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Chinatown Cafe

FAIL

Monday, July 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

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

Fresh baby sprouts being left out at room temperature (59F). Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Baby sprouts were placed under refrigeration 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 590.004/4-601.11-PF

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

Battering basket osberved inside of the walk-in cooler with heavy cacked on foods. Clean to remove.

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
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Knives observed being stopred in between 3 bay sink and wall. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.

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 observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper 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 590.003/3-305.12-C

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Carton of eggs meats and other foods observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and ensure all foods are being stored 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 590.003/3-307.11-C

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Cooked ribs observed hanging from a stainless steel rack and coming in contact with what appears to be a rust like substance. Discontinue and store all foods in a clean and protected manner.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Exterior of bulk food bins with visibly soiled and with cacked on foods. 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

Controlling Pests (C)

Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed in the back storage/preparation area. Address and provide an additional pest control report 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