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Tora Japanese Restaurant

PASS

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 6:23 PM

Address
20 TYLER ST
Chinatown, MA 02111
Category
FS
Violations
10 total
⚠️ 1 critical
⚠ 5 major
Facility History
38 inspections
16 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 590.003/3-302.11-P
✓ Corrected

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Raw meat stored over produce in reach-in prep cooler. Raw pork stored in bowl with raw shrimp. Keep different meats and species separated. Rwa meat should always be stored below produce and ready to eat foods. Corrected on site

Why This Matters

DIRECT CONTAMINATION PATH: Raw chicken contains Salmonella (23% of samples) and Campylobacter (71% of samples). One drop of raw chicken juice can contaminate entire shelf below. Results in 1-3 million US illnesses annually.

Code Requirements

REORGANIZE IMMEDIATELY - Top to bottom: Ready-to-eat foods, Fish/Seafood (145°F), Whole meat/pork (145°F), Ground meat (155°F), Poultry (165°F) on bottom. Use separate coolers if needed. Cover all foods. Train all staff on proper order.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.002/2-501.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

No kit or procedures on site. Information provided via email.

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.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.002 | FDA Code: Section 2
⚠ MAJOR 590.003/3-501.17-PF
✓ Corrected

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Containers of prepped sauces and boiled eggs in walk-in cooler without date marking. Prepped foods held more than 24 hours need to dated to ensure rotation and safety.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.003. Implement proper temperature control procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
⚠ MAJOR 590.004/4-601.11-PF
✓ Corrected

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

Soda nozzle with soil build-up. Clean regularly to avoid build-up of soda and potential contamination.

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
⚠ MAJOR 590.007/7-102.11-PF
✓ Corrected

Common Name-Working Containers (Pf)

Multiple containers of sanitizing bleach solutions unlabeled under front service area. Clearly label and identify potentially poisonous chemicals.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.007. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007 | FDA Code: Section 7
⚠ MAJOR 590.008/8-103.12-PF
✓ Corrected

Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)

Lab test for sushi rice is out of date. Provide updated letter from licensed laboratory.

Why This Matters

This violation supports conditions that may lead to foodborne illness

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section 105 CMR 590.008. Implement proper food safety procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.008 | FDA Code: Section 8
• MINOR 590.003/3-303.12-C
✓ Corrected

Storage or Display of Food in Contact with Water or Ice (C)

Tofu for garnishing miso soup stored in water. Storing in water increases possible bacterial activity. Water discarded.

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 590.003/3-304.12-C
✓ Corrected

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Spoons for serving rice in 55F water. Store rice spoons in 135F water or higher. Pint cups floating in bucket of rice vinegar. Use utensils with handles such as ladels for dispensing bulk foods.

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

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.003/3-501.13-C
✓ Corrected

Thawing (C)

Reduced oxygen packaged tuna fillets thawing in walk-in cooler without cutting or removing from packaging. Pierce packaging prior to thawing.

Why This Matters

SURFACE CONTAMINATION: Room temperature thawing allows surface to reach 70°F+ while interior frozen. Bacteria multiply 7-fold every hour. Creates perfect conditions for Salmonella, Campylobacter growth. Major factor in poultry-related illnesses.

Code Requirements

Approved thawing methods ONLY: Under refrigeration (best), Under cold running water (70°F) in sink, In microwave if cooking immediately, As part of cooking process. NEVER at room temperature. Plan ahead for slow thawing.

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.003 | FDA Code: Section 3
• MINOR 590.004/4-101.19-C
✓ Corrected

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Walls and shelves at prep area covered in aluminum foil. Discard and discontinue using foil because in can melt and crumble potentially contaminating food. It cannot be cleaned. Carboard lining shelves in dry storage. Discard. Use materials that are smooth cleanable & non-absorbent.

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
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department