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Nico Restaurant

FAIL

Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM

Address
417 HANOVER ST
North End, MA 02109
Category
FS
Violations
21 total
⚠️ 3 critical
⚠ 10 major
Facility History
45 inspections
20 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P

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

Raw shelled eggs observed stored above RTE food . Discontinue (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 590.003/3-501.14-P

Cooling (P)

Cut romaine 56F stored in the open case cold unit. Per staff cut romaine was in the unit for less than 20 minutes. Romaine was removed and placed in the upright cold unit for cooling. Cooling procedures rewiewed with staff at the time of inspection. (COS)

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 590.005/5-402.11-P

Backflow Prevention (P)

Per PIC fruits and vegetables gets washed in the 3 bay sink direct to waste. Facility observed without space to add a prepsink. PIC to provide plumber report and 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(B)/2-102.11-PF

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

At the time of inspection the staff on site were unable to answer question pertaining to temperature control . Reviewed at the time of inspection. CFPM to train staff on procedures.

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(B). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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

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

Priority & Priority Foundation noted on the inspection report . CFPM to train staff on violation 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 590.002/2-501.11-PF

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

PIC unable to provide procedure and kit for vomit & diarrheal clean up events. Provide and keep accessible

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-203.12-PF

Shell stock Maintaining Identification (Pf)

PIC unable to provide shelltags .Provide and keep record for 90 days.

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 590.003/3-501.17-PF

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

Multiple containers of prep foods stored in various refrigeration unit observed without date marking. Per PIC foods were prepped less than 24 hours. Provide made/discard date before storing

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 590.004/4-204.117-PF

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Bar dishwasher observed not dispensing sanitizer. Repair to dispense

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-501.116-PF

Warewashing Equipment Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration (Pf)

PIC unable to provide test strips for the bar / kitchen dishwasher and 3 bay sink . Provide and maintain accessible. Inspector test strips was used to record sanitzer concentration

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 cleaning & sanitization 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 of bar diswasher observed soiled chest freezer downtairs observed with heavy ice build up interior of multiple 2door cold unit observed heavily soiled with dirty build up and soiled gasket.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 590.006/6-301.11-PF

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Bar handsink observed without hand soap. Provide (correctedon 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 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-301.12-PF

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Kitchen hand sink observed without paper towel.Provide (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 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.002(C)/2-102.12-C

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

PIC unable to provide a CFPM certificate. Post current CFPM

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(C) | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

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

Multiple squeeze bottles and condiments container observed without labels. Provide lables when removed from orignal containers

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 590.003/3-307.11-C

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Observed staff cutting raw mushroom without washing prior. Staff to wash all vegetables and produce prior to cutting. Staff was advised to wash the raw mushroom before proceeding (COS)

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-204.113-C

Warewashing Machine Data Plate Operation Specifications (C)

Both bar/kitchen dishwasher observed without date plate operation. Provide and maintain visible

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 590.004/4-501.11-C

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Multiple gaskets for refigerators and freezers are damaged throughout the establishment; repair or 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 equipment 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 590.005/5-205.15-C

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Kitchen handsink hot water faucet observed not operating. Repair

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR L1

PIC to post current Allergen Awareness Certificate

Why This Matters

Violations can contribute to foodborne illness if not corrected

Code Requirements

Must comply with all applicable food code requirements

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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department