Banh Mi Ok in BOSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/12/23

BOSTON, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at Banh Mi Ok during a routine inspection conducted on 04/12/2023.

Located at 44 SCHOOL ST in the Downtown area, the establishment serves the local community. The Downtown neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved 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. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

The second violation involved temperature control. 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. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Sponges Use Limitation (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The fourth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The fifth violation related to equipment operation. Inspectors documented: (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf). Malfunctioning refrigeration equipment can allow foods to enter the danger zone.

The sixth violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Wiping Cloths Air Drying Location (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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.

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 04/12/2023 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.