Lower Mills Tavern in DORCHESTER, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 04/19/23

DORCHESTER, MA - Lower Mills Tavern received citations for health code violations during an inspection on 04/19/2023.

Located at 2269 DORCHESTER AVE in the Dorchester area, the establishment serves the local community. The Dorchester neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 8 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 equipment maintenance. Inspectors documented: Food Contact with Equipment Utensils and Linens (P). Worn dishwasher components may not properly sanitize dishes and utensils.

The second 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 third violation regarded food storage. Inspectors documented: Food Storage Prohibited Areas (C). Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth.

The fourth violation involved food temperatures. Inspectors documented: Temperature Measuring Devices Manual and Mechanical Warewashing (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 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.

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

The seventh violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Prohibitions (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The eighth violation involved 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

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 04/19/2023 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.