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Food Opera

PASS

Monday, July 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM

Address
81 ESSEX ST
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
7 total
⚠️ 1 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
18 inspections
9 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P
✓ Corrected

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

Garic and oil mixture observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Garlic and oil mixture to be removed and placed back under refrigeration.

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 590.004/4-202.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Plastic cups being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoops to prevent contamination from hands.

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 590.004/4-204.117-PF
✓ Corrected

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Sanitizer not registering at hte test strip for the low Chemical dish machine. Address and make any necessary repairs. 3 Bay sink to be used until the dish machine has been repaired.

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
• MINOR 590.003/3-305.12-C
✓ Corrected

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Containers of frozen meats and other foods observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in freezer. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.

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 590.003/3-501.13-C
✓ Corrected

Thawing (C)

Frozen beef tripe observed being defrosted in stagnant water. Discontinue and ensure proper thawing mehtods.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Fan covers of th 2 door Coke cooler visibly soiled and with dust debris. Clean to remove. Fan cover to the walk-in produce cooler visibly soiled. Clean to remove. Top of the dish machine on the second floor visibly soiled and with food debris. 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 590.005/5-205.15-C
✓ Corrected

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Hot water faucet to the hand sink located in the second floor dish room not functioning. Address and make any necessary repairs. Drainage pipe to the same hand sink is leaking. Repair. Dish machine curtains missing and replaced with a garbage bag. Address and replace.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department