Kaze Shabu Shabu in BOSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/14/25

BOSTON, MA - Health inspectors documented violations at Kaze Shabu Shabu during a routine inspection conducted on 08/14/2025.

The facility operates from 41 ESSEX ST in Downtown Crossing, an area known for its diverse dining options. Health inspections in this district help ensure consistent food safety standards.

The inspection identified 10 distinct violations requiring correction. Health inspectors document such issues to ensure establishments take corrective action promptly.

The first violation involved handwashing procedures. Inspectors documented: Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (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 second violation concerned 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. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The third violation related to 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. The CDC reports that temperature abuse is a factor in many foodborne illness outbreaks.

The fourth violation involved thermal management. Inspectors documented: Cooling Heating and Holding Capacities-Equipment (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 fifth violation involved equipment maintenance. Inspectors documented: (A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf). Improper equipment can cause physical contamination of food.

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

The seventh 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 eighth violation involved pest control. 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 9th violation concerned pest prevention. Inspectors documented: Removing Dead or Trapped Birds Insects Rodents and other Pest (C). 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 10th violation involved food storage. Inspectors documented: Common Name-Working Containers (Pf). Chemical contamination from improper storage can cause acute poisoning.

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 08/14/2025 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.