.11
✓ Corrected

Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods

Lamb soup cooling covered at room temperatures 98-100F for unknown time. manager discarded all pans.

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 04.3.501
• MINOR 10-3-304.12
✓ Corrected

Food Utensil Storage

Utensils stored in stagnant water. 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 14-4-202.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Design

No scoops provided to dispense food.

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 14.4.202
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department