SOUTH BOSTON, MA - CAFE POLONIA received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/13/2023.
Located at 611 DORCHESTER AV in the South Boston area, the establishment serves the local community. The South Boston neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.
The inspection identified 11 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.
The first violation related to sanitation and cleanliness. 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
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 concerned pest prevention. 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 hand sanitation. 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The fifth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Thawing (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.
The sixth violation involved thermal management. 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 seventh violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The eighth violation concerned sanitization. Inspectors documented: Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf). 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. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness.
The 9th violation related to food equipment. Inspectors documented: Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (P). Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.
The 10th violation related to hand sanitation. 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. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
The 11th violation concerned pest management. 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.
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 04/13/2023 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.
Local Health Department
The establishment was cited for health code violations during the inspection. See the full article for detailed violation information.
Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating. Cross-contamination from improperly sanitized equipment is a common cause of foodborne illness. Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food. Cross-contamination from raw foods to ready-to-eat items often occurs through unwashed hands.
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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