Bartaco in BOSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/13/25

BOSTON, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at Bartaco during a routine inspection conducted on 08/13/2025.

The establishment operates from 25 THOMSON PL in BOSTON, serving customers in this dining district. Regular health inspections ensure food safety standards are maintained across all local establishments.

The inspection identified 7 distinct violations requiring correction. Each violation has established correction procedures that must be followed to achieve compliance.

The first violation involved pest management. Inspectors documented: Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P). 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The second violation regarded food storage. Inspectors documented: Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C). Storing food at incorrect temperatures accelerates spoilage and pathogen growth.

The third violation concerned temperature control. Inspectors documented: Warewashing Machines Temperature Measuring Devices (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. Pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus can produce toxins in improperly stored food that are not destroyed by reheating.

The fourth violation concerned food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Maintaining Refuse Areas and Enclosures (C). Health code violations require correction to maintain safe operating conditions.

The fifth violation related to 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. Fecal-oral transmission of pathogens occurs when hands are not properly washed after restroom use.

The sixth violation concerned hand hygiene and handwashing facilities. Inspectors documented: Hand Drying Provision (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. The CDC identifies poor hand hygiene as a leading contributor to foodborne illness outbreaks.

The seventh violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Handwashing Signage (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 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 08/13/2025 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.