The Circle Pizza & Tavern
PASSThursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Violations Cited
590.003/3-303.11-P
Ice Used as Exterior Coolant Prohibited as Ingredient (P)
Per person in charge alcohol and mixers are stored in ice bins with ice used to cool the bottles and the same ice is used in the mixed drinks. Clean and sanitize the ice bins and cease using the ice as coolant and in the mixed drinks.
Why This Matters
This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk
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.
590.004/4-703.11-P
Hot Water and Chemical-Methods (P)
Location does not have a warewashing machine to clean and sanitize their glassware and food contact services. Location must only use one-time use cups and utensils until a warewashing machine is installed.
Why This Matters
CROSS-CONTAMINATION: Skipping steps leaves bacteria and food residue on 'clean' dishes. Studies show improper warewashing spreads bacteria to 73% of dishes. Major cause of Norovirus outbreaks affecting hundreds.
Code Requirements
Follow 5-step process: 1) Scrape/pre-rinse, 2) Wash in 110°F water with detergent, 3) Rinse in clean water, 4) Sanitize for 30 seconds minimum, 5) Air dry (no towel drying). Post procedure at sink. Train all staff.
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)
Location has no procedures or cleanup kit for a vomit or diarrhea event. Provide.
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.
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)
At the hand sinks in the men's and women's room in the bathroom the hot water coming from the sinks was 67F-70F. The person in charge adjusted the mixing valves and the hot water came out at 100F-110F. Hot water must be at least 100F from hand sinks.
Why This Matters
WITHOUT HOT WATER: Bacteria removal drops by 75%. Studies show proper handwashing with hot water and soap removes 99.9% of bacteria, while cold water only removes 25%. This dramatically increases risk of spreading E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus - responsible for 89% of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Code Requirements
Immediate action required: Provide hot water (100-120°F) at ALL handwashing sinks. Install water heater if needed. Temporary solution: heat water for handwashing until repairs complete. Staff must wash hands every 30 minutes, after touching face/hair, handling raw foods, using restroom.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling Pests (Pf)
Excessive small rodent droppings observed on shelving in and around bar. Clean and sanitize surfaces; provide IPM pest reports to damien.yee@boston.gov
Why This Matters
SEVERE CONTAMINATION: Rodent droppings carry 35+ diseases including Hantavirus (36% mortality rate), Salmonella (20% of cases from rodents), Leptospirosis (kidney/liver failure). Mice contaminate 10 times more food than they eat through urine and droppings.
Code Requirements
IMMEDIATE ACTION: Clean/sanitize all affected areas with 10% bleach solution. Discard ALL exposed food. Seal holes over 1/4 inch (mice) or 1/2 inch (rats). Remove food sources. Install bait stations. Professional extermination within 24 hours.
590.005/5-205.15-C
System Maintained in Good Repair (C)
Water is leaking from the pipe below the hand sink at the first floor bar when the hand sink is turned on. Repair or replace so the pipe no longer leaks. In the men's room in the basement the drain cover next to the urninal is broken; repair or replace. At the three compartment sinks in the basement and the first floor neither have drain plugs; provide.
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.
590.005/5-501.17-C
Toilet Room Receptacle Covered (C)
In the downstairs women's room none of the waste receptacles have covers; provide.
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.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
At the downstairs bar the floor has a large and long crack where the entrace to the bar meets the floor to the customer area; repair.
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.