🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

EMPIRE GARDEN

PASS

Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 2:44 PM

Address
686 WASHINGTON ST
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
17 total
⚠️ 1 critical
⚠ 5 major
Facility History
33 inspections
16 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P
✓ Corrected

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Container of raw pork fish and beef in cook line reach-in. Store raw animal products separately to prevent cross contamination.

Why This Matters

DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
✓ Corrected

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

2022 Health permit is not paid. Please pay immediately either through email or at 1010 Massachusetts Ave. 4th Floor.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(D) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-204.115-PF
✓ Corrected

Warewashing Machines Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

No irreversible thermometer or thermal strips for measuring final rinse temperature on dish machine. Provide either thermometer or strips.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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

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

Meat slicer observed soiled with dried food. Store equipment clean. Interior chute of ice machine with black mold-like substance. Clean and maintain.

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 590.005/5-205.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Hand sink in prep area blocked by pan and wiping cloths. Keep had sinks clear at all times for hand washing only. Corrected on site.

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-301.12-PF
✓ Corrected

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Paper towel dispenser not operating properly at three hand sinks in kitchen. Provide towels at all hand sinks.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C
✓ Corrected

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Rice scoop stored in 58F water. Store in 135F water or above to prevent cross contamination.

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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Soiled wiping cloths not stored in sanitizing solution. Provide sanitizer buckets for wiping cloths.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-307.11-C
✓ Corrected

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Soda lines running through ice for beverages. Discontinue using ice for beverages that is being used to cool soda lines.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-101.19-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Soiled cardboard used to line multiple shelves and carts. Dicard and discontinue using cardboard on shelves. Use materials that are smooth cleanable- and non-absorbent.

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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-501.12-C
✓ Corrected

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Several cutting boards observed heavily scoured and permanently soiled. Discard and provide new cutting boards as needed.

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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-602.13-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Hand sink basins soiled. Clean and only use hand sinks for washing hands. FLoor under fryer unit heavily soiled with grease and water. Clean to avoid attracting pests. Debris under tables and cookline. Clean under tables and equipment to avoid attracting pests.

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 food safety 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
✓ Corrected

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Slow drain at cook line hand sink. Service as needed to drain properly. Hand sink in prep area leaks underneath. Repair as necessary.

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
• MINOR 590.006/6-202.15-C
✓ Corrected

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Back door with day light visible at bottom. Repair door as needed to prevent pests from entering premises.

Why This Matters

PEST INVASION: Open doors allow entry of flies (carry 100+ pathogens), rodents (35+ diseases), and airborne contaminants. One fly can contaminate entire prep area in minutes, landing on 30+ surfaces spreading E. coli, Salmonella.

Code Requirements

Install self-closing devices on ALL exterior doors immediately. Doors must close completely within 3 seconds. No gaps over 1/4 inch. Consider air curtains for frequently used doors. Keep doors closed when not in active use.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.11-C
✓ Corrected

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Small patch of ceiling in kitchen with dripping water and peeling paint. Repair as needed.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.112-C
✓ Corrected

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Dead rat observed behind cook line and under dry storage shelf. Dead roach under storage shelf in rear of kitchen. Remove dead pests

Why This Matters

DISEASE VECTORS: Flies carry 100+ pathogens, land on feces then food. Transfer 2 million bacteria per landing. Roaches spread 33 bacteria types, 6 parasitic worms. One roach can contaminate entire kitchen overnight. Major asthma trigger.

Code Requirements

Eliminate immediately: Kill visible pests, Find and eliminate breeding sites, Fix all screens/seal openings, Remove standing water, Clean drains weekly, Professional treatment if over 5 insects seen, Install fly lights/traps.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.14-C
✓ Corrected

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Hood stickers are expired. Provide scheduled date for cleaning.

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 cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
View Facility Profile →
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department