Merengue Express
FAILWednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Observed pasta salad & multiple meats stored in walk in cooler between 47F-50F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS
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.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Observed filters on ice machine with heavy dust; prep table in back kitchen with food spills. Clean to remove all soils / spills / dust
Why This Matters
Improper equipment maintenance can harbor bacteria and contaminate food
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Observed live roach at 3 bay sink. PIC provided pest report 9/15/25 with same indication. PIC scheduled services for Sunday 9/28/25
Why This Matters
SEVERE CONTAMINATION: Rodent droppings carry 35+ diseases including Hantavirus (36% mortality rate), Salmonella (20% of cases from rodents), Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure). Mice contaminate 10 times more food than they eat through urine and droppings.
Code Requirements
IMMEDIATE ACTION: Clean/sanitize all affected areas with 10% bleach solution. Discard ALL exposed food. Seal holes over 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Remove food sources. Install bait stations. Professional extermination within 24 hours.
590.007/7-202.12-PF
Conditions of Use (Pf)
Observed household RAID spray stored in prep area. Discussed with PIC to discontinue and remove household insect products from food establishment. Licensed pest control for chemical services only. 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 590.007. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)
Observed bulk containers stored in prep kitchen area without labels of identification. Provide a label for all bulk containers or squeeze bottles with the common name of food item stored inside
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.
590.003/3-304.12-C
In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)
Observed plastic bowls used for bulk dispensing. Remove and provide handled scoopers for bulk dispensing
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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)
Observed food stored underneath leaking compressor in walk in cooler. Remove foods from directly underneath compressor and ensure foods are stored protected
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.
590.005/5-205.15-C
System Maintained in Good Repair (C)
Observed water leaking underneath sanitize compartment at 3 bay sink. Contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide a drain plug for each compartment sink
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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Observed food debris on floors behind fryers. Clean to remove all debris from floors behind and around cooking equipment
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