DORCHESTER, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at Side Chick during a routine inspection conducted on 04/07/2023.
The facility operates from 692 COLUMBIA RD in Dorchester, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
The inspection identified 17 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: Cleaning Procedure (P). FDA sanitation guidelines require regular cleaning and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and bacterial growth. For more information, see FDA sanitation standards. Inadequate sanitization allows bacteria to survive and multiply on food contact surfaces.
The second violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The third violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P). 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 fourth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Frozen Food (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The fifth violation involved food temperatures. Inspectors documented: Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf). The FDA Food Code requires cold foods to be held at 41°F or below and hot foods at 135°F or above to prevent bacterial growth in the "danger zone." For more information, see FDA guidelines on temperature control. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.
The sixth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Standards of Identity (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.
The seventh violation involved pest control. Inspectors documented: Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P). 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.
The eighth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The 9th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Drain boards (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The 10th violation involved equipment operation. Inspectors documented: (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf). Worn dishwasher components may not properly sanitize dishes and utensils.
The 11th violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Backflow Prevention Air Gap (P). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The 12th violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Handwashing Sinks-Location and Placement (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 13th violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (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 14th violation involved hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. 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. Inadequate handwashing can transmit Norovirus, Hepatitis A, and other pathogens directly to food.
The 15th violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Handwashing Signage (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 16th violation involved 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. Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces.
The 17th violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.
Establishments receiving violations must submit correction plans and may face additional inspections. Failure to address violations can result in fines, permit suspension, or closure.
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.