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TROPICAL ISLAND RESTAURANT

PASS

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 3:13 PM

Address
149 STOUGHTON ST
Dorchester, MA 02125
Category
FS
Violations
22 total
⚠️ 7 critical
⚠ 2 major
Facility History
10 inspections
4 failures

Violations Cited

⚠️ CRITICAL 01-3-101/701.11
✓ Corrected

Spoilage Unsafe Food

String beans have mold like substance. Tomatoes appear rotten and bruised. Discard. King fish steaks stored unwrapped and have freezer burn. Pork in coffin freezer odorous. Discarded by kitchen staff.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 01.3.101
⚠️ CRITICAL 03-3-501.16
✓ Corrected

Hot Holding

Rice in Kitchen hot holding at 90 F Front service counter hot holding - chicken 121 F Beef123 F at steam table. Meat pies 123F in Anvil warmer. Maintain hot holding at 140 or above.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Maintain all hot TCS foods at 135°F or above; Cannot use hot holding equipment to reheat

FDA Code: Section 03.3.501
⚠️ CRITICAL 08-3-302.11/3-304.11
✓ Corrected

Separation Segregation Cross Contamination

Kol-gard refrigerator dripping raw meats stored with produce discard ready to eat produce. Raw chicken stored with cooked chicken. Raw chicken stored above produce. Use proper storage.

Why This Matters

Cross-contamination can spread dangerous pathogens throughout the facility

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 08.3.302
⚠️ CRITICAL 12-2-301.12-.15
✓ Corrected

Adequate Handwashing/Where/When/How

Unable to properly wash hands. No soap at kitchen restroom and food preparation hand wash stations.

Why This Matters

Inadequate handwashing is a leading cause of foodborne illness transmission

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 12.2.301
⚠️ CRITICAL 20-4-703.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Observed staff washing rinsing and storing equipment without sanitizing. Instruct employees on proper warewashing procedures.

Why This Matters

INVISIBLE KILLERS: Bacteria survive on 'clean-looking' surfaces for days. Inadequate sanitization caused Salmonella outbreak affecting 1,500 people via ice cream. Cutting boards can harbor 200 times more fecal bacteria than toilet seats. E. coli survives 1-4 hours on surfaces. Norovirus survives 2 weeks. One contaminated slicer infected 300 people with Listeria.

Code Requirements

SANITIZATION MANDATORY: Chemical sanitizers: Chlorine 50-100 ppm, Quaternary Ammonium 200-400 ppm, Iodine 12.5-25 ppm; Hot water: 171°F for 30 seconds by immersion; Contact time: minimum 7-30 seconds depending on sanitizer; Test concentration EVERY 2 hours; Change solution when visibly soiled; ALL food contact surfaces must be sanitized: After each use with different foods; When switching raw to ready-to-eat; Every 4 hours in continuous use.

Corrective Actions

IMMEDIATE: Set up proper sanitizer at ALL stations; Test and adjust concentration NOW; Re-sanitize ALL food contact surfaces; Obtain test strips immediately; Post sanitizer concentration chart; Train staff on test strip use; Create sanitization log; Change solutions every 2 hours minimum

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-703.11
⚠️ CRITICAL 41-7-206.12/.13
✓ Corrected

Pesticide Usage

Open bait found in corners of food storage area in basement.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

No evidence of pests; Seal all openings; Remove harborage; Professional treatment when needed

FDA Code: Section 41.7.206
⚠️ CRITICAL M-2-101.11
✓ Corrected

Person in charge Assigned

CFPM not available. No PIC assigned. Staff not performing duties per code requirements. No PIC to monitor. Provide adequate training.

Why This Matters

This violation directly contributes to foodborne illness risk

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper management & personnel procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

⚠ MAJOR 22-4-601/602.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Jose stated that the meat slicer is cleaned twice a week. Clean and sanitize after every use. Food containers used to store flour and raw meats are heavily soiled. Clean to remove. Clean food contact surfaces with adequate frequency. Clean Hamilton beach blender to remove soils. Discontinue using juice dispenser until properly cleaned and sanitized. Provide information or colorful ceramic bowls to ensure they are food grade.

