🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

Contessa

PASS

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 4:41 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.14-P
✓ Corrected

When to Wash (P)

Employees actively preparing foods in an area located on the first floor where there is no handsink available to wash their hands PIC instructed to discontinue food preparation in this area until approved by the Health Department

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
✓ Corrected

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Priority violations noted on the inspection report- Review

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(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(D) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF
✓ Corrected

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

Interior panel of the ice machine with black mold like buildup- Clean with proper frequency

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.005/5-203.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Handwashing Sinks-Numbers and Capacities (Pf)

Establishment is doing food preparation in an area located on the first floor and there is no handsink available in the area- Discontinue food prep in this area until approved by the Health Department

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION CYCLE: Using handwash sink for dishes spreads grease and food particles, making hand cleaning ineffective. Staff avoid dirty sinks, reducing handwashing by 60%. Creates breeding ground for bacteria at the most critical hygiene point.

Code Requirements

STOP all non-handwashing use immediately. Handwash sinks for HANDS ONLY. Clean and sanitize sink completely. Post signage 'HANDWASHING ONLY'. Designate separate sinks for food prep and dishwashing. Retrain all staff.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.005/5-205.15-C
✓ Corrected

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Minor leak noted below the 3 bay sink- Leaking into a pan- Repair

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.14-C
✓ Corrected

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Hood sticker expired April 2023- Schedule hood cleaning and inspection

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
View Facility Profile →
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department