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Sweetgreen

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at 3:42 PM

Address
659 BOYLSTON ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FS
Violations
20 total
⚠️ 7 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
68 inspections
28 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16

Hot Holding

Unit 118 F Salmon 118 F and 130 F

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16(A)

Cold Holding

Kale 47 F 47 F Spinach 47 F Sprouts 43 F 47 F Units Wall refrigeration unit 45 F (rear wall) and 60 F (outer) Refrigeration unit 50 F (salad unit) Garlic 67 F

Why This Matters

THE DANGER ZONE KILLS: Between 41Β°F-135Β°F bacteria double every 20 minutes. At 70Β°F, 10 bacteria become 10,000 in 2 hours, 10 million in 4 hours. Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins that cooking cannot destroy. Clostridium perfringens causes 1 million illnesses yearly from temperature abuse. Listeria grows even under refrigeration, killing 20% of victims including pregnant women and newborns.

Code Requirements

ALL TCS foods MUST be held at 41Β°F or below at ALL times. This includes: All meat, poultry, seafood; Dairy products; Cut melons, tomatoes, leafy greens; Cooked rice, pasta, potatoes; Tofu, soy products; Sprouts; Garlic in oil. Check temperatures every 2 hours (4 hours maximum). If above 41Β°F for less than 2 hours, rapidly cool. If above 41Β°F for 2-4 hours, use immediately. If above 41Β°F for over 4 hours, DISCARD.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Check ALL refrigerated foods NOW; Discard any food above 41Β°F for >4 hours; Rapidly cool foods 41-70Β°F if <4 hours; Repair/adjust all refrigeration immediately; Reduce inventory to prevent overstocking; Install thermometers in warmest part of all coolers; Implement 2-hour temperature checks; Create power outage procedure

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003(D) | FDA Code: Section 3-501.16(A)(2)
⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-301.12-.15

Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How

Repeat violation: Observed food handlers not washing hands prior to putting on groves. Food handlers wearing disposable gloves are multitasking. If gloves are used they shall be treated as a disposable utensil. β€’ Gloves are task specific and should NEVER be worn continuously. β€’Hands shall properly in between these changes PIC shall ensure that all Employees are effectively cleaning their hands by routinely monitoring the employees' handwashing; (When/Where/How). Food handlers wearing disposable gloves are multitasking. If gloves are used they shall be treated as a disposable utensil. β€’ Gloves are task specific and should NEVER be worn continuously. β€’Hands shall properly in between these changes

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 31-5-204/05.11

Location Accessible

Employee preparing and giving out samples in customer line - Food is not protected from sneezing caughing touching and contamination no hand washing sink - There shall be handwashing facilites in all food prep food handling area conviently located and used for adequate hand washing.

Why This Matters

FORCED NON-COMPLIANCE: Blocked sinks force employees to skip handwashing. Studies show 89% compliance when sinks accessible vs 35% when blocked. Each skipped handwash potentially contaminates multiple food items. Inaccessible sinks contributed to Hepatitis A outbreak affecting 660 people.

Code Requirements

Handwashing sinks must be: Accessible at ALL times; Used ONLY for handwashing; Located within 25 feet of food prep; Clear of all equipment and supplies; Never used for food prep, dishwashing, or chemical disposal; Minimum one sink per 5 workers during peak times.

Corrective Actions

Clear ALL handwashing sinks immediately; Post 'Handwashing Only' signs; Relocate any blocking equipment; Provide alternative sinks for other uses; Train staff on sink designation; Monitor hourly for compliance

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005(D) | FDA Code: Section 5-204.11, 5-205.11
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-201/04.11

Separation/Sanitizer Criteria

Vegetable wash is not in complaince with manufacturer's instructions - Levels too high.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.201
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-102.11

PIC Knowledge

Full time on site certified food protection manager not on site today. Certified food manager's certification expired March 2016

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-103.11

PIC Performing Duties

Area leader (manager) was called and arrived during inspection - He had to be instructed by the health inspector to take corrective action Repeat Risk factors Critical and non- critical violations noted on inspection. Repeat violation The person in charge shall ensure that: Employees are properly trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties When asked why employees were wearing gloves continuously and handling utensils while wearing gloves he stated that the food handlers are handling food with tongs and was unaware that gloves were an issue on the last inspection.

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

Customer in restaurant with small dog - PIC was unaware and did not take corrective action until pointed out by Inspector Information regarding Prohibitting animals and ADA packed provided to district manager at prior inspection.

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
β€’ MINOR 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12

Food Container Labels

Food containers not labeled - Flour etc

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
β€’ MINOR 04-3-501.15/4-301.11

Inadequate Facilities/Cooling Methods

Cooling large deep covered covered containers in walk in unit Establishment does have a blast chiller on premises.

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 04.3.501
β€’ MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Employee preparing and giving out samples in customer line - Food is not protected from sneezing caughing touching and contamination. This area is not approved for food prep and handling.

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
β€’ MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Food containers broken/cracked and in disrepair

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
β€’ MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Foods not stored in food containers with tight fitting lids

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
β€’ MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

To go orders sitting on shelving not under temperature controls Observed this area not being monitored by management- Customer are walking up to to area and getting their orders.

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
β€’ MINOR 08-3-305-307.11

Food Protection

Using gloves that are being continuoulsy worn to handle ready to eat foods - Provide proper dispensing/handling of ready to eat foods to aviod contamination.

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
β€’ MINOR 17-4-204.112/.115

Equipment Thermometers

No thermometer in salad unit on back wall

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 17.4.204
β€’ MINOR 24-4-903.11

Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage

Ware washing staff not allowing for proper airdrying once sanitizing

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
β€’ MINOR 32-6-301.11-02.11

Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage

Hand dryer not working in Bathroom

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 32.6.301
β€’ MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Standing water on floor -PIC stated needed a month to resolve water issues. Keep floor clean and dry at all time.

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
β€’ MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Built up soils on ceiling and attached fixtures

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