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Sals Lunch

FAIL

Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 4:38 PM

Address
31 THACHER ST
North End, MA 02113
Category
FS
Violations
20 total
⚠️ 5 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
55 inspections
28 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 01-3-201.11

Approved Source

Purchasing foods from Market Basket - discontinue

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(A) | FDA Code: Section 3-201.11
⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-301.12-.15

Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 12.2.301
⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-401.11-.12

Good Hygienic Practices

Smoking tobacco in the restaurant [ staff ] no hand washing observed

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.

FDA Code: Section 12.2.401
⚠️ CRITICAL 20-4-703.11

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Blade on the meat slicer is visibly soiled - cutting surfaces are visibly soiled - chef knives are soiled - Clean top remove all visible food spills stains and soils

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 M-2-103.11

PIC Performing Duties

PIC not overseeing day to day operations of the facility - cleaning and sanitizing

Why This Matters

EXTREME RISK: Without active management, ALL five CDC risk factors go unchecked. Studies show restaurants without certified managers have 2.5 times more critical violations. Lack of supervision leads to: temperature abuse (bacteria double every 20 minutes), cross-contamination spreading pathogens, sick employees working with food, improper cooking allowing pathogen survival. This single violation enables conditions for major outbreaks.

Code Requirements

PIC MUST: Be present during ALL operating hours; Hold valid food safety certification; Actively monitor employee health and hygiene; Ensure proper cooking, cooling, and holding temperatures; Verify foods from approved sources; Monitor handwashing compliance; Ensure equipment properly sanitized; Take immediate corrective actions for violations; Demonstrate knowledge to health inspector; Train and supervise all food employees.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Designate qualified PIC immediately; If no certified manager available, cease operations; Implement active managerial control system; Create monitoring logs for all CDC risk factors; Retrain management on responsibilities; Post PIC duties checklist

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(B) | FDA Code: Section 2-103.11
⚠ MAJOR 35-6-501.111/.115

Insects Rodents Animals

Evidence of rodent dropping - contact pest control company

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 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12

Food Container Labels

Label all bulk food containers as discussed

Why This Matters

Improper labeling can lead to using wrong or expired ingredients

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 02.3.602
• MINOR 05-4-302.12

Food Thermometers Provided

Provide

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 05.4.302
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

KEEP ALL FOODS ELEVATED OFF THE FLOOR AT LEAST SIX INCHES DURING STORAGE

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 15-4-202.16

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Resurface badly worn metal shelving in the kitchen 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 15.4.202
• MINOR 16-4-301.12

Three Compartment Sink

Provide plugs for all basins - Identify individual basins as discussed [ WASH - RINSE - SANITIZE ]

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 16.4.301
• MINOR 17-4-302.14

Test Kit Provided

Provide chlorine test strips

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 17.4.302
• MINOR 21-3-304.14

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Set up wiping bucket / spray bottles for sanitizing food contact surfaces as discussed

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 21.3.304
• MINOR 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Clean all of the following areas from visible food spills stains and soils [ inside / outside of all freezers - refrigeration units - exterior of all cooking equipment - exterior of bulk food conbtainers - exterior of hand sinks and the three bay sink - shelving throughout the kitchen- inside the microwave ]

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

Clean and dirty dishes stored together

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 36-6-201.11

Floors Designed Constructed Installed

Replace missing / damaged floor tiles near the cooking line

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 36-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Clean walls throughout the facility from old food spills stains and soils

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RESERVOIR: Damaged floors harbor bacteria in cracks. Standing water breeds Listeria, Pseudomonas. Broken tiles create pest harborage. Floor contamination spreads via shoes, equipment wheels, and dropped items. CDC found floor drains positive for Listeria in 40% of retail delis.

Code Requirements

Floors must be: Smooth and non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot); Coving at wall junctures sealed; No cracks, holes, or missing tiles; Grout intact and sealed; Cleaned daily or more frequently; Dry except when cleaning.

Corrective Actions

Schedule floor repairs within 30 days; Seal all cracks immediately with approved sealant; Improve drainage to eliminate standing water; Increase cleaning frequency; Replace missing tiles; Re-grout as needed; Remove any carpeting from food areas

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(A) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
• MINOR 37-6-201.11

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Repair damaged walls where needed in the kitchen to prevent rodent activity Provide door sweeps for all entrances to the business

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

Clean hood vents walls and ceiling in the kitchen area

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

Remove all personal belongings from the food service 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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department