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Ethiopian Cafe

FAIL

Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 10:58 PM

Address
377 CENTRE ST
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Category
FS
Violations
13 total
⚠️ 4 critical
⚠ 3 major
Facility History
18 inspections
8 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.12-P

Cleaning Procedure (P)

Observed kitchen staff washing hands with gloves on. CFPM to train staff on handwashing (when/where/ how). Inspector reviewed handwahsing procedure with staff.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P

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

Raw shelled eggs stored in the 2 door cold unit observed stored above RTE prepped foods. Discontinue (COS)

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
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-304.15-P

(A) Gloves Use Limitation (P)

Observed staff multitasking with soiled gloves and using a rag to wipe disposable one time single use gloves. Staff was advised to remove gloves and wash hands. CFPM to train staff on glove use.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

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

Cooked lentils 50F stored in cold unit 38F. PIC voluntarily discard the product. (COS)

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 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control or any managerial controls. . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.

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(B). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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

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

CFPM to train staff on violation noted on the inspection report.

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 590.002/2-301.15-PF

Where to Wash (Pf)

Observed kitchen staff washing hands in 3 bay sink . Discontinue and use handwashing sink only. (COS)

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Multiple box of food containers observed stored on the floor. Keep elevated 6' of the floor

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 590.004/4-101.16-C

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Observed staff using sponge to clean dishes and food contact equipments. Discontinue

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 590.004/4-501.11-C

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Facility dishwasher observed not operating . Facilty uses glass cup to serve drinks. Repair and provide invoice Advised staff to use paper/plastic disposible cups until repair is done.

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.

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

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Green cutting board observed heavily scored. Resurface/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 590.006/6-501.11-C

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

Storage room ceiling observed with big hole and hallway wall in front of the bathroom observed with hole. Repair

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 590.006/6-501.114-C

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Downstairs storage area observed heavily clutter with non functional equipments and excess items.Clean and organize to remove

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. 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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🍽️ Cafe 📍 Jamaica Plain 🚇 Stony Brook (Orange Line) ⚠️ Rodent Activity ⚠️ Temperature Control ⚠️ Food Storage ⚠️ Cross Contamination ⚠️ Handwashing ⚠️ Gloves ⚠️ Floor Maintenance ⚠️ Wall and Ceiling Issues ⚠️ Equipment Maintenance ⚠️ Dishwashing ⚠️ Waste Disposal ⚠️ Restroom Violations
📍 Neighborhoods 🍽️ Cuisines 🚇 Transit ⚠️ Violations
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department