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PENANG RESTAURANT

FAIL

Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 5:17 PM

Address
685 WASHINGTON ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FS
Violations
5 total
⚠️ 1 critical
Facility History
5 inspections
2 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-204/05.11

Location Accessible

Do not block hand sinks. One hand sink in the kitchen was covered with a cutting board. One hand sink in the basement was blocked by a pile of boxes.

Why This Matters

FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.

Code Requirements

Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.

Corrective Actions

Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005(D) | FDA Code: Section 5-204.11, 5-205.11
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

To avoid cross contamination store the beef pork chicken and seafood separate from the vegetables within the walk in refrigerator. Ground pork was observed in a bowl on top of a box of green peppers.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.305
• MINOR 10-3-304.12

Food Utensil Storage

Do not store in use kitchen utensils within stagnant water.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 10.3.304
• MINOR 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Monitor the basement walk in. Thermometers within the walk in indicated that the walkin was operating at 40 degrees F. Air blowing from the condenser was at 45 degrees F. Food temperatures were acceptable.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 15.4.202
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Clean the ceiling and walls of the walk in to remove mold.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(B) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department