ELEMENTS CAFE & CONFERENCE
FAILTuesday, September 2, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Violations Cited
590.002/2-301.14-P
When to Wash (P)
Observed food handlers not washing hands before donning on clean glove
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.
590.003/3-304.15-P
(A) Gloves Use Limitation (P)
Gloves being continously/multitasking/handling multiple touch points - leaving and returning to work station wearing same disposable gloves
Why This Matters
FALSE SECURITY: Contaminated gloves spread bacteria MORE than bare hands because workers feel 'protected'. Gloves pick up 5x more bacteria than skin. Not changing between tasks spreads contamination to everything touched.
Code Requirements
Change gloves: After touching raw meat/poultry/fish, Between different food types, After touching face/hair/clothing, Every hour maximum, When switching tasks, After touching any non-food surface. Wash hands BEFORE putting on new gloves.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Cut tomatoes (on ice) 46 F and 50 F Cheese (on ice and above fill line 47 F (provided proper refrigeration and storage for all TCS foods) Salad bar Spinach 45 F Chicken 45 F
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.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Food Labels (Pf)
Prewrapped foods for customer self service not labeld per code
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.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Food soils on food containers in storage area - basement
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.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Rodent dropping on wall ledge behind food storage in basement dry storage room Provide full extermination and IPM report prior to reinspection
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.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)
Multiple food containers not labeled in prep/storage - basement
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.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Wiping cloths not stored in sanitizing solutions between uses - Kitchen/prep/ware washing/serving line per code
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 safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)
Open foods not stored in food grade covered containers once open - Basement storage
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.
590.004/4-901.11-C
Equipment and Utensils Air-Drying Required (C)
Wet nesting clean and sanitized food contact containers bowls pans etc.
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.
590.005/5-501.115-C
Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C)
Gound area soiled under receptacles on dock area
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.
590.005/5-501.116-C
Cleaning Receptacles (C)
Soils on exterior and interior of trash and grease bins on dock area
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 cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Rodent dropping on wall ledge behind food storage in basement dry storage room - Clean walls and all attachments
Why This Matters
Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning
Code Requirements
Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean
590.006/6-501.11-C
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Walls in basement storage areas in disrepair
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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.