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Hong Kong Eatery

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 5:55 PM

Address
79 HARRISON AV
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
25 total
โš ๏ธ 8 critical
โš  2 major
Facility History
51 inspections
24 failures

Violations Cited

โš ๏ธ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16(A)

Cold Holding

Garlic and Oil 58 F

Why This Matters

THE DANGER ZONE KILLS: Between 41ยฐF-135ยฐF bacteria double every 20 minutes. At 70ยฐF, 10 bacteria become 10,000 in 2 hours, 10 million in 4 hours. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins that cooking cannot destroy. Clostridium perfringens causes 1 million illnesses yearly from temperature abuse. Listeria grows even under refrigeration, killing 20% of victims including pregnant women and newborns.

Code Requirements

ALL TCS foods MUST be held at 41ยฐF or below at ALL times. This includes: All meat, poultry, seafood; Dairy products; Cut melons, tomatoes, leafy greens; Cooked rice, pasta, potatoes; Tofu, soy products; Sprouts; Garlic in oil. Check temperatures every 2 hours (4 hours maximum). If above 41ยฐF for less than 2 hours, rapidly cool. If above 41ยฐF for 2-4 hours, use immediately. If above 41ยฐF for over 4 hours, DISCARD.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Check ALL refrigerated foods NOW; Discard any food above 41ยฐF for >4 hours; Rapidly cool foods 41-70ยฐF if <4 hours; Repair/adjust all refrigeration immediately; Reduce inventory to prevent overstocking; Install thermometers in warmest part of all coolers; Implement 2-hour temperature checks; Create power outage procedure

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(D) | FDA Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL 03-3-501.19

Times as a Public Health Control

Sticky Rice 60 F

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Cleaning utensils in three bay sink next to exposed food items.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Raw animal products stored with ready to eat foods and foods cooked to a lower temperature.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL 20-4-703.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

High temp final rinse temperature 168 F Must maintain 180 F REPEAT VIOLATION Corrected on site

Why This Matters

INVISIBLE KILLERS: Bacteria survive on 'clean-looking' surfaces for days. Inadequate sanitization caused Salmonella outbreak affecting 1,500 people via ice cream. Cutting boards can harbor 200 times more fecal bacteria than toilet seats. E. coli survives 1-4 hours on surfaces. Norovirus survives 2 weeks. One contaminated slicer infected 300 people with Listeria.

Code Requirements

SANITIZATION MANDATORY: Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171ยฐF for 30 seconds by immersion; Contact time: minimum 7-30 seconds depending on sanitizer; Test concentration EVERY 2 hours; Change solution when visibly soiled; ALL food contact surfaces must be sanitized: After each use with different foods; When switching raw to ready-to-eat; Every 4 hours in continuous use.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Set up proper sanitizer at ALL stations; Test and adjust concentration NOW; Re-sanitize ALL food contact surfaces; Obtain test strips immediately; Post sanitizer concentration chart; Train staff on test strip use; Create sanitization log; Change solutions every 2 hours minimum

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-703.11
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11

Location Accessible

Using hand sink to fill and empty food containers Cleaning instruments stored in hand sink basin

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
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL M-2-103.11

PIC Performing Duties

Not keeping logs for Time as a Public Health Control HACCP not kept on premises Not in compliance with approved HACCP

Why This Matters

EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.

Code Requirements

PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(B) | FDA Code: Section 2-103.11
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL M-2-103.11

PIC Performing Duties

Person in charge not performing duties: (REPEAT VIOLATION) Person in charge is a certified food protection manager and each time an inspection is perform the owner is called to the establishment to conduct the inspection. Multiple repeat risk factors critical and non critical violation cited on inspection report. Duties 2-103.11 Person in Charge. The person in charge shall ensure that: Employees are properly monitored: Employees are effectively cleaning their hands by routinely monitoring the employees' handwashing; Employees are visibly observing foods as they are received to determine that they are from approved sources delivered at the required temperatures protected from contamination unadulterated and accurately presented by routinely monitoring the employees' observations and periodically evaluating foods upon their receipt; Employees are properly cooking potentially hazardous food being particularly careful in cooking those foods known to cause severe foodborne illness and death such as eggs and comminuted meats through daily oversight of the employees' routine monitoring of the cooking temperatures using appropriate temperature measuring devices properly scaled and calibrated as specified under ยง 4-203.11 and 4-502.11(B); Employees are using proper methods to rapidly cool potentially hazardous foods that are not held hot or are not for consumption within 4 hours through daily oversight of the employees' routine monitoring of food temperatures during cooling; Employees are properly sanitizing cleaned multiuse equipment and utensils before they are reused through routine monitoring of solution temperature and exposure time for hot water sanitizing and chemical concentration pH temperature and exposure time for chemical sanitizing; Employees are preventing cross-contamination of ready-to-eat food with bare hands by properly using suitable utensils such as deli tissue spatulas tongs single-use gloves or dispensing equipment; and Employees are properly trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties. Importance of Food Manager Certification Massachusetts adopted the food manager certification in order to protect public health and prevent foodborne illness. A certificate implies that the person has knowledge of food safety and the prevention of foodborne illness through the control of risk factors. The certified person must be able to apply this knowledge in day-to-day operations in order to provide consumers with safe food. Responsibility of the Certified Food Manager The certified food protection manager is responsible for monitoring and managing all food establishment operations and to ensure that the facility is operating in compliance with food establishment regulations. The certified PIC mustbe knowledgeable about foodborne illness prevention and must use this knowledge to recognize hazards and take appropriate preventive and corrective actions.

