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Ernestos Pizza

FAIL

Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 4:23 PM

Address
69 SALEM ST
North End, MA 02113
Category
FS
Violations
18 total
⚠ 3 major
Facility History
53 inspections
27 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-202.11-PF

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Wooden pizza board is visibly burnt and splintered on the front edge where the pizza - Replace

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.14-PF

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Compromised test strips on site - replace

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-301.11-PF

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Ensure all designated hand sinks are clean and clutter free - ensure there is soap and paper towels available for staff to wash hands properly

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 590.002/2-402.11-C

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.

Code Requirements

All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Clearly label all bulk food containers to properly identify the contents

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.

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

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Ensure all in use chef knives are being stored in a clean and dry area of the kitchen - highly recommending the metal strips that attach to thw walls as a means to keep the knives cleaner throughout the day

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

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Set up sanitizing stations as discussed - raw foods and ready to eat foods - color coordinate if needed

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 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Ensure all foods are being elevated off the floors including the basment and kitchen areas a minimum of six inches

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Clean inside and outside of all refrigeration / freezer units - all cooking equipment - sinks - bulk food containers from all visible food spills stains and soils

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 590.005/5-203.13-C

Service Sink (C)

Maintain clean and clutter free as discussed

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 590.005/5-402.12-C

Grease Trap(C)

Clean to remove all rusted areas and debris

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 590.006/6-101.11-C

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Clean the floors and walls of the kitchen / prep pizza assembly area from all visible soils

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 590.006/6-201.17-C

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Clean around all the electrical covers and wiring on the walls in the kitchen from all visible spills stains and soils

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
• MINOR 590.006/6-202.15-C

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Ensure the back screen door has no holes in the netting allowiung frying insects dirt dust or debris to enter - repair where needed

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 590.006/6-501.110-C

Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C)

Set up some hooks or hangers so staff have a segragated location to place their belongings and coats instead of the kitchen / prep areas

Why This Matters

EXTREME CONTAMINATION RISK: Shoes carry 421,000+ bacteria including E. coli (96% of shoes), C. diff (39% of shoes), and other fecal bacteria. Direct contact with food areas transfers these pathogens immediately. Studies show shoes track in more bacteria than toilet seats.

Code Requirements

Remove ALL personal items from food areas IMMEDIATELY. Establish designated storage: employee lockers/areas completely separate from food; at least 6 feet from any food prep; in separate room if possible. This is a CRITICAL violation requiring immediate correction.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.114-C

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Clean to remove all older plastic containers - paint cans and anything else not affiliated with the kitchen / food service

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 590.006/6-501.16-C

Drying Mops (C)

Elevate all in use soiled mops / brooms off the floors a minimum of six inches after using -

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 590.006/6-501.18-C

Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)

Clean all plumbing underneath the three bay sink from grease and grime

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
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Tags

🍽️ Italian 📍 North End 🚇 Haymarket (Orange Line) ⚠️ Rodent Activity ⚠️ Pest Control ⚠️ Food Storage ⚠️ Cross Contamination ⚠️ Handwashing ⚠️ Hair Restraints ⚠️ Floor Maintenance ⚠️ Wall and Ceiling Issues ⚠️ Surface Cleanliness ⚠️ Equipment Maintenance ⚠️ Dishwashing ⚠️ Food Labels ⚠️ Food Protection ⚠️ Test Kits ⚠️ Plumbing Issues ⚠️ Waste Disposal
📍 Neighborhoods 🍽️ Cuisines 🚇 Transit ⚠️ Violations
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department