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TOPASIO RESTAURANT

FAIL

Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 6:04 PM

Address
120 MERIDIAN ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FS
Violations
5 total
⚠️ 1 critical
⚠ 1 major
Facility History
51 inspections
25 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Chicken 55F / Steak 55F / Pork 50F All prepared yesterday in reach in unit. Items have been voluntarily disposed of due to being out of temperature for an undetermined amount of time / Provide proper cold holding temperatures of 41F or below 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 590.004/4-301.11-PF

Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (Pf)

Stand up reach in operating at 53F / Unit has been taken out of service until proper repairs are made. Repair to provide 41F below at all times. Discussed adding additional refrigeration in the back prep area to help maintain food 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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
• MINOR 590.006/6-201.15-C

Floor Covering Mats and Duckboards (C)

Cardboard used for mats / Remove cardboard from floors

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, non-porous surfaces; Properly sloped to drains; No gaps or cracks; Maintained clean

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-201.17-C

Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C)

Ceiling tiles missing/broken and or with water damage / Replace where needed.

Why This Matters

Poor facility maintenance can harbor pests and prevent proper cleaning

Code Requirements

Smooth, washable surfaces; No holes or damage; Light-colored in food areas; Clean condition

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.006/6-501.12-C

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Window sil with visible dust and soils / Clean to remove Walls with visible soils / Clean to remove.

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 cleaning & sanitization 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