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Santo Domingo Restaurant

FAIL

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM

Address
179 WASHINGTON ST
Dorchester, MA 02121
Category
FS
Violations
14 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 4 major
Facility History
37 inspections
18 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Buckets of raw chicken observed being left out at room temperature (56F) in the basement dry storage area. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Cooked Empanadas in the front service hot holding unitat 125F and stacked way above the recommended limit in the steam table. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and 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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.12-PF

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

No food thermometers availbale at the time of the inspection. Provide.

Why This Matters

TEMPERATURE ABUSE: Without thermometers, 73% of foods are held at unsafe temperatures. Bacteria double every 20 minutes between 41-135°F. Undercooked ground beef (not reaching 155°F) causes E. coli outbreaks affecting hundreds.

Code Requirements

Provide calibrated probe thermometers immediately: One per cook station minimum, Range -40°F to 200°F, Accurate to ±2°F, Calibrate daily in ice water (32°F). Check temps every 2 hours for holding, always for cooking.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.14-PF

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.004. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Oil in fryer very dark and murky. Discontinue and ensure fryer oil is being changed with more frequency

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Hand sink in the front service area observed being blocked by personal belongings. Discontinue and ensure all hand sinks are accessible during operational 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 590.005. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.003/3-302.12-C

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Squeeze bottles filled with sauces and dressings have no labels. Provide

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Large stainless steel spits for the rotiserrie machine observed being stored in between electrical conduit and visibly soiled wall next to the kitchen hand sink. Discontinue and store all equipment in a clean and protected manner.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Sanitizing buckets were set up at the time of the inspection. Address and ensure sanitizing buckets are set up and tested prior to an inspector entering the establishment and upon the establishment being open for business.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-305.12-C

Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C)

Buckets of meats and other foods observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in cooler. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimu of 6 inches off the ground.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-202.16-C

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Divide inside of the front service hot holding unit wrapped in tin foil. Discontinue and ensure all surfaces remain cleanable durable and smooth.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Last freezer in the basement storage area with excess frost and ice build-up. Defrost and 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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.005/5-205.15-C

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Drainage pipe under the hand sink located next to the 3 compartment sink is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.005. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.006/6-201.11-C

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Floors under and around the grill top and fryer with excess grease and food spills. Clean to remove all. Portion of ceiling located in the basement storage area damaged and missing. Replace and make any necessary repairs.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department