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Mofongo Factory Restaurant

FAIL

Friday, April 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM

Address
299 HANCOCK ST
Dorchester, MA 02122
Category
FT
Violations
16 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 7 major
Facility History
10 inspections
5 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.14-P

Cooling (P)

Cold holding: chopped romaine lettuce 51F sliced cucumber 48F prep 15 minutes before stored in the open case refrigeration unit. Advise PIC to cool down the products after prep to 41F below before serving.

Why This Matters

TOXIN FORMATION: Clostridium perfringens spores survive cooking and germinate during slow cooling. Produce toxin that causes violent illness. Responsible for 1 million illnesses annually. Large batches can take 24+ hours to cool unsafely.

Code Requirements

Cool rapidly using: Shallow pans (2 inches max), Ice baths with stirring, Blast chiller, Cut large items into portions, Add ice as ingredient. NEVER cool at room temp. NEVER stack hot containers. Monitor with thermometer. Document cooling times.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.005/5-202.13-P

Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P)

Per PIC fruits and vegetables gets washed in the prep sink direct to waste. PIC to install airgap or request a variance and procedures to state how an alternative safe prep will be provided.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

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

Must designate a knowledgeable PIC all operational hours. PIC to provide active managerial control and train staff on all violations noted on the inspection report.

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 590.003/3-501.17-PF

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

Several containers off prep foods stored in various refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Provide made/ discard date Per PIC foods were prep the night before 4.17.25 and today 4.18.25

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 590.003/3-602.11-PF

Food Labels (Pf)

Individually packed dessert containers and multiple juice jugs stored in the refrigeration unit observed without label. Provide Multiple squeeze bottles and bulk bins observed without lablels . Label if removed from original package

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.13-PF

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

PIC unable to provide an irreversible thermometer for the high temp diswasher. 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 590.004. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Interior and exterior of microwave hot holding unit in the kitchen in between equipments interior of 3 door freezer cooking range backsplash interior and exterior of toaster exterior of blender observed soiled by dry food encrust visible food spills and heavy ice build up. Clean and sanitize to remove.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Kichen main hand sink observed blocked by trash can . Discontinue and maintain accessible to provide contamination by hands. (Corrected on site). Observed additional handwashing during the inspection

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-501.111-PF

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Multiple mice droppings observed downstairs in the basement storage area. PIC to provide current detailed IPM report to: inca.prince@bosto.gov

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-303.12-C

Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice (C)

Observed peeled sweet potato stored in stagnant water. Discontinue

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 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Observed single serving plastic container being used to dispense sazon sauce out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoop to prevent contamination by hand.

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 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Multiple cases of food items observed stored inside walking cooler on the floor and box of food items observed stored on the floor in the basement area. Discontinue and elevate

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 590.004/4-101.16-C

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Observed staff using yellow sponge to clean dishes and food contact equipments. Discontinue.

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 590.004/4-202.18-C

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Hood vent observed soiled. Clean to remove Hood sticker expires: 7.1.25

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 590.004/4-501.12-C

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Multiple cutting boards observed heavily scored. Resurface/ Replace

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 590.006/6-501.114-C

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Basement area observed heavily clutter by equipments boxes decor. Clean and organize to remove.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
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Tags

📍 Dorchester 🚇 Savin Hill (Red Line) ⚠️ Rodent Activity ⚠️ Pest Control ⚠️ Temperature Control ⚠️ Food Storage ⚠️ Cross Contamination ⚠️ Handwashing ⚠️ Floor Maintenance ⚠️ Equipment Maintenance ⚠️ Dishwashing ⚠️ Food Labels ⚠️ Waste Disposal
📍 Neighborhoods 🍽️ Cuisines 🚇 Transit ⚠️ Violations
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department