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EMPIRE GARDEN

FAIL

Friday, June 27, 2025 at 2:53 PM

Address
686 WASHINGTON ST
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
9 total
⚠️ 2 critical
Facility History
33 inspections
16 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002(F)/2-201.13-P

Removal Adjustment or Retention of Exclusions & Restrictions (P)

Employee working with symptoms and illness without notifying person in charge. Review illness policy with employees and ensure employees with symptoms are excluded.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(F) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P
✓ Corrected

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Garlic and oil mixture being left out at room temperatrue. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F.

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.

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

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Knives observed being stored in between coolers. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.

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 observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and store in a proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.004/4-202.16-C

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Card board being used to line shelving in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth.

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

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Door handles to the walk-in cooler with cacked on foods. Clean to remove. Roll away racks for equipment and foods with ccacked on foods. Clean to remove.

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 590.006/6-201.11-C

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Floor under and around the Wok stations visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Floor under the BBQ box with grease/food build-up. Clean to remove.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.111-C

Controlling Pests (C)

Evidence of roach activity noted in the the upstairs dry storage area's. Address. Provide and up to pest control report for the re-inspection.

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 590.006/6-501.114-C
✓ Corrected

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Outside dumpster with excess trash bags around the dumpster. Address and keep dumpster area clear/clean.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department