BOSTON, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at JOIA Ristorante & Lounge during a routine inspection conducted on 08/11/2025.
Situated at 189 STATE ST, the establishment is part of Downtown's active food service sector. The Downtown area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.
The inspection identified 4 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 sanitization. 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 involved food temperatures. Inspectors documented: (A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P). 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 third violation concerned food equipment. Inspectors documented: Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces and Utensils-Frequency (P). Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.
The fourth violation concerned physical facilities. Inspectors documented: Floors Walls and Ceilings Utility Lines (C). Inadequate lighting may result in improper cleaning or food preparation.
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 08/11/2025 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.
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.
Allergen cross-contact can occur when surfaces are not properly cleaned between uses. Improper temperature control can lead to bacterial growth including Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.
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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