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Red Hat Cafe

FAIL

Monday, September 16, 2013 at 3:58 PM

Address
9 BOWDOIN ST
West End, MA 02114
Category
FS
Violations
29 total
⚠️ 6 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
53 inspections
24 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-401.11-.12

Cooking Temperatures

Chicken 94° F

Why This Matters

DEADLY CONSEQUENCES: Undercooked foods kill. Salmonella in undercooked chicken affects 1.35 million Americans yearly, killing 420. E. coli O157:H7 in undercooked ground beef causes kidney failure in children. Undercooked pork can transmit Trichinella parasites. Raw eggs may contain Salmonella Enteritidis. Just 10 E. coli bacteria can cause severe illness. Cooking is the ONLY step that kills pathogens in contaminated food.

Code Requirements

MINIMUM COOKING TEMPERATURES: Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck): 165°F for 15 seconds; Ground meats (beef, pork, lamb): 155°F for 15 seconds; Eggs for hot holding: 155°F for 15 seconds; Whole meats (beef, pork, lamb): 145°F for 15 seconds; Fish and seafood: 145°F for 15 seconds; Reheated foods: 165°F within 2 hours; Microwave cooking: 165°F and let stand 2 minutes. MUST verify with calibrated thermometer in thickest part.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Continue cooking ALL undercooked items to proper temperature; Discard if cannot reheat properly; Calibrate all thermometers NOW; Post cooking temperature chart at all stations; Assign temperature checking to specific staff; Log all cooking temperatures; Retrain all cooks immediately

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(D) | FDA Code: Section 3-401.11, 3-401.12
⚠️ CRITICAL 20-4-703.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Both Low temp dish machine (Chlorine O PPM) Owner states Ecolab called and in route to establishment.

Why This Matters

INVISIBLE KILLERS: Bacteria survive on 'clean-looking' surfaces for days. Inadequate sanitization caused Salmonella outbreak affecting 1,500 people via ice cream. Cutting boards can harbor 200 times more fecal bacteria than toilet seats. E. coli survives 1-4 hours on surfaces. Norovirus survives 2 weeks. One contaminated slicer infected 300 people with Listeria.

Code Requirements

SANITIZATION MANDATORY: Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds by immersion; Contact time: minimum 7-30 seconds depending on sanitizer; Test concentration EVERY 2 hours; Change solution when visibly soiled; ALL food contact surfaces must be sanitized: After each use with different foods; When switching raw to ready-to-eat; Every 4 hours in continuous use.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Set up proper sanitizer at ALL stations; Test and adjust concentration NOW; Re-sanitize ALL food contact surfaces; Obtain test strips immediately; Post sanitizer concentration chart; Train staff on test strip use; Create sanitization log; Change solutions every 2 hours minimum

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-703.11
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-102.11

Labeled Common Name

Sanitizer in spray bottle labeled Windex.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.102
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-201/04.11

Separation/Sanitizer Criteria

Chemical stored ontop of dishes & food products.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.201
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-201/04.11

Separation/Sanitizer Criteria

Food contacts stored underhand soap.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.201
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-101.11

Person in charge Assigned

Provide proper trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Built up grease and soils on food contact equipment grill etc

Why This Matters

BIOFILM FORMATION: Visible soil indicates biofilms - communities of bacteria protected by slime layers that resist sanitizers. Biofilms on slicers have caused Listeria outbreaks killing 30% of victims. Meat slicer contamination sickened 300 across 6 states. Grease harbors Listeria which grows at refrigeration temperatures.

Code Requirements

Food contact surfaces must be: Visibly clean with no food debris; Free of grease accumulation; Smooth and cleanable; Cleaned and sanitized after each use; Cleaned every 4 hours if in continuous use; Equipment must be disassembled for cleaning when necessary.

Corrective Actions

Clean and sanitize ALL equipment immediately; Disassemble equipment for thorough cleaning; Establish cleaning schedule with assigned responsibilities; Use cleaning checklist; Train on proper disassembly; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
⚠ MAJOR 35-6-501.111/.115

Insects Rodents Animals

Evidence of rodent droppings on shelf above sandwich unit

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007(K) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.111, 6-501.115
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Bulk food containers not labeled.

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 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Remove cold plate & tubing from customer ice.

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 14-4-202.11

Food Contact Surfaces Design

Worn cutting boards.

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 14.4.202
• MINOR 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Provide splash between prep sink & prep wash sink.

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 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Remove duct from 3 door sandwich prep under the cutting boards.

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 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Rust & duct tape on shelving in walk in units .

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 17-4-204.112/.115

Equipment Thermometers

No thermometers in refrig. unit.

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 17.4.204
• MINOR 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Built up soils on Panni press cooking equipment & refrig units

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Food container visible with built up soils.

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 24-4-903.11

Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage

Bowls pots. pans etc not inverted and on shelving 6" above the floor

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 24.4.903
• MINOR 33-5-501.116

Improper Cleaning of Receptacles

Clean interior and exterior of all waste receptacles.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 33.5.501
• MINOR 33-5-501.13-.17

Adequate Number Frequency Vermin Proof

Provide covers for all waste receptacles

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 33.5.501
• MINOR 36-6-201.11

Floors Designed Constructed Installed

Clean floor under & behind all equipment

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean

FDA Code: Section 36.6.201
• MINOR 36-6-201.11

Floors Designed Constructed Installed

Rodent proof door

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean

FDA Code: Section 36.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-201.11

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Clean ceiling fixtures & hood

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

FDA Code: Section 37.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-201.11

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Clean walls & attachments free of built up grease and soils. Shave/trim & seal expanding foam on walls.

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

FDA Code: Section 37.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-201.11

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Large opening in ceiling above food prep

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

FDA Code: Section 37.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Seal openings in wall under Blodgett Oven

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
• MINOR 42-6-501.113/.114

Premises Maintained

Personal items stored in prep area

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 42.6.501
• MINOR 42-6-501.113/.114

Premises Maintained

Remove all unused & unnecessary articles.

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 42.6.501
• MINOR 590.009(E)

Anti-Choking

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.009(E). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.009(E)
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department