ALEX'S CHIMIS in JAMAICA PLAIN, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/07/23

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at ALEX'S CHIMIS during a routine inspection conducted on 04/07/2023.

Located at 358 CENTRE in the Jamaica Plain area, the establishment serves the local community. The Jamaica Plain neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 16 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved management certification. Inspectors documented: (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C). The FDA Food Code mandates that at least one employee with supervisory responsibility be a certified food protection manager to ensure active managerial control. For more information, see FDA certified food protection manager requirements. Lack of knowledge about allergen management can result in allergic reactions.

The second violation involved food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth.

The third violation involved equipment maintenance. Inspectors documented: In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C). Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.

The fourth violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C). According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.

The fifth violation regarded food storage. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

The sixth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Sponges Use Limitation (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The seventh violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The eighth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The 9th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The 10th violation concerned handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Service Sink (C). According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The 11th violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Outside Receptacles (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The 12th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The 13th violation involved facility maintenance. Inspectors documented: Floor and Wall Junctures Coved and Enclosed or Sealed (C). Poor ventilation can lead to mold growth and condensation contamination.

The 14th violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Hand Drying Provision (Pf). According to FDA guidelines, proper handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds is the single most effective way to prevent foodborne illness transmission. For more information, see FDA handwashing requirements. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The 15th violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Controlling Pests (Pf). The FDA Food Code requires establishments to eliminate conditions that attract and harbor pests, including proper waste management and facility maintenance. For more information, see FDA pest control standards. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The 16th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Drying Mops (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.

This inspection data is provided by Boston Public Health Commission. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/07/2023 inspection. Conditions may have changed since this inspection. For current compliance status, consult the Boston Public Health Commission. For more information about restaurant inspection regulations in this area, visit the Massachusetts Food Code. Learn more about food safety at FDA.gov and CDC.gov.