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CHOW THAI CAFE

FAIL

Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 4:36 PM

Address
185 MAIN
Charlestown, MA 02129
Category
FS
Violations
12 total
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
32 inspections
14 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Clean all cutting boards located on the cooking line from an accumulation of visible soils

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 05-4-302.12

Food Thermometers Provided

Provide a working food thermometer

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 05.4.302
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Cover all exposed foods in the freezer units being stored for an extended period of time spanish onions being stored too close to the soiled slop sink - relocate

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 13-2-304/402.11

Clean Cloths Hair Restraint

All staff working with food shall provide a clean outer garment as well as a hair restraint if needed

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 13.2.304
• MINOR 14-4-202.11

Food Contact Surfaces Design

Several non-commercial refrigeration / freezer units being used throughout the facility - one reason there is pooling water in the basement area. Provide commercial grade equipmenmt as discussed

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
• MINOR 16-4-301.12

Three Compartment Sink

Provide three plugs for the three bay sink - set up basins from right to left as follows [ WASH -RINSE - SANITIZE ]

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 16.4.301
• MINOR 21-3-304.14

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Set up wiping cloths with a sanitizing solution for raw food contact surface areas as well as a seperate one for ready to eat food contact surfaces

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 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Clean i9nside / outside of all refrigeration units from visible soils - clean exterior of all cooking equipment from visible soils

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 24-4-903.11

Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage

Some clean spoons and plates being stored uncovered in the basement - under an unfinished ceiling Relocate and / or cover as discussed

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 24.4.903
• MINOR 29-5-201/02.11

Installed and Maintained

Pooling water on the basement floor - starting to smell odorous - suggesting a de-humidifier Repair broken faucet on the hand sink located behind the small bar

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 36-6-201.11

Floors Designed Constructed Installed

Repair holes in the basement floor where needed Remove pooling water on the basement floor

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean

FDA Code: Section 36.6.201
• MINOR 40-6-305.11

Dressing Rooms Clean/Lockers Provided

Staff changing area is located too close to food storage in the basement - relocate

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 40.6.305
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department