Shake Shack in BOSTON, MA Failed Its Health Inspection on 08/14/25

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

Situated at 332 WASHINGTON ST, the establishment is part of Downtown Crossing's active food service sector. The Downtown Crossing area undergoes regular health inspections as part of the city's comprehensive food safety monitoring program.

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

The first violation related to 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. Biofilms can form on inadequately cleaned surfaces, protecting bacteria from sanitizers.

The second violation involved supervisory requirements. Inspectors documented: (A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C). The FDA Food Code mandates that at least one employee with supervisory responsibility be a certified food protection manager to ensure active managerial control. For more information, see FDA certified food protection manager requirements. Language barriers without proper training can lead to misunderstandings.

The third violation concerned food temperatures. 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 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 concerned 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. Flies can transfer pathogens from garbage and feces to food preparation areas.

The sixth violation involved food safety requirements. Inspectors documented: Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (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 08/14/2025 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.