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Contessa

FAIL

Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 6:53 PM

Address
15 ARLINGTON ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FS
Violations
12 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
19 inspections
11 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.14-P

When to Wash (P)

Observed no hand washing during inspection - PIC discussed hand washing with staff

Why This Matters

ILLNESS TRANSMISSION: 70% of foodborne outbreaks traced to poor handwashing. Unwashed hands after restroom carry 10 billion bacteria including E. coli. One contaminated hand can spread bacteria to 7 surfaces in 10 seconds. Causes 48 million illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

Wash hands for 20 seconds minimum with soap and 100°F water: After restroom ALWAYS, Before food prep, After touching face/hair/clothing, Between raw and ready-to-eat foods, After handling garbage, Every 30 minutes during continuous prep, After any contamination risk.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-304.15-P

(A) Gloves Use Limitation (P)

Multiple food handlers and ware washing staff leaving and returning to work stations wearing same gloves. Not changes gloves between handling multiple food items

Why This Matters

FALSE SECURITY: Contaminated gloves spread bacteria MORE than bare hands because workers feel 'protected'. Gloves pick up 5x more bacteria than skin. Not changing between tasks spreads contamination to everything touched.

Code Requirements

Change gloves: After touching raw meat/poultry/fish, Between different food types, After touching face/hair/clothing, Every hour maximum, When switching tasks, After touching any non-food surface. Wash hands BEFORE putting on new gloves.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Hand sinks in ware washing area with items in basin. One of the hand sinks was blocked by large shelf and employees polishing glasses - PIC took corrective actin during inspection

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
• MINOR 590.002/2-402.11-C

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Food handlers not wearing hair restraints

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.

Code Requirements

All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Food containers not labeled throughout kitchen/prep

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 590.003/3-304.14-C

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

In use wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution - Kitchen prep bar washing areas

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 590.003/3-306.12-C

Condiments Protection (C)

No spash guards at hand sink in bar (2 hand sinks are next to beverages)

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 590.004/4-602.11-C

Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (C)

Old labels on clean equipment - Ware washing

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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-901.11-C

Equipment and Utensils Air-Drying Required (C)

Stacking wet equipment in ware washing area

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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-904.11-C

Kitchenware and Tableware-Preventing Contamination (C)

Straws are not protected from contamination at bar

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 590.004/4-904.13-C

Preset Tableware (C)

Pre set table ware not protected

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 L1

Allergen advisory missing from menus

Why This Matters

Violations can contribute to foodborne illness if not corrected

Code Requirements

Must comply with all applicable food code requirements

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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department