🚨 Recent Restaurant Closures 🚨

Smoke Shop BBQ

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6:04 PM

Address
343 CONGRESS ST
Boston, MA 02210
Category
FS
Violations
8 total
⚠ 4 major
Facility History
50 inspections
26 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-302.13-PF
✓ Corrected

Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (Pf)

Provide working irreversible thermometer for high temp dish machine.

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 temperature control 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
✓ Corrected

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Bar hand sink being used as a dump sink. Discontinue Train staff to use had sink for only washing hands.

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 590.006/6-301.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Noted no hand soap available at the bar hand sink. 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 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-501.111-PF
✓ Corrected

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Noted cockroach crawling on the wall in the dish area. Provide detail pest report

Why This Matters

SEVERE CONTAMINATION: Rodent droppings carry 35+ diseases including Hantavirus (36% mortality rate), Salmonella (20% of cases from rodents), Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure). Mice contaminate 10 times more food than they eat through urine and droppings.

Code Requirements

IMMEDIATE ACTION: Clean/sanitize all affected areas with 10% bleach solution. Discard ALL exposed food. Seal holes over 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Remove food sources. Install bait stations. Professional extermination within 24 hours.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-501.13-C
✓ Corrected

Thawing (C)

Noted frozen turkey packages being thawed in a stagnant water. Discontinue Thaw all frozen products under refrigeration or cold running water

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 590.004/4-501.11-C
✓ Corrected

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Noted gauges on the dish machine not working. Repair

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 equipment procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.005/5-501.11-C

Outdoor Storage Surface (C)

Missing light shields at the various locations in the kitchen dish area. Repair

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 storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.110-C
✓ Corrected

Using Dressing Rooms and Lockers (C)

Employee belonging stored in contact with single use items in the dry storage. Discontinue and provide lockers for storage

Why This Matters

EXTREME CONTAMINATION RISK: Shoes carry 421,000+ bacteria including E. coli (96% of shoes), C. diff (39% of shoes), and other fecal bacteria. Direct contact with food areas transfers these pathogens immediately. Studies show shoes track in more bacteria than toilet seats.

Code Requirements

Remove ALL personal items from food areas IMMEDIATELY. Establish designated storage: employee lockers/areas completely separate from food; at least 6 feet from any food prep; in separate room if possible. This is a CRITICAL violation requiring immediate correction.

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