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MI RANCHO RESTAURANT

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Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 3:34 PM

Address
45 MERIDIAN ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FS
Violations
6 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
44 inspections
19 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1
✓ Corrected

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Chicken in hot holding 114F / Provide 135F or greater for hot holding. Chicken will be reheated to 165F and returned to holding case.

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 590.004/4-703.11-P
✓ Corrected

Hot Water and Chemical-Methods (P)

Low temperature dish machine - sanitizer not registering / Machine in use at time. Repair to provide 50ppm of chlorine. 3 bay sink will be used until repairs are made

Why This Matters

CROSS-CONTAMINATION: Skipping steps leaves bacteria and food residue on 'clean' dishes. Studies show improper warewashing spreads bacteria to 73% of dishes. Major cause of Norovirus outbreaks affecting hundreds.

Code Requirements

Follow 5-step process: 1) Scrape/pre-rinse, 2) Wash in 110°F water with detergent, 3) Rinse in clean water, 4) Sanitize for 30 seconds minimum, 5) Air dry (no towel drying). Post procedure at sink. Train all staff.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.002/2-501.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Provide a vomit and diarrhea clean up kit.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.11-C
✓ Corrected

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

Evidence of food prep in the basement under an unfinished ceiling / Do not prep any food in the basement unless the ceilings above are finished without any exposed pipes.

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
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C
✓ Corrected

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Knife stored in between refrigeration units / Discontinue and store clean and dry

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-501.13-C
✓ Corrected

Thawing (C)

Frozen food observed thawing at room temperature in the basement / Discontinue and properly thaw as stated below Under cold running water Under refrigeration Part of the cooking process.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department