ORIENTAL HOUSE in DORCHESTER, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/09/25

DORCHESTER, MA - Health department officials identified compliance issues at ORIENTAL HOUSE in an inspection dated 08/09/2025.

Located at 560 WASHINGTON ST 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 16 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved cleaning procedures. Inspectors documented: Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (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. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

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 storage procedures. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Allergen cross-contact during storage can trigger severe reactions in sensitive individuals.

The fourth 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. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria.

The fifth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Sponges Use Limitation (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The sixth violation related to temperature control. Inspectors documented: Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C). 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 equipment. Inspectors documented: Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C). Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.

The eighth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Use Limitations (C). Violations of health codes can increase the risk of foodborne illness.

The 9th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C). Non-compliance with safety standards may create conditions that compromise food safety.

The 10th violation involved hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. 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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The 11th violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The 12th violation concerned physical facilities. Inspectors documented: Walls and Ceilings Attachments (C). Inadequate lighting may result in improper cleaning or food preparation.

The 13th 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. Rodents can transmit Salmonella, Hantavirus, and other serious pathogens through their droppings and urine.

The 14th violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C). Regulatory standards exist to minimize health risks to consumers.

The 15th violation related to sanitization. Inspectors documented: Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (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. Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses.

The 16th violation involved food storage. Inspectors documented: Common Name-Working Containers (Pf). Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth.

Health code violations require prompt correction to maintain operating permits. The health department typically conducts re-inspections to verify that identified issues have been properly addressed.

This inspection data is provided by Boston Public Health Commission. The establishment had violations identified during the 08/09/2025 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.