MELA RESTAURANT
FAILMonday, April 28, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-302.11-P
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)
Raw chicken stored above ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.
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.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Samosas on production line at 50F. Removed and placed back into walk in cooler to cool properly. Hold cold items at 41F or below.
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.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)
Detegerent on high temperature dish machine observed empty. Corrected on site.
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.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Gallon container of milk observed in basement area hand sink. Hand sink should only be used for hand washing.
Why This Matters
This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Certified food manager certificate observed expired. Update.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002(C). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Basement flooring observed with food debris and build up. 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.
590.006/6-202.15-C
Outer Openings Protected (C)
Hole in screen of back door. Repair.
Why This Matters
PEST INVASION: Open doors allow entry of flies (carry 100+ pathogens), rodents (35+ diseases), and airborne contaminants. One fly can contaminate entire prep area in minutes, landing on 30+ surfaces spreading E. coli, Salmonella.
Code Requirements
Install self-closing devices on ALL exterior doors immediately. Doors must close completely within 3 seconds. No gaps over 1/4 inch. Consider air curtains for frequently used doors. Keep doors closed when not in active use.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Excess boxes and trash observed in back alley area. Clean to remove all excess trash items.
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.