Tora Japanese Restaurant in BOSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/06/25

BOSTON, MA - Health department officials identified compliance issues at Tora Japanese Restaurant in an inspection dated 08/06/2025.

Located at 20 TYLER ST in the Chinatown area, the establishment serves the local community. The Chinatown 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 concerned food temperatures. 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. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.

The second violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: System Maintained in Good Repair (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The third violation concerned hand sanitation. Inspectors documented: Handwashing Cleanser Availability (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 fourth violation involved sanitization. Inspectors documented: Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C). 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 fifth violation involved storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Common Name-Working Containers (Pf). Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.

The sixth violation involved food storage practices. Inspectors documented: Storage-Other Personal Care Items (C). 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 08/06/2025 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.