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Cafe Lava & Bento

April 17, 2026 · Fail

😬mid

official resultFail
resultFail
inspection typeEating & Drinking
failed findings9
critical findings0

Failed findings

(A)-(P) Person-In-Charge-Duties (Pf)

Inspector note: The person in charge did not give the correct answer for maximum cold holding temperature was not able to name the reportable illnesses or symptoms and said they were not able to set up the three compartment sink so no cleaning and sanitizing was happening during the inspection; provide a person in charge who is knowelgable about food safety illness policy and sanitization.
code 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF** · serious findingstatus: Fail
Variance Requirement (Pf)

Inspector note: On the menu and as explained to the health inspector by the owner of the business the location cures salmon for items on their menu but no HACCP plan was able to be produced and no variance is on file with the Health Department; cease selling of the cured foods until a HACCP plan is submitted and approved by the Health Division and a variance has been granted for the curing of foods.
code 590.003/3-502.11-PF** · serious findingstatus: Fail
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector note: The handwashing sink in the back prep area is blocked by a trash can there is a plastic lid top inside the basin of the sink and there is no handwashing soap or approved hand drying device at the handwashing sink; handwashing sinks must always be accessible and stocked with hand cleanser and an approved hand drying device.
code 590.005/5-205.11-PF** · serious findingstatus: Fail
Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector note: Observed the food handler chewing gum in the food prep area and while handling and preparing foods; food handlers should not eat or drink in the food prep areas and only in designated areas away from food.
code 590.002/2-401.11-C* · lower-severity findingstatus: Fail
Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector note: The food handler was not observed wearing an effective hair restraing during the inspection and while they were handling and preparing foods; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.
code 590.002/2-402.11-C* · lower-severity findingstatus: Fail
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector note: The interior of the under-counter refrigerators in the main kitchen are heavily encrusted in soils and debris; clean and sanitize.
code 590.004/4-601.11-C* · lower-severity findingstatus: Fail
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector note: In the two closets off the main hallway observed extreme amounts of clutter that prevent proper cleaning and observation; remove any unnecessary items and organize items in the closets.
code 590.006/6-501.114-C* · lower-severity findingstatus: Fail
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector note: Ceiling tiles in the back food prep area are missing or dislodged; repair or replace the ceiling tiles.
code 590.006/6-501.11-C* · lower-severity findingstatus: Fail
flagged at inspection

Inspector note: Provide allergen awareness poster in back of house for staff Provide signage visible to customers stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available to view upon request." Post 2026 Health Permit and Site Cleanliness License
code L1status: Fail

What changed since the previous inspection?

Compared with Fail on July 9, 2025: 7 findings appeared for the first time. 2 findings recurred. 3 previous findings did not recur.

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About this record

This record comes from Boston Inspectional Services, Health Division. Cooked keeps the official result and wording separate from its plain-English explanation so you can verify what the inspector actually published.

Source: Analyze Boston.