ALEX'S CHIMIS in JAMAICA PLAIN, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/14/23

JAMAICA PLAIN, MA - ALEX'S CHIMIS received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/14/2023.

Situated at 358 CENTRE, the establishment is part of Jamaica Plain's active food service sector. The Jamaica Plain area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

The inspection identified 16 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 involved supervisory requirements. 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 involved food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.

The third violation concerned equipment maintenance. Inspectors documented: In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C). Malfunctioning refrigeration equipment can allow foods to enter the danger zone.

The fourth violation related to 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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The fifth violation regarded food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.

The sixth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Sponges Use Limitation (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The seventh violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The eighth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The 9th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The 10th violation related to handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Service Sink (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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The 11th violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Outside Receptacles (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The 12th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The 13th violation involved building conditions. Inspectors documented: Floor and Wall Junctures Coved and Enclosed or Sealed (C). Damaged floors and walls can harbor pests and bacteria.

The 14th violation involved handwashing procedures. 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 related to 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The 16th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Drying Mops (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

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 04/14/2023 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.