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EL PENOL RESTAURANT

PASS

Monday, August 22, 2016 at 5:07 PM

Address
54 BENNINGTON ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FS
Violations
7 total
⚠️ 3 critical
Facility History
44 inspections
16 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11
✓ Corrected

Location Accessible

Hand Washing sink at the bar area used to store soiled equipment/utensils. Use for hand washing only.

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 41-7-201/04.11
✓ Corrected

Separation/Sanitizer Criteria

Sanitizer solution for wiping cloths registered Chlorine 200ppm. Maintain between 50-100ppm.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.201
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-103.11
✓ Corrected

PIC Performing Duties

Retrain staff with regard to hand washing sink usage and proper sanitizer levels.

Why This Matters

EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.

Code Requirements

PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(B) | FDA Code: Section 2-103.11
• MINOR 06-3-501.13
✓ Corrected

PHF's Properly Thawed

Raw Pork being thawed in room temperature. PIC removed it inside the walk-in. Thaw properly under temperature control 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

Chicken stored above plaintains potatoes and pork inside the walk-in unit. Separate properly to avoid possible cross-contamination.

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 16-4-501.11/.15
✓ Corrected

Dishwashng Facilities

High Temp Dish Machine at the Bar Area appears to leak water from the door. Repair.

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 exterior of bulk food containers soiled. Clean properly. Storage shelf next to cooking line soiled. Clean properly.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department