Pedro's Tacos
FAILMonday, June 3, 2013 at 4:59 PM
Violations Cited
01-3-201.11
Approved Source
The flour tortillas are coming by priority mail from a California company there are no labels on the tortillas. Ensure that all food is coming from an approved source and that food safety is monitored throughout the chain of command of the product.
Why This Matters
SEVERE PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT: Unapproved sources bypass all safety controls. Home-prepared foods have caused botulism deaths. Uninspected meat may contain parasites, E. coli O157:H7, or BSE prions. Black market foods linked to tuberculosis, brucellosis outbreaks. Illegal dairy products cause Listeria infections killing 20% of victims. One contaminated batch can sicken hundreds across multiple locations.
Code Requirements
ALL food MUST be from: Licensed, permitted, inspected suppliers; USDA inspected meat and poultry; Grade A dairy products; Approved shellfish dealers on Interstate Certified Shellfish Shippers List; No home-prepared foods EVER; No wild mushrooms unless certified; Documentation required for all suppliers; Invoices must be kept 90 days.
Corrective Actions
IMMEDIATE: Discard ALL food from unapproved sources; Obtain approved supplier list from health department; Verify all current suppliers are licensed; Create approved supplier program; Train receiving staff on checking sources; Post list of approved suppliers
03-3-501.14
Cooling
Cooked chicken with peppers was initially 100F and left out at room temperature to cool after 20 mintutes the temperature was 95F. Provide proper cooling of 140F to 70F in two hours and then from 70F to 41F in an additional four hours.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
35-6-501.111/.115
Insects Rodents Animals
There are large rodent droppings in the basement. Clean areas and plug entry points. The pest reports are vague. Provide detailed IPM reports.
Why This Matters
DISEASE VECTORS: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms. Flies regurgitate and defecate on food, spreading E. coli, Shigella. One mouse can contaminate 10 times more food than it eats. Pest allergens trigger asthma in 26% of inner-city children.
Code Requirements
Facility must be pest-free: No live or dead pests; No droppings or urine; No gnaw marks or rub marks; No nesting materials; Effective pest control program; Monthly professional service recommended; All openings sealed; Remove harborage conditions.
Corrective Actions
Call pest control service immediately; Discard ALL contaminated food; Clean and sanitize all affected areas; Seal all openings larger than 1/4 inch; Install door sweeps; Eliminate standing water; Remove clutter; Increase cleaning frequency
37-6-501.11-.12
Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings
The hood vent is due for a cleaning. Have the vent cleaned by a licensed company www.cityofboston.gov/fire There are holes in the basement that are allowing rodent entry. Patch all holes to prevent entry.
Why This Matters
OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.
Code Requirements
Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.
Corrective Actions
Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones