Taqueria El Barrio
PASSTuesday, September 2, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-501.16-P
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Products held in ice at service station above 41F Guacamole 50F Salsa 61F Ensure products are held at 41F or below All product placed in walkin refrigerator to properly cool
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.
590.003/3-501.18-P
Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Disposition (P)
Pans of cooked products held in the walkin refrigeration with dates of 08/12 and 08/13. Per staff the product is delivered 1x a week from the main location Product shall be delivered more frequently and held for a maximum of 7 days in refrigeration Voluntarily discarded at the time of the inspection
Why This Matters
LISTERIA GROWTH: Unlike other bacteria, Listeria grows in refrigeration. After 7 days can reach dangerous levels. Causes severe illness in pregnant women (20% miscarriage rate), elderly (20% mortality). 1,600 illnesses, 260 deaths annually.
Code Requirements
Date mark ALL ready-to-eat TCS foods: Day prepared = Day 1, Use within 7 days, Mark with prep OR discard date, Include on labels: date, product name, initials. DISCARD unmarked foods. Train all staff on system.
590.002(B)/2-102.11-PF
(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)
Priority violations noted on previous inspection noted at the time of the inspection Review violations with staff and review procedures
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(B). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf)
Multiple products held on ice on a counter have been noted at above 41F during multiple inspections Establishment shall provide mechanical refrigeration for products that are being held on ice in ambient temperatures
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.
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)
No metal stem thermometer available at the time of inspection- Provide
Why This Matters
TEMPERATURE ABUSE: Without thermometers, 73% of foods are held at unsafe temperatures. Bacteria double every 20 minutes between 41-135°F. Undercooked ground beef (not reaching 155°F) causes E. coli outbreaks affecting hundreds.
Code Requirements
Provide calibrated probe thermometers immediately: One per cook station minimum, Range -40°F to 200°F, Accurate to ±2°F, Calibrate daily in ice water (32°F). Check temps every 2 hours for holding, always for cooking.
590.002/2-402.11-C
Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)
Employees at food prep stations with no hair restraints- Correct
Why This Matters
CONTAMINATION RISK: Average person sheds 50-100 hairs daily. Each hair can carry up to 1 million bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus from hair causes rapid food poisoning (1-6 hours) with severe nausea, vomiting, and cramps. Cannot be killed by reheating once toxin forms.
Code Requirements
All staff handling food MUST wear: hairnets, caps, or effective hair restraints covering all hair; beard nets for facial hair over 1/4 inch; no loose hair touching shoulders. Provide hair restraints for all staff immediately.