BOSTON, MA - Health department officials identified compliance issues at El Barco in an inspection dated 04/11/2023.
Situated at 50 DALTON ST, the establishment is part of Back Bay's active food service sector. The Back Bay area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 11 distinct violations requiring correction. These findings represent specific conditions observed during the inspection that must be addressed to meet health code requirements.
The first violation related to pest control. Inspectors documented: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (C). 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 second violation regarded food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
The third violation concerned storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.
The fourth violation concerned 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. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.
The fifth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The sixth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The seventh violation concerned equipment operation. Inspectors documented: (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf). Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices.
The eighth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.
The 9th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: System Maintained in Good Repair (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The 10th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The 11th violation regarded storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Common Name-Working Containers (Pf). Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.
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 04/11/2023 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.
This inspection was conducted on August 21, 2025.
Boston Public Health Commission
The establishment was cited for health code violations during the inspection. See the full article for detailed violation information.
Cockroaches can spread E. coli and Salmonella by contaminating food and surfaces. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods. Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating. Damaged cutting boards and surfaces can harbor bacteria in cracks and crevices. Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.
This inspection data is sourced directly from Boston Public Health Commission. For the most current information, please visit the official health department website.
Federal Guidelines: Our reporting follows standards established by the FDA Food Code, CDC Food Safety Guidelines, and USDA Food Safety Standards.
📖 Food Safety Codes: Reference the specific regulations that govern this establishment: Massachusetts Food Code (105 CMR 590), FDA Food Code 2022
⚠️ Important Note: Restaurant conditions can change rapidly. This inspection represents a snapshot in time and may not reflect current conditions. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking recent reviews or contacting the establishment directly.
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