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El Centro

FAIL

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 4:11 PM

Address
474 SHAWMUT AV
South End, MA 02118
Category
FT
Violations
5 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
72 inspections
33 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.11-P

Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P)

Cook unable to wash hands because the hand sink was blocked

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Steak 98F Pork 102F / Containers sitting on the ledge of the steam table for 30 minutes / Cook moved to flat grill / Provide 135F or greater for hot holding.

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 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Hand sink with packages of tortillas in the basin / Cook removed. Ensure hand sink is kept free and clear at all times

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 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Pots of sauce cooling on the floor of the basement / Discontinue and elevate at least 6" off of the floor.

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 590.005/5-205.15-C

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Basement hand sink - cold water faucet broken / 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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department