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TAIWAN CAFE

FAIL

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:48 PM

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

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P

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

Containers of raw chicken stored above lettuce and broccoli. Store raw meat under produce at all times. 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)

Bean sprouts on counter at 56F. Moved to refrigerator. Store bean sprouts 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 590.002/2-501.11-PF

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

No kit or procedures on site. Procedures provided via email.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.002. Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Top of dish machine with mouse droppings. Clean and monitor for activity. Maintain clean to prevent contamination of clean dishes. Interior of dish machine with build-up. Clean to prevent contamination. Soiled food containers in bsement prep sink. Store unused equipment and utensils clean.

Why This Matters

Improper equipment maintenance can harbor bacteria and contaminate food

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 590.003/3-303.12-C

Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice (C)

Bean sprouts stored in water. Discard water and discontinue storing sprouts in water because water can increase bacterial proliferation.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Soiled wiping cloths on kitchen counter. Store wiping cloths in sanitizing solution to prevent cross contamination.

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 food safety 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)

Frozen raw pork and chicken thawing on prep table in basement. Thaw frozen foods under refrigeration not at room temperature.

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 590.003/3-501.15-C

(B) Cooling Methods (C)

Cooked beef soup in deep containers covered with plastic film cooling before storing at 145F. Srpead out hot foods in shallow metal pans and do not cover to facilitate cooling.

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 food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-101.19-C

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Damp and soiled felt lining bottom shelf of server station. Discard felt clean and dry area resurface as needed for cleanable non-absorbent surface.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Debris and soils under dish machine. Debris and soils under and behind fryer. Soil build-up on reach-in refrigerator handles. Mouse droppings under shelf with rice cooker. Clean all ares and maintain clean to prevent contamination and 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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department