Why This Matters

BIOFILM FORMATION: Visible soil indicates biofilms - communities of bacteria protected by slime layers that resist sanitizers. Biofilms on slicers have caused Listeria outbreaks killing 30% of victims. Meat slicer contamination sickened 300 across 6 states. Grease harbors Listeria which grows at refrigeration temperatures.

Code Requirements

Food contact surfaces must be: Visibly clean with no food debris; Free of grease accumulation; Smooth and cleanable; Cleaned and sanitized after each use; Cleaned every 4 hours if in continuous use; Equipment must be disassembled for cleaning when necessary.

Corrective Actions

Clean and sanitize ALL equipment immediately; Disassemble equipment for thorough cleaning; Establish cleaning schedule with assigned responsibilities; Use cleaning checklist; Train on proper disassembly; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-601.11, 4-602.11
⚠ MAJOR 35-6-501.111/.115
✓ Corrected

Insects Rodents Animals

Evidence of infestation. Old and new droppings. Provide IPM report from licensed exterminator.

Why This Matters

DISEASE VECTORS: Mice produce 50-75 droppings daily containing Salmonella, Hantavirus. Cockroaches carry 33 types of bacteria, 6 parasitic worms. Flies regurgitate and defecate on food, spreading E. coli, Shigella. One mouse can contaminate 10 times more food than it eats. Pest allergens trigger asthma in 26% of inner-city children.

Code Requirements

Facility must be pest-free: No live or dead pests; No droppings or urine; No gnaw marks or rub marks; No nesting materials; Effective pest control program; Monthly professional service recommended; All openings sealed; Remove harborage conditions.

Corrective Actions

Call pest control service immediately; Discard ALL contaminated food; Clean and sanitize all affected areas; Seal all openings larger than 1/4 inch; Install door sweeps; Eliminate standing water; Remove clutter; Increase cleaning frequency

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.007(K) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.111, 6-501.115
• MINOR 14-4-202.11
✓ Corrected

Food Contact Surfaces Design

All cutting boards heavily scored and soiled. Replace or repair. Brown cutting boards heavily scored and cracked replace. Wooden mortar and pestle used for plantains. Discontinue. Use approved food contact equipment only.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 14.4.202
• MINOR 15-4-202.16
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces

Wooden stand holding meat slicer not cleanable durable. Re-finish or replace. Coffin style freezer in total disrepair. Replace or repair.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 15.4.202
• MINOR 21-3-304.14
✓ Corrected

Wiping Cloths Clean Sanitize

Wiping cloths heavily soiled. Not stored in sanitizing solution between use.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 21.3.304
• MINOR 23-4-602.13
✓ Corrected

Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean

Imperial grill and Pitco Fryer visibly soiled clean to remove. Upright Kol-gard refrigerator inside heavily soiled clean to remove. Clean hoods and vents to remove grease build-up. Shelves in walk-in in basement rusted and visibly soiled. Clean to remove.

Why This Matters

INDIRECT CONTAMINATION: Dirty surfaces attract pests, harbor bacteria, and contaminate via contact or air movement. Dust from dirty shelves contains allergens affecting 32 million Americans. Grease accumulation creates slip hazards causing 25% of restaurant injuries.

Code Requirements

Non-food contact surfaces must be cleaned at frequency to prevent: Soil accumulation; Pest attraction; Contamination of food/food contact surfaces. Includes: Equipment exteriors; Shelving; Walls and ceilings; Light fixtures; Ventilation systems.

