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TOPASIO RESTAURANT

FAIL

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 7:50 PM

Address
120 MERIDIAN ST
East Boston, MA 02128
Category
FS
Violations
11 total
⚠️ 2 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
51 inspections
25 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-501.16-P1

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Hot Holding Unit- Rice 105F Beans 107F. Unit turned off. PIC stated food placed there 45 minutes ago and placed it for re-heating to 165F (within 1 hour). Chicken Tamales placed at ambient temperature at the cooking line registered 102F. PIC stated they had been out for less than 1 hour and place them in the oven for reheatung to 165F (within 1 hour). Maintained all TCS food at 135F or above.

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
⚠️ CRITICAL 590.004/4-501.114-P

Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Chemical Sanitization-Temperature pH Concentration and Hardness (P)

No evidence of proper warewashing. Three bay sink not set up properly no sanitizer solution set up only detergent. PIC states that he warewashes later in the day. Set up three bay sink properly and perform proper warewashing all the time (Wash Rinse Sanitize).

Why This Matters

INEFFECTIVE SANITIZATION: Below 50ppm chlorine or 200ppm quat, bacteria survive on 'clean' dishes. Above 200ppm chlorine leaves toxic residue causing chemical burns, nausea. 70% of restaurant outbreaks linked to improper sanitization.

Code Requirements

Maintain sanitizer at: Chlorine 50-100ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400ppm, Iodine 12.5-25ppm. Test every 2 hours with test strips. Change solution when cloudy/dirty. Train all staff on mixing procedures.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004 | FDA Code: Section 4
⚠ MAJOR 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Retrain staff with regard to proper hot holding and proper warewashing. Ensure that all hand sinks are properly staffed all the time

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(D). Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002(D) | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.006/6-301.11-PF

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Handsink near three bay sink without soap. 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 590.006. Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006 | FDA Code: Section 6
• MINOR 590.003/3-304.14-C

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Wiping cloth stored soiled on counters. Store properly in samitizer solution.

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 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Coleslaw being prepared at rinse bay of three bay sink while wash bay filled with detergent/water and soiled dishes. Discontinue.

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 590.003/3-305.11-C

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Some bottled beverages stored on the floor near stairs going to lower level. Elevate 6 inches or above.

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 590.004/4-602.13-C

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Interior of freezer near cooking line soiled. Clean properly.

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 590.006/6-301.14-C

Handwashing Signage (C)

Handsink near three-bay sink without proper signage. Provide.

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 personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

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

Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C)

Floor under stairs going to lower level with loose debris. Clean Properly

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
• MINOR L1

8-304.11 (A) Post the current permit in a location in the food establishment that is conspicuous to consumers.

Why This Matters

Violations can contribute to foodborne illness if not corrected

Code Requirements

Must comply with all applicable food code requirements

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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department