🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

Shabu-Zen

FAIL

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:36 PM

Address
78 BRIGHTON AV
Allston, MA 02134
Category
FS
Violations
9 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
19 inspections
8 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Containers of raw fish stored above cooked foods and produce in walk-in refrigerator and hot pot reach-in refrigerator. Store raw fish below cooked foods and produce. Corrected on site.

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.

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

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

Tofu on counter at 67F. Returned to refrigerator. Staff stated tofu on counter for less than one hour. Store tofu under refrigeration at all times.

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 590.005/5-205.11-PF

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Hand sink at bar blocked with equipment. Maintain hand sinks clear for hand washing only. Bar not in service.

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.007/7-102.11-PF

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Glass cleaner bottles with quats sanitizer. Store sanitizer in bottles labeld as sanitizer. Discontinue using different chemical bottles to store different chemicals to prevent contamination.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.007. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007 | FDA Code: Section 7
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.12-C

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Ice scoop at bar ice machine stored in machine. Store scoop outside of machine in clean container not inside ice machine to prevent contamination from hands.

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 590.003/3-501.13-C

Thawing (C)

Reduced oxygen packaged salmon stored in packaging thawed in refrigerator. Pierce or remove packaging per package directions prior to thawing.

Why This Matters

SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.

Code Requirements

Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Soils and debris behind ice machines in kitchen. Clean to avoid attracting pests.

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)

Hand sink at bar leaks. Repair as needed.

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 590.006/6-202.15-C

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Day light visible at back door. Repair or install as needed to prevent pests from entering.

Why This Matters

PEST INVASION: Open doors allow entry of flies (carry 100+ pathogens), rodents (35+ diseases), and airborne contaminants. One fly can contaminate entire prep area in minutes, landing on 30+ surfaces spreading E. coli, Salmonella.

Code Requirements

Install self-closing devices on ALL exterior doors immediately. Doors must close completely within 3 seconds. No gaps over 1/4 inch. Consider air curtains for frequently used doors. Keep doors closed when not in active use.

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