Corrective Actions

Deep clean all non-food contact surfaces; Create cleaning schedule with daily, weekly, monthly tasks; Assign cleaning zones to staff; Use degreaser for grease accumulation; Clean from top to bottom; Maintain cleaning log

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.004(G) | FDA Code: Section 4-602.13
• MINOR 32-6-301.11-02.11
✓ Corrected

Hand Cleaner Drying Tissue Signage

No paper towels dispenser heavily soiled. Provide towels and clean dispenser. Visible dust in restroom vents clean to remove.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper personal hygiene procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 32.6.301
• MINOR 33-5-501.116
✓ Corrected

Improper Cleaning of Receptacles

Interiors and exteriors of trash receptacles heavily soiled clean to remove.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper cleaning & sanitization procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 33.5.501
• MINOR 33-5-501.13-.17
✓ Corrected

Adequate Number Frequency Vermin Proof

Trash barrels missing lids. Provide.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 33.5.501
• MINOR 34-5-501.111/.115
✓ Corrected

Outside Storage Improperly Maintained

Card board boxes and debris in outside storage area. Clean to remove.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

Immediate correction required. Follow health code section . Implement proper food storage procedures. Train all staff. Document corrective actions taken.

FDA Code: Section 34.5.501
• MINOR 36-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Floors

Moisture build up on basement Floor at base of steps. Address. Ensure basement not subject to moisture contamination in food areas

Why This Matters

CONTAMINATION RESERVOIR: Damaged floors harbor bacteria in cracks. Standing water breeds Listeria, Pseudomonas. Broken tiles create pest harborage. Floor contamination spreads via shoes, equipment wheels, and dropped items. CDC found floor drains positive for Listeria in 40% of retail delis.

Code Requirements

Floors must be: Smooth and non-porous in food areas; Properly sloped to drains (1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot); Coving at wall junctures sealed; No cracks, holes, or missing tiles; Grout intact and sealed; Cleaned daily or more frequently; Dry except when cleaning.

Corrective Actions

Schedule floor repairs within 30 days; Seal all cracks immediately with approved sealant; Improve drainage to eliminate standing water; Increase cleaning frequency; Replace missing tiles; Re-grout as needed; Remove any carpeting from food areas

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(A) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
• MINOR 37-6-201.11
✓ Corrected

Walls/Ceilings Designed Constructed Installed

Acoustic style tiles in kitchen. Replace with viynl tiles that are cleanable and durable.

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

FDA Code: Section 37.6.201
• MINOR 37-6-501.11-.12
✓ Corrected

Improper Maintenance of Walls/Ceilings

Back splash of grill visibly soiled with carbon build-up. Walls with food splashes. Ceilings tiles in basement damage and broken. Replace

Why This Matters

OVERHEAD CONTAMINATION: Peeling paint and debris fall into food. Condensation on ceilings drips bacteria onto prep surfaces. Studies found ceiling tiles harbor Bacillus cereus spores. Restaurant ceiling collapse contaminated food service for 200 guests.

Code Requirements

Walls/ceilings must be: Smooth and washable in food areas; Light-colored for easy soil detection; Free of holes, cracks, peeling paint; Sealed at all joints and attachments; Clean and free of grease, dust, cobwebs; Non-absorbent in areas subject to moisture.

Corrective Actions

Repair all holes within 14 days; Repaint with washable paint; Replace damaged ceiling tiles; Seal all penetrations; Clean walls and ceilings monthly; Fix any leaks immediately; Install FRP panels in splash zones

Mass. Code: 105 CMR 590.006(B) | FDA Code: Section 6-501.11, 6-501.12
• MINOR 38-6-303.11
✓ Corrected

Inadequate Lighting

Light above grill burnt out replace.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 38.6.303
• MINOR 42-6-501.113/.114
✓ Corrected

Premises Maintained

Recycled cans stored in mop sink. Remove and store properly.

Why This Matters

This violation affects overall sanitation and food safety

Code Requirements

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

FDA Code: Section 42.6.501
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Data sourced directly from Boston Inspectional Services Department