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LITTLE ASIA RESTAURANT

FAIL

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 6:27 PM

Address
991 BENNINGTON ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FS
Violations
19 total
⚠️ 4 critical
⚠ 5 major
Facility History
65 inspections
33 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.002/2-301.14-P
✓ Corrected

When to Wash (P)

Food employee handled raw chicken with bare hands and subsequently went to work on the cookline. Instructed food employee to wash hands and don gloves. COS.

Why This Matters

ILLNESS TRANSMISSION: 70% of foodborne outbreaks traced to poor handwashing. Unwashed hands after restroom carry 10 billion bacteria including E. coli. One contaminated hand can spread bacteria to 7 surfaces in 10 seconds. Causes 48 million illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

Wash hands for 20 seconds minimum with soap and 100°F water: After restroom ALWAYS, Before food prep, After touching face/hair/clothing, Between raw and ready-to-eat foods, After handling garbage, Every 30 minutes during continuous prep, After any contamination risk.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P
✓ Corrected

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Raw eggs stored above cooked chicken in cookline refrigerator walkin cooler noodles stored with raw beef. COS.

Why This Matters

DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P
✓ Corrected

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

Chopped garlic 60F. Product removed from service.

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
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.004/4-101.11-P
✓ Corrected

Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (P)

Rubbermaid trash barrels in basment storing dry foods. Provide NSF grade storage containers.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
✓ Corrected

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

Priority violations cited. Provide active managerial control. No on site PIC. Spoke with owner by phone.

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(C)/3-301.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Preventing Contamination from Hands (Pf)

Observed food employee handling raw chicken with bare hands. COS.

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(C). Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(C) | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-501.17-PF
✓ Corrected

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

Several containers of prepared foods including bags of cooked noodles in walkin cooler and reach in refrigerators without date marks. 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 temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-502.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Variance Requirement (Pf)

Establishment is acidifying rice for sushi. Discontinue. Submit variance application to isdhealth@boston.gov. Application sent to the owner via email.

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 safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-603.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Online menu missing reminders with foods served raw (sushi). 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 safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C
✓ Corrected

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Label all foods in coffin freezers in basement.

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)

Raw duck in sink in standing water. COS.

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 590.004/4-101.19-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Remove cardboard on shelving in kitchen.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Clean floors of visible caked on soils under wok and cookline equipment.

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 590.005/5-501.116-C
✓ Corrected

Cleaning Receptacles (C)

Grease container with soils. Clean to remove or contact company for replacement container.

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 cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.006/6-201.16-C

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Ceiling above mens room water damaged by slow leak upon reinspection. Make all necessary repairs.

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 590.006/6-202.14-C
✓ Corrected

Toilet Rooms Enclosed (C)

Provide self closing hinge on basement restroom door.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.112-C
✓ Corrected

Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C)

Dead insects observed under fly light on top of reach in freezer in basement. Remove. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.

Why This Matters

DISEASE VECTORS: Flies carry 100+ pathogens, land on feces then food. Transfer 2 million bacteria per landing. Roaches spread 33 bacteria types, 6 parasitic worms. One roach can contaminate entire kitchen overnight. Major asthma trigger.

Code Requirements

Eliminate immediately: Kill visible pests, Find and eliminate breeding sites, Fix all screens/seal openings, Remove standing water, Clean drains weekly, Professional treatment if over 5 insects seen, Install fly lights/traps.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.114-C
✓ Corrected

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Remove out of use equipment from basement.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.008/8-201.13-C
✓ Corrected

When a HACCP Plan is Required (C)

Submit detailed HACCP plan for sushi with variance application to isdhealth@boston.gov.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.008. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.008 | FDA Code: Section 8
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department