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The Bittersweet Shoppe on Newbury

PASS W/ CONDITIONS

Friday, August 15, 2025 at 3:01 PM

Address
257 NEWBURY ST
Back Bay, MA 02116
Category
FT
Violations
5 total
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
20 inspections
9 failures

Violations Cited

⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF
✓ Corrected

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

Black mold-like substance on interior chute of ice machine. Clean and sanitize.

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 590.002/2-402.11-C
✓ Corrected

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Food handler without hair restraint. Provide hairtnets. Corrected on site.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
• MINOR 590.004/4-602.13-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Spills and soils in dairy refrigerator at service counter. Clean and sanitize.

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 590.005/5-205.15-C
✓ Corrected

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Leak under rinse bay of 3 compartment sink. Repair as needed. Keep floor clean and dry; discard catch water.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.005 | FDA Code: Section 5
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.11-C

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Broken and missing tiles on floor of food prep area. Repair as needed for smooth cleanable flooring. Most tiles shave been replaced. Last tiles to be completed later today.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.006. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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