EL CHALAN

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 3:29 PM

Address
405 CHELSEA ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FT
Violations
20 total
⚠️ 6 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
117 inspections
57 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.14
✓ Corrected

Cooling

The establishemtn must provide proper cooling documentation for the empanadas.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

A knife sharpener / grinder was observed on top of a mixer in the basement. The grinder must be removed from the food preparation area. Moldy water is leaking from the upper / condenser portion of the ice machine. The water is flowing downward toward the opening of the ice machine. The source of the leak must be identified and repaired. The interior and exterior of the unit must be cleaned and sanitized.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-301.12-.15
✓ Corrected

Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How

The hand sink in the basement preparation room is clogged. The towel dispenser to the hand sink in the men's restroom was empty. At present the employees working within the basement of the establishment are unable to properly wash their hands. Both conditions must be remedied before food preparation is permitted within the basement.

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 12.2.301
⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11
✓ Corrected

Location Accessible

The hand sink within the basement food preparation room is blocked with a table and several chairs. The sink is also clogged. The sink must be properly maintained at all times. Nothing may be stored in front of the hand sink.

Why This Matters

FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.

Code Requirements

Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.

Corrective Actions

Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005(D) | FDA Code: Section 5-204.11, 5-205.11
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-102.11
✓ Corrected

PIC Knowledge

The person in charge must be knowledgeable. During the reinspection the person in charge must be capable of describing all food preparation and production processes.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

⚠️ CRITICAL M-3-603.11

Consumer Advisories

The menus and menu board are not equipped with proper consumer advisories or disclaimers. Proper advisories and disclaimers must be provided. The menu is under revision.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

⚠ MAJOR 35-6-501.111/.115
✓ Corrected

Insects Rodents Animals

Mouse droppings were observed within the basement. Drain or fruit flies were observed in the rear of the dining area. Proof of a pest managment contract must be provided for the reinspection. The pest management contractor must provide a proper integrated pest management report that addresses the mice and flies in the establishment.

Why This Matters

DISEASE VECTORS: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms. Flies regurgitate and defecate on food, spreading E. coli, Shigella. One mouse can contaminate 10 times more food than it eats. Pest allergens trigger asthma in 26% of inner-city children.

Code Requirements

Facility must be pest-free: No live or dead pests; No droppings or urine; No gnaw marks or rub marks; No nesting materials; Effective pest control program; Monthly professional service recommended; All openings sealed; Remove harborage conditions.

Corrective Actions

Call pest control service immediately; Discard ALL contaminated food; Clean and sanitize all affected areas; Seal all openings larger than 1/4 inch; Install door sweeps; Eliminate standing water; Remove clutter; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007(K) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.111, 6-501.115
• MINOR 04-3-501.15/4-301.11

Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods

The basement walk-in cooler was not operating during the inspection. The walk-in contained whole corn on the cob whole carrots and limes. The unit must be repaired. The walk-in refrigerator was being serviced during the compliance inspection.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 04.3.501
• MINOR 05-4-302.12
✓ Corrected

Food Thermometers Provided

Food thermometers must be provided within each refrigeration unit. The thermometers on the exterior of the equipment are not sufficient.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 05.4.302
• MINOR 06-3-501.13
✓ Corrected

PHF's Properly Thawed

A side of pork was observed thawing within a metal pot. Frozen items must be properly thawed under refrigeration or under running water.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 06.3.501
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Once bulk bags of rice flour or sugar are opened the food items must be properly stored within labeled and covered food storage containers.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.305
• MINOR 09-3-301.11(C)
✓ Corrected

Handling of Food & Ice

The ice scoop was observed within the bottom of the ice machine. The handle of the scoop must be stored above the surface of the ice to prevent potential cross contamination.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 09.3.301
• MINOR 10-3-304.12
✓ Corrected

Food Utensil Storage

Three knives were observed between the rear of the food preparation table and the wall of the room. The knives must be properly stored when not in use. The knives must be washed and sanitized before use.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 10.3.304
• MINOR 13-2-304/402.11
✓ Corrected

Clean Cloths Hair Restraint

The kitchen staff were not wearing hair restraints during the inspection. Provide.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 13.2.304
• MINOR 14-4-202.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Design

It appears that staff have been utilizing the top of one of the freezer units for food preparation. Beef blood and a knife were observed on the top of the unit. Food preparation must be performed on proper surfaces within approved locations.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 14.4.202
• MINOR 16-4-501.11/.15

Dishwashng Facilities

The dish machine is not operating and should be repaired. Nothing should be stored on the dish machine. The dish machine was operating during the inspection. China dishes must be washed in the dish machine.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 16.4.501
• MINOR 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

The interior and exterior surfaces of the refrigeration equipment must be cleaned and sanitized. The hardened food debris must be removed from the handles of the refrigeration equipment.

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 29-5-201/02.11
✓ Corrected

Installed and Maintained

The basement hand sink within the food preparation room was clogged. The clog must be removed. The plumbing must be properly maintained and promptly repaired.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 29.5.201
• MINOR 32-6-301.11-02.11
✓ Corrected

Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage

The towel dispenser to the hand sink in the basement was empty. The towel dispenser must be properly stocked at all times.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 32.6.301
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

The unpainted surfaces within the kitchen must be painted. The kitchen surfaces must be readily cleanable durable and non-absorbent. The holes in the wall within the basement must be repaired.

Why This Matters

OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.

Code Requirements

Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.

Corrective Actions

Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(B) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department