BOSTON, MA - El Barco received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/18/2023.
The facility operates from 50 DALTON ST in Back Bay, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.
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 concerned 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.
The second violation involved storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C). Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth.
The third violation concerned food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.
The fourth 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 fifth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The sixth violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
The seventh violation related to food equipment. 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 eighth violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.
The 9th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: System Maintained in Good Repair (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The 10th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.
The 11th violation regarded storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Common Name-Working Containers (Pf). Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
The correction of health violations is monitored through follow-up inspections and documentation requirements. Establishments must demonstrate that they have addressed the root causes of violations, not just the immediate symptoms.
This inspection data is provided by Boston Public Health Commission. The establishment had violations identified during the 04/18/2023 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.
Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas. Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth. Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks. Improper storage can lead to cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.
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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