CHINATOWN EXPRESS
PASSWednesday, February 2, 2022 at 7:10 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-302.11-P
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)
Bags of raw chicken and beef stored on the pan in the wak-in cooler (bags were observed leaking at the time of the inspection). Disocontinue and store appropriately to ensure no cross contamination from different raw meats.
Why This Matters
DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.
Code Requirements
REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)
At the time of the inspection there were no food thermometers available. 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.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings on on storage shelf near the front cash register. Clean to remove and provide an up to date 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.
590.003/3-304.12-C
In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)
Knife observed being stored in between coolers. 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.
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.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)
Containers of produce and other foods observed being stored on the ground 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.
590.003/3-501.13-C
Thawing (C)
Frozen cooked chicken observed being left out at room temperature to defrost. Discontinue and ensure proper thawing methods are in place.
Why This Matters
SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.
Code Requirements
Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Toilet and hand sink in restroom 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.