N.E. Deaconess Hospital Cafe in BOSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/12/25

BOSTON, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at N.E. Deaconess Hospital Cafe during a routine inspection conducted on 08/12/2025.

Located at 1 DEACONESS RD in the Roxbury area, the establishment serves the local community. The Roxbury neighborhood maintains numerous food service establishments that undergo regular health monitoring.

The inspection identified 6 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved thermal management. 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 second violation related to thermal management. Inspectors documented: (A)(1) 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. Time-temperature abuse allows harmful bacteria to multiply to levels that can cause illness.

The third violation related to equipment operation. Inspectors documented: Equipment and Utensils Air-Drying Required (C). Malfunctioning refrigeration equipment can allow foods to enter the danger zone.

The fourth violation related to sanitization. Inspectors documented: Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.

The fifth 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. Pest droppings and debris can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.

The sixth violation related to food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

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 08/12/2025 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.