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El Centro

FAIL

Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 12:12 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.004/4-501.114-P

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

Low temp machine testing @ 0ppm for sanitizer. Contact dish machine company for immediate repairs. Use 3 Bay with Quats @ 200ppm at this time

Why This Matters

INEFFECTIVE SANITIZATION: Below 50ppm chlorine or 200ppm quat, bacteria survive on 'clean' dishes. Above 200ppm chlorine leaves toxic residue causing chemical burns, nausea. 70% of restaurant outbreaks linked to improper sanitization.

Code Requirements

Maintain sanitizer at: Chlorine 50-100ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400ppm, Iodine 12.5-25ppm. Test every 2 hours with test strips. Change solution when cloudy/dirty. Train all staff on mixing procedures.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-602.11-PF

Food Labels (Pf)

Label all squeeze bottles with the common name of the food products.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food labeling procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF

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

Observed dust along lid inside ice machine; heavy food spills on meat containers stored in under cabinet drawers at cooking grill. Clean all to remove soils / spills / dust from stated equipment

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 590.006/6-501.111-PF

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Observed immature flies within basement prep area. Provide current pest control report

Why This Matters

SEVERE CONTAMINATION: Rodent droppings carry 35+ diseases including Hantavirus (36% mortality rate), Salmonella (20% of cases from rodents), Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure). Mice contaminate 10 times more food than they eat through urine and droppings.

Code Requirements

IMMEDIATE ACTION: Clean/sanitize all affected areas with 10% bleach solution. Discard ALL exposed food. Seal holes over 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Remove food sources. Install bait stations. Professional extermination within 24 hours.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-501.13-C

Thawing (C)

Observed shrimp thawing in stagnant water. Discontinue and follow proper procedures for thawing either under running cool water or under refrigeration

Why This Matters

SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.

Code Requirements

Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-501.11-C

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Observed crack at drainboard of 3 Bay sink causing a leak. Replace or repair

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 590.005/5-205.15-C

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Observed leak underneath sanitizer bay @ 3 Bay sink . Contact a licensed plumber for repairs and provide reports

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