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Chinatown Cafe

PASS

Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 2:53 PM

Address
262 HARRISON AV
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
10 total
⚠️ 1 critical
⚠ 4 major
Facility History
43 inspections
19 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P
✓ Corrected

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

Garlic and oil mixture observed being left out at room temperature. Discotinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Mixture was removed 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)

No food thermometers available at the time of the inspection. 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
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.14-PF
✓ Corrected

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

No test strips available at the time of the inspection. 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)

Hand sink in the back preparation area being blocked by a large storage rack. Discontinue and ensure all hand sinks are accessibel during operationla hours.

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 590.008/8-103.12-PF
✓ Corrected

Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)

Logs for time as a public health control not available at the time of the inspection. Provide and have accessible for the Health Departments review.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.008 | FDA Code: Section 8
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide proper sanitzing 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 590.003/3-305.12-C
✓ Corrected

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Bus buckets filled with meats observed being stored on the gorund of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.

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)

Card board being used to line storage shelves in the back prearation area. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth. Drying rack above the 3 bay sink with a rust like substance. Clean to remove resurface or replace.

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)

Storage rack with rice cookers on them visibly soiled. 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 house flies in the main kitchen/back preparation area's. Address pest control reports were up to date at the time of the 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