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Ghost Light Tavern

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 3:44 PM

Address
253 TREMONT ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FS
Violations
10 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
35 inspections
13 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16
✓ Corrected

Hot Holding

Hot Holding- Chicken 89F French Onion Soup 108F. Maintain at 140F or above.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Maintain all hot TCS foods at 135°F or above; Cannot use hot holding equipment to reheat

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11
✓ Corrected

Location Accessible

Hand sink in the kitchen and bar blocked by in use equipment and utensils. Keep clear. Signs of dumping coffee at the main bar hand sink. Discontinue. Use for hand washing only.

Why This Matters

FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.

Code Requirements

Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.

Corrective Actions

Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005(D) | FDA Code: Section 5-204.11, 5-205.11
⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

The cutting area of slicer with dried up food debris. Clean and sanitize properly.

Why This Matters

BIOFILM FORMATION: Visible soil indicates biofilms - communities of bacteria protected by slime layers that resist sanitizers. Biofilms on slicers have caused Listeria outbreaks killing 30% of victims. Meat slicer contamination sickened 300 across 6 states. Grease harbors Listeria which grows at refrigeration temperatures.

Code Requirements

Food contact surfaces must be: Visibly clean with no food debris; Free of grease accumulation; Smooth and cleanable; Cleaned and sanitized after each use; Cleaned every 4 hours if in continuous use; Equipment must be disassembled for cleaning when necessary.

Corrective Actions

Clean and sanitize ALL equipment immediately; Disassemble equipment for thorough cleaning; Establish cleaning schedule with assigned responsibilities; Use cleaning checklist; Train on proper disassembly; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
• MINOR 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12
✓ Corrected

Food Container Labels

No label on bulk food containers. Provide.

Why This Matters

Improper labeling can lead to using wrong or expired ingredients

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 02.3.602
• MINOR 14-4-202.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Design

Some cutting boards in the main kitchen heavily scored. Replace or resurface. Plastic cup used to dispense bulk food. Use handled scoop.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 14.4.202
• MINOR 17-4-302.14

Test Kit Provided

No chlorine test kits for dishwashers in both bars. Provide.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 17.4.302
• MINOR 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

The exterior of several equpments at the prep kitchen soiled. Clean properly.

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 24-4-904.11AB
✓ Corrected

Improper Storage of Re-usable Utensils

Soiled dishes stored on the ground in the kitchen. Store elevated.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 24.4.904
• MINOR 36-6-201.11
✓ Corrected

Floors Designed Constructed Installed

The floor in the storage room in disrepair and with debris. Repair and clean properly.

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

FDA Code: Section 36.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-201.11
✓ Corrected

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Ceiling in the storage areas missing several tiles. Replace.

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

FDA Code: Section 37.6.201
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department