Underdog Hot Chicken in ALLSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/10/23

ALLSTON, MA - Health department officials identified compliance issues at Underdog Hot Chicken in an inspection dated 04/10/2023.

Situated at 160 BRIGHTON AV, the establishment is part of Allston's active food service sector. The Allston area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 10 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation regarded 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. Language barriers without proper training can lead to misunderstandings.

The second violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: (A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The third violation regarded food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.

The fourth violation related to food temperatures. Inspectors documented: (A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P). 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. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The fifth violation concerned equipment operation. Inspectors documented: (A) and (C) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Storing (C). Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices.

The sixth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: System Maintained in Good Repair (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The seventh violation concerned 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 eighth 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. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The 9th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The 10th violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: Cleaning Frequency and Restrictions (C). 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. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Boston Public Health Commission. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/10/2023 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.