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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Birria Taqueria

220 Columbia Rd

Last inspected Feb 19, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

6 inspections

Inspection

Feb 19, 2026

Passed

6 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide singage stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available upon request" visible to customers.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding
minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

The employee preparing and handling food does not have a hair restraint for use while handling and preparing food; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

In a cooling unit observed raw chicken stored directly above raw TCS salad that would not be cooked; the person in charge moved the raw chicken to the bottom of the cooler unit below all other foods; store raw proteins according to their proper hierarchy and always below raw TCS foods that will not be cooked.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

At the flat top grill observed a container filled with 72F water and utensils with their food contact surfaces stored submerged in the water; cease this practice and store in use utensils on a clean and sanitized surface in water 135F and above or in cool running water. Observed plastic cups used to scoop bulk foods into smaller containers. Cease using scoops without handles and provide scoops with handles to prevent contamination by hands.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the hot holding case with the fried chicken and at the oven observed useage of aluminum foil to line surfaces. Stop using aluminum foil to line surface. Nonfood contact surfaces should be cleanable durable and non porous.

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

The hood inspection sticker expired in January of 2026; have an approved hood cleaner perform service and provide an updated inspection sticker. The company listed New Gold Cleaning out of Rhode Island does not appear on the 2025 approved hood cleaners; please use a vendor from the approved hood cleaner's listed by the Boston Fire Department.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 12, 2026

Failed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

The employee preparing and handling food does not have a hair restraint for use while handling and preparing food; provide effective hair restraints for food handlers.

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

In a cooling unit observed raw chicken stored directly above raw TCS salad that would not be cooked; the person in charge moved the raw chicken to the bottom of the cooler unit below all other foods; store raw proteins according to their proper hierarchy and always below raw TCS foods that will not be cooked.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

At the flat top grill observed a container filled with 72F water and utensils with their food contact surfaces stored submerged in the water; cease this practice and store in use utensils on a clean and sanitized surface in water 135F and above or in cool running water. Observed plastic cups used to scoop bulk foods into smaller containers. Cease using scoops without handles and provide scoops with handles to prevent contamination by hands.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

In the hot holding case with the fried chicken and at the oven observed useage of aluminum foil to line surfaces. Stop using aluminum foil to line surface. Nonfood contact surfaces should be cleanable durable and non porous.

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

The hood inspection sticker expired in January of 2026; have an approved hood cleaner perform service and provide an updated inspection sticker. The company listed New Gold Cleaning out of Rhode Island does not appear on the 2025 approved hood cleaners; please use a vendor from the approved hood cleaner's listed by the Boston Fire Department.

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide singage stating "A copy of the most recent health inspection is available upon request" visible to customers.

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 12, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 22, 2025

Passed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Preparation sink obsered being blocked by plastci containers and other non-food related products. Discontinue and maintain preparation sink clear from any non food related items.

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cooked chicken and beef pastelitos in the small front service hot holding unit at 70F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above. Pastelitos to be removed and reheated to 165F to ensure no bacterial growth.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sponges being used at the 3 bay sink. Discontinue use.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-202.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Plastic bowl being used to dispense out of bulk food bin with flour. Discontinue and use an handled scoop to prevent possible contamination from soiled hands.

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 590.004/4-204.119-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Warewashing Sinks and Drain boards Self-Draining (C)

Inspector’s notes

One of the 3 drain plugs is damaged and not allowing for the proper usage at the 3 bay sink. Replace.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of the single door upright Admiral freezer with excess frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from Sept. 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 22, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 15, 2025

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Preparation sink obsered being blocked by plastci containers and other non-food related products. Discontinue and maintain preparation sink clear from any non food related items.

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Cooked chicken and beef pastelitos in the small front service hot holding unit at 70F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above. Pastelitos to be removed and reheated to 165F to ensure no bacterial growth.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther

Official wording

