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SIDE STREET CAFE

FAIL

Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 4:39 PM

Address
79 MERIDIAN ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FT
Violations
7 total
⚠️ 1 critical
Facility History
37 inspections
14 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16

Hot Holding

Sausage and meatloaf in the hot holding unit are registering 120F. Constant problem-product has been out for less than four hours so they were able to re-heat it to 165F. P.I.C. needs to make sure that the product remains aT 140F.P.I.C. to ensure hot holding unit will retain a temperature of 140F and above

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Maintain all hot TCS foods at 135°F or above; Cannot use hot holding equipment to reheat

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
• MINOR 13-2-304/402.11

Clean Cloths Hair Restraint

No hair restraint worn by staff - corrected during interview

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 13.2.304
• MINOR 14-4-202.11

Food Contact Surfaces Design

Wooden spoon used for cooking has several burn marks. Provide only food grade utensils.Spoon voluntarily discarded

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 23-4-602.13

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Clean outside of storage bins - inside and outside of all refrigeration units from visible food stains and 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 25-4-904.11

Single Service Articles Stored Dispensed

Plastic cutlery is still in a bulk form being dispensed to customers. Store as discussed

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 25.4.904
• MINOR 29-5-201/02.11

Installed and Maintained

Hot water handle at handsink is not working properly. Repair as needed

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 29.5.201
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Clean shields in the lights from dead insects

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department