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TAIWAN CAFE

FAIL

Friday, May 9, 2014 at 2:47 PM

Address
34 OXFORD ST
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
38 total
⚠️ 12 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
49 inspections
22 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16
✓ Corrected

Hot Holding

Chicken not stored under temperature controls. Chicken 50.1 F

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
⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Food item stored on mop sink.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Ice with water stored under hand sink pipes.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Raw animal products stored above ready to eat foods in walk in refrigeraton

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
⚠️ CRITICAL 31-5-203.11
✓ Corrected

Number Convenient

Observed employee using hand sink to fill wiping cloth buckets. Waitstation Observed items in hand sink on cooking/prep line.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 31.5.203
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-101.11
✓ Corrected

Toxic Items: Original Container

Performing food prep in 2 bay sink (bay two evidence of ware washing w/soap and bay 3 evidence of food prep).

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.101
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-101.11
✓ Corrected

Toxic Items: Original Container

Toxic chemical missing original label

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.101
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-201/04.11
✓ Corrected

Separation/Sanitizer Criteria

Toxic chemicals stored above food pre sinks in basement Toxic chemical store with clean equipment in main kitchen/ware washing

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 41-7-206.12/.13
✓ Corrected

Pesticide Usage

Found Bottle of Raid on top of walk in unit. The use of pesticides by employees is prohibited. All pesticides shall be applied by a licensed pest control person.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

No evidence of pests; Seal all openings; Remove harborage; Professional treatment when needed

FDA Code: Section 41.7.206
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-207-09.11
✓ Corrected

Medicines FirstAid Storage

Prescription medications stored on shelving above food prep table and with food storage.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 41.7.207
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-101.11
✓ Corrected

Person in charge Assigned

No person in charge at arrival - Manager was called by staff.

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
✓ Corrected

PIC Performing Duties

Evidence that employees are not being monitored. Repeat violations and new violations noted on 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
✓ Corrected

Insects Rodents Animals

Doors open and unprotected by screen or air curtain to prep areas on main level and basement.

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
⚠ MAJOR 35-6-501.111/.115
✓ Corrected

Insects Rodents Animals

Provide full extermination/treatment for flies and an intergrated pest management report. No evidence of flies at time of reinspection Exterminator enroute. PIC will fax exterminators report to Health Division. Report received on 5-9-14

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
• MINOR 02-3-602.11-.12/3-302.12
✓ Corrected

Food Container Labels

Food containers not labeled

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
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Chipped plates. Plates stored in refrigeration unit above food products in dining area.

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
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Contractor working in basement prep while food prep is being conducted and exposed foods are stored.

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
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Food containers on cooking line stored on floor. Raise 6" above the floor on adequate shelving.

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
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Open foods not stored in food grade covered containers.

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
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Tools and tool box stored on prep table.

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
• MINOR 08-3-305-307.11
✓ Corrected

Food Protection

Using non food contact approved brush - Brush is rusted.

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
• MINOR 10-3-304.12
✓ Corrected

Food Utensil Storage

Ice scoop stored on faucet of mop sink.

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 10.3.304
• MINOR 10-3-304.12
✓ Corrected

Food Utensil Storage

Knives stored between equipment pipes.

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 10.3.304
• MINOR 10-3-304.12
✓ Corrected

Food Utensil Storage

Tongs stored on oven door handles

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 10.3.304
• MINOR 17-4-302.14
✓ Corrected

Test Kit Provided

No quatanary test kit

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 17.4.302
• MINOR 21-3-304.14
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Wiping cloths stored on food contact surfaces

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 21.3.304
• MINOR 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Built up soils on exterior (tops sides handles) of refrigeration units dish washing facilites

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 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Shelving soiled with built up 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 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Walls of walk in freezer soiled and ice built up on walls and ceiling of unit.

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 24-4-903.11
✓ Corrected

Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage

Food contacts pots pans bowls etc not inverted.

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
• MINOR 24-4-903.11
✓ Corrected

Clean Equipment & Utensils Storage

Food containers stored above mop sink

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
• MINOR 29-5-201/02.11
✓ Corrected

Installed and Maintained

Hand sink faucet broken - Low hot water pressure.

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 33-5-501.116
✓ Corrected

Improper Cleaning of Receptacles

Grease barrels heavily soiled with grease residue - Exterior

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 33.5.501
• MINOR 33-5-501.13-.17
✓ Corrected

Adequate Number Frequency Vermin Proof

Trash stored in shopping cart. Provide approved covered trash recepticles for all trash/debris storage.

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 33.5.501
• MINOR 34-5-501.111/.115
✓ Corrected

Outside Storage Improperly Maintained

Trash and debris improperly stored ground area littered and unclean.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 34.5.501
• MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Built up food and grease on floor under cooking equipment

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
• MINOR 42-6-501.113/.114
✓ Corrected

Premises Maintained

Mops and brooms stored outside rear of establishment. Keep properly stored 6" above the floor on hooks inside of establishment. Mop bucket stored outside rear of establishment.

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 42.6.501
• MINOR 590.009(E)
✓ Corrected

Anti-Choking

Class set up for August 20 2014.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.009(E). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.009(E)
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Tags

🍽️ Cafe 📍 Leather District 🚇 Chinatown (Orange Line) ⚠️ Rodent Activity ⚠️ Flies ⚠️ Pest Control ⚠️ Temperature Control ⚠️ Food Storage ⚠️ Cross Contamination ⚠️ Floor Maintenance ⚠️ Wall and Ceiling Issues ⚠️ Surface Cleanliness ⚠️ Equipment Maintenance ⚠️ Dishwashing ⚠️ Hot Water ⚠️ Food Labels ⚠️ Food Protection ⚠️ Manager Certification ⚠️ Test Kits ⚠️ Waste Disposal
📍 Neighborhoods 🍽️ Cuisines 🚇 Transit ⚠️ Violations
Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department