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FLAMES RESTAURANT

FAIL

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 4:26 PM

Address
746 HUNTINGTON AV
Mission Hill, MA 02120
Category
FT
Violations
13 total
⚠️ 1 critical
⚠ 6 major
Facility History
70 inspections
32 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Rice and beans 123F mix vegetables 106F white rice 122F shrimp and vegetables 109F. All products were voluntarily discard by chef and PIC. PIC to review hot holding and train staff on hot holding and reheating.

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(D)/2-103.11-PF

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

Priority violations noted on the inspection report. CFPM to train staff on violations noted on the inspection.

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 590.003/3-501.17-PF

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Several containers of prep foods observed without date marking. Provide made/discard date to all containers of prep foods stored in the refrigeration unit. Per PIC all foods were prep ealier today 3.19.25 and the night before 3.18.25 (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 590.003. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-602.11-PF

Food Labels (Pf)

Dessert containers stored in the refrigeration observed without label. Provide

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food labeling procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-501.116-PF

Warewashing Equipment Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration (Pf)

PIC unable to provide sanitzer testing strips. Provide Inspector test strip was used.

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 cleaning & sanitization 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

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

Interior of all refrigerator and freezer unit observed soiled. Clean and sanitize to remove.

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 590.006/6-501.111-PF

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Multiple rodent droppings observed downstairs on the floor under shelvings in the basement area. Clean to remove. PIC to provide current detailed IPM reprot from a licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov

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 590.003/3-501.13-C

Thawing (C)

Observed cryovac salmon thawing in its orginal packaging. Discontinue and open packaging prior to thawing.

Why This Matters

SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.

Code Requirements

Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-202.18-C

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Hood vent observed heavily soiled . Clean to remove Hood sticker expires: May 23rd. 2025

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 590.004/4-204.112-C

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Multiple refrigeration units and hot holding upright unit observed without a visible thermometer. Provide a thermometer to all the refregeration and hot holding unit missing a thermometer.

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 temperature control 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)

Basment floor under storage shelvings observed soiled with heavy debris accumulation. 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 590.006/6-201.17-C

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Basement area observed with multiple damaged missing and soiled ceiling tiles. Repair throughout.

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)

Back door leading to outside observed without a door sweep being a possible entryway for pests and rodents. Provide

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department