Pollo Centro
FAILThursday, April 1, 2021 at 4:59 PM
Violations Cited
590.002/2-301.11-P
Clean condition-Hands and Arms (P)
Employees unable to properly wash hands at blocked handsink
Why This Matters
Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.003/3-302.11-P
Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)
Observed raw foods and vegetables being prepared on same cutting surface
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.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Multiple foods including rice and a roast on the counter in ambient temperatures with a temperature of 76-81F. Voluntarily discarded at the time of the inspection
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.
590.004/4-501.114-P
Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)
Employees using automated sanitizer dispenser at 3 bay sink that was not connected to sanitizer- Reviewed with staff. Quats tablets added to the water at the time of the inspection
Why This Matters
INEFFECTIVE SANITIZATION: Below 50ppm chlorine or 200ppm quat, bacteria survive on 'clean' dishes. Above 200ppm chlorine leaves toxic residue causing chemical burns, nausea. 70% of restaurant outbreaks linked to improper sanitization.
Code Requirements
Maintain sanitizer at: Chlorine 50-100ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400ppm, Iodine 12.5-25ppm. Test every 2 hours with test strips. Change solution when cloudy/dirty. Train all staff on mixing procedures.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Handsink in back prep blocked by equipment
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.
L1
Post a copy of the current Health Permit in the establishment in a conspicuous place for consumers
Why This Matters
Violations can contribute to foodborne illness if not corrected
Code Requirements
Must comply with all applicable food code requirements