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EQUATOR RESTAURANT

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Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 5:43 PM

Address
1721 WASHINGTON ST
South End, MA 02118
Category
FS
Violations
8 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
68 inspections
37 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.11-P
✓ Corrected

Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P)

Did not observe any hand washing during my inspection / Employees are unable to properly wash hands because of items in the basin / Ensure employees are able to properly wash hands at all times.

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | 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 in oil mixture sitting out on the cookline 82F / Mixture will be voluntarily disposed of due to being out of temperature for an undetermined amount of time. / Provide 41F or below.

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.005/5-205.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Plastic container and bottle of soap in the hand sink basin / Remove and keep hand sinks free and clear at all times

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 590.006/6-501.111-PF
✓ Corrected

Controlling Pests (Pf)

1 live roach noted near the dish machine and several dead noted on glue traps. Ladybug makes bi-weekly exterminations. Exterminations will be upgraded to weekly services until further notice / Provide last 3 months of IPM reports and schedule an extermination before compliance date.

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 590.004/4-101.19-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Wooden shelving in back storage with visible soils and worn/chipping paint / Clean and repaint. Grease trap with visible rust and soils / Clean and repaint

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)

Cutting boards worn / Resurface or replace

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)

Bulk food bins - Exterior with accumulated soils / 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 590.006/6-201.17-C
✓ Corrected

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Hood vent area with grease build up / Clean to remove Walls with visible soils / Clean to remove

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

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