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Retail Food · Boston, MA

A-1 Convenience

285 Main St

Last inspected Aug 28, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Inspection

Aug 28, 2026

Passed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-401.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed with strong cigarrette and incense smell. Discontinue .Discussed with the PIC at the time of inspection

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of ice cream chest freezer (2) observed with heavy ice build up. Clean/defrost to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed 2 live dogs (pet) inside the establishment. Discontinue Discussed at the time of inspection with PIC

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 28, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 20, 2026

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-401.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector’s notes

Facility observed with strong cigarrette and incense smell. Discontinue .Discussed with the PIC at the time of inspection

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues
minorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of ice cream chest freezer (2) observed with heavy ice build up. Clean/defrost to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed 2 live dogs (pet) inside the establishment. Discontinue Discussed at the time of inspection with PIC

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 20, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 9, 2026

Passed

11 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide kit and procedure for vomit & diarheal clean up events. Provide Inspector will provide procedure

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

PIC to provide active managerial controls and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-101.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple retail shelvings observed lined up with cardboard and alumminum foil. Discontinue

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
majorCode 590.004/4-501.116-PFChemicals

Official wording

Warewashing Equipment Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide sanitizer test strips. Provide

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Slush freezer holder observed with excess ice build up. Clean to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Faciltity main handsink observed blocked by boxes and and shelvings. Discontinue .

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor throughout retail observed in need of deep cleaning due to soils mark and loose debris. Clean to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Main handsink observed without soap. Provide . PIC to monitor handwashing

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Main handsink observed without paper towels. Provide means to hand drying.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple old mice droppings observed on the floor under 3 bay sink. Clean to remove. PIC to provide current IPM report from licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hole observed downstairs in the basement area. Repair to prevent pest/rodents entryways

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 9, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 2, 2026

Failed

11 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide kit and procedure for vomit & diarheal clean up events. Provide Inspector will provide procedure

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.002(D)/2-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

PIC to provide active managerial controls and train staff on violations noted on the inspection report

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-101.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Characteristics-Materials for Construction and Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple retail shelvings observed lined up with cardboard and alumminum foil. Discontinue

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues
majorCode 590.004/4-501.116-PFChemicals

Official wording

Warewashing Equipment Determining Chemical Sanitizer Concentration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide sanitizer test strips. Provide

In plain English

Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.

More about chemicals stored or used unsafely
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Slush freezer holder observed with excess ice build up. Clean to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Faciltity main handsink observed blocked by boxes and and shelvings. Discontinue .

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Floor throughout retail observed in need of deep cleaning due to soils mark and loose debris. Clean to remove

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Main handsink observed without soap. Provide . PIC to monitor handwashing

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Main handsink observed without paper towels. Provide means to hand drying.

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple old mice droppings observed on the floor under 3 bay sink. Clean to remove. PIC to provide current IPM report from licensed exterminator to: inca.prince@boston.gov

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hole observed downstairs in the basement area. Repair to prevent pest/rodents entryways

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 2, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 27, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.003/3-202.15-PFOther

Official wording

Package Integrity (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rempove all expired baked goods out for retail sale -remove all moldy bread out for retail sale

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 27, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 20, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

7 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-202.15-PFOther

Official wording

Package Integrity (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rempove all expired baked goods out for retail sale -remove all moldy bread out for retail sale

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Elevate all foods off the floors during storage a minimum of six inches

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

All packaged foods made available for retail sale have to describe the products content properly - list of ingredients - common name - allergen awareness information - describe the product with enough information for the consumer as discussed - " Sell by date" does not have to be on the label

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
minorCode 590.003(A)/3-201.11-COther

Official wording

Compliance with Food Law (C)

Inspector’s notes

Missing " safe handling labels" on several packages of frozen raw poultry - address

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean all shelving in the grocery aisles from visible food spills

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean floors throughout the store from visible soils

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Discontinue allowing 'NON" service dogs inside the store - of course "service animals" are always allowed without exemption

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 20, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 13, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Elevate all foods off the floors during storage a minimum of six inches

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

All packaged foods made available for retail sale have to describe the products content properly - list of ingredients - common name - allergen awareness information - describe the product with enough information for the consumer as discussed - " Sell by date" does not have to be on the label

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
minorCode 590.003(A)/3-201.11-COther

Official wording

Compliance with Food Law (C)

Inspector’s notes

Missing " safe handling labels" on several packages of frozen raw poultry - address

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean all shelving in the grocery aisles from visible food spills

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
minorCode 590.006/6-101.11-COther

Official wording

Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean floors throughout the store from visible soils

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Discontinue allowing 'NON" service dogs inside the store - of course "service animals" are always allowed without exemption

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 13, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 12, 2024

Passed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all your foods are being stored elevated off the floors a minimum of six inches during storage

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 590.003/3-601.11-COther

Official wording

Standards of Identity (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all packaged foods have a label tom properly identify the contents as well as a list of ingredients - address as discussed

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003(A)/3-201.11-POther

Official wording

Compliance with Food Law (P)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all foods being sold insidce the store our beinmg purchased from reputable wholesale suppliers and not another retail purveyor such as [ Market Basket ]

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 12, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 26, 2024

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all your foods are being stored elevated off the floors a minimum of six inches during storage

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
minorCode 590.003/3-601.11-COther

Official wording

Standards of Identity (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all packaged foods have a label tom properly identify the contents as well as a list of ingredients - address as discussed

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding
criticalCode 590.003(A)/3-201.11-POther

Official wording

Compliance with Food Law (P)

Inspector’s notes

Ensure all foods being sold insidce the store our beinmg purchased from reputable wholesale suppliers and not another retail purveyor such as [ Market Basket ]

In plain English

An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.

More about other finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 26, 2024 · Original Source

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