Why This Matters

EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.

Code Requirements

PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(B) | FDA Code: Section 2-103.11
โš  MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Cooking and food contact equipment not kept in good sanitation: Built up grease food debris grime. Clean all food (bulk and in use food). Clean all cooking and food contact equipment attached pipes shelving etc.

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
โš  MAJOR 35-6-501.111/.115

Insects Rodents Animals

Evidence of rodent activity on shelving wall ledge floor throughout basement. Provide full extermination and IPM report prior to reinspection. IPM is a combination of all methods of pest control which can aid in preventing reducing and eliminating a potential infestation of pest. It is a detailed inspection report and plan designed specifically for your establishment. Reports must identify pests and conditions of the findings in your establishment. The report must identify exact locations of all conditions and course of action to correct deficiencies. If your establishment is without deficiencies reports must indicate such. The following procedures must be provided by your Licensed Pest Control Operator (Exterminator): โ€ข Inspection of premises โ€ข Identification of pests pest damage and/or potential for pest infestation โ€ข Determination of the extent of the pest problem โ€ข Appropriate treatment โ€ข Action plan for correction including follow up An IPM reporting system will ensure better communication between you and your pest control company.

Why This Matters

DISEASE VECTORS: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms. Flies regurgitate and defecate on food, spreading E. coli, Shigella. One mouse can contaminate 10 times more food than it eats. Pest allergens trigger asthma in 26% of inner-city children.

Code Requirements

Facility must be pest-free: No live or dead pests; No droppings or urine; No gnaw marks or rub marks; No nesting materials; Effective pest control program; Monthly professional service recommended; All openings sealed; Remove harborage conditions.

Corrective Actions

Call pest control service immediately; Discard ALL contaminated food; Clean and sanitize all affected areas; Seal all openings larger than 1/4 inch; Install door sweeps; Eliminate standing water; Remove clutter; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007(K) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.111, 6-501.115
โ€ข MINOR 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12

Food Container Labels

Food containers not labeled (bulk/in use)

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
โ€ข MINOR 06-3-501.13

PHF's Properly Thawed

Fish being thaw at room temperature and in standing water at 3 bay sink.

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 06.3.501
โ€ข MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

All food prep shall be performed in food prep sink only.

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 08.3.305
โ€ข MINOR 10-3-304.12

Food Utensil Storage

Tongs stored on pipes and handles of cooking equipment. Inuse utensils stored in stagnant water

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 10.3.304
โ€ข MINOR 14-4-202.11

Food Contact Surfaces Design

Split wooden spoons brushes and cutting blocks - Provide smooth durable easily cleanable and non absorbant food contact (must be NSF approved for restaurant use)

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
โ€ข MINOR 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Remove all foil and liners from shelving and equipment.

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 15.4.202
โ€ข MINOR 21-3-304.14

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

In use wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution. Cloths stored on food contacts cooking equipment counter tops etc.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 21.3.304
โ€ข MINOR 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Cooking ovens etc. food contact equipment and shelving not kept in good sanitation: Built up grease food debris grime. Clean all food (bulk and in use food). Clean all cooking and food contact equipment attached pipes shelving etc. Clean all shelving throughout.

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
โ€ข MINOR 24-4-903.11

Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage

Bowls pots pans stored on floor and not inverted under 3 bay sink Keep inverted on shelving 6" above the floor

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 24.4.903
โ€ข MINOR 34-5-501.111/.115

Outside Storage Improperly Maintained

Boxes stored in rear alley

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 34.5.501
โ€ข MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Replace all cracked and missing floor tiles Floor not kept in good sanitation: heavily soiled with built up grease food debris grime and rodent droppings. Clean floor under and behind all equipment. Standing water on floor throughout basement.

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RESERVOIR: Damaged floors harbor bacteria in cracks. Standing water breeds Listeria, Pseudomonas. Broken tiles create pest harborage. Floor contamination spreads via shoes, equipment wheels, and dropped items. CDC found floor drains positive for Listeria in 40% of retail delis.

Code Requirements

Floors must be: Smooth and non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot); Coving at wall junctures sealed; No cracks, holes, or missing tiles; Grout intact and sealed; Cleaned daily or more frequently; Dry except when cleaning.

Corrective Actions

Schedule floor repairs within 30 days; Seal all cracks immediately with approved sealant; Improve drainage to eliminate standing water; Increase cleaning frequency; Replace missing tiles; Re-grout as needed; Remove any carpeting from food areas

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(A) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
โ€ข MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Built up grease on hood.

Why This Matters

OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.

Code Requirements

Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.

Corrective Actions

Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(B) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
โ€ข MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Openings in wall behind pots - Front Prep Area Opening in wall at base next to ovens at enterance to kitchen Holes in ceiling thoughout - basement Ceiling and all attachments heavily soiled with grease dust and grime build up. (clean throughly) Walls pipes and all attachments heavily soiled with grease dust grime build up. (clean throughly) Ceiling tiles not smooth durable easily cleanable above front prep area Ceiling tiles stained above front prep area Remove foil from ceiling fixtures

Why This Matters

OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.

Code Requirements

Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.

Corrective Actions

Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(B) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
โ€ข MINOR 42-6-501.113/.114

Premises Maintained

Items stored between cooking equipment on top of refrigeration units.

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 42.6.501
โ€ข MINOR 42-6-501.113/.114

Premises Maintained

Remove all unused and unnecessary articles and equipment from premises.

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 42.6.501
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department