Potluck Cafe
FAILThursday, January 30, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-501.16-P1
(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Chicken in hot box at 125F. Reheated to acceptable temperature. Hold hot foods 135F or above.
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.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)
Multiple foods in walk in cooler observed without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.
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.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)
Dough sheeter observed with soils. Mixer observed with soils. Clean 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.
590.005/5-203.11-PF
Handwashing Sinks-Numbers and Capacities (Pf)
Renovation done without plan review. No hand sink in proximity to front service line. Provide hand sink in front service counter area.
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION CYCLE: Using handwash sink for dishes spreads grease and food particles, making hand cleaning ineffective. Staff avoid dirty sinks, reducing handwashing by 60%. Creates breeding ground for bacteria at the most critical hygiene point.
Code Requirements
STOP all non-handwashing use immediately. Handwash sinks for HANDS ONLY. Clean and sanitize sink completely. Post signage 'HANDWASHING ONLY'. Designate separate sinks for food prep and dishwashing. Retrain all staff.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)
Employees working with food observed with no hair restraints. Provide.
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.
Code Requirements
All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.
590.004/4-202.18-C
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Hood filters observed with soils. Clean to remove.
Why This Matters
This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety
Code Requirements
Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Handwashing Signage (C)
Provide hand wash only signage for back of house production line hand sink.
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 personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Wiring coming through wall to provide power to hot line in front service area. Referred to electical division.
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.