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JOE'S AMERICAN BAR & GRILL

FAIL

Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 4:36 PM

Address
26 EXETER ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FS
Violations
5 total
⚠️ 2 critical
Facility History
49 inspections
21 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16(A)

Cold Holding

Crab cakes in refrigeration not properly working at 44F. Ensure foods are cold held at 41F or below. Products prepared and in refrigeration for less than 1 hour. Removed at time of inspection

Why This Matters

THE DANGER ZONE KILLS: Between 41°F-135°F bacteria double every 20 minutes. At 70°F, 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 41°F 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 41°F for less than 2 hours, rapidly cool. If above 41°F for 2-4 hours, use immediately. If above 41°F for over 4 hours, DISCARD.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Check ALL refrigerated foods NOW; Discard any food above 41°F for >4 hours; Rapidly cool foods 41-70°F 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)
⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11

Location Accessible

Handwash sink at upper bar blocked with wrapped utensils- Discontinue Corrected at time of inspection

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
• MINOR 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Under counter refrigeration located across from grill line at 50F at time of inspection. Ensure equipment is maintained at 41F or below. Make proper repairs or replace

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
• MINOR 16-4-501.11/.15

Dishwashng Facilities

Dishwasher located at left end of upper bar at 100+ppm. Make proper repairs Ensure sanitizer maintained at 50-100ppm. Additional dishwasher available at bar (50ppm)

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 16.4.501
• MINOR 18-4-603.12

Pre-Flushed Scrapped Soaked

Wash water at 3 bay sink at time of inspection heavily soiled and with food debris- Ensure equipment is properly scrapped/ rinsed before wash/ rinse/sanitize

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 18.4.603
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department