🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

Contessa

FAIL

Monday, February 6, 2023 at 4:48 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003(C)/3-301.11-P

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Observed employee removing water from basil by squeezing the product with his bare hands. The product was then placed in a blender to prepare. Review glove use procedures with all staff Product voluntarily discarded

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003(C). Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(C) | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

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

Containers of prepared potatoes on the counter at 71F. Per the PIC the product was being used for breakfast. Six quart containers of product were voluntarily discarded and denatured. Properly hold at 41F or below

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 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Priority violations noted on inspection Review procedures with staff

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(B). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(B) | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.002/2-401.11-C

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Observed multiple employees eating in kitchen area Employee taking olives with a bare hand from the service line and eating Employee at drink station eating from a container Review procedures for eating in kitchen areas with all employees and provide designated area for employee meals

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Multiple dip wells with the water not flowing at the time of the inspection- Corrected

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
View Facility Profile →
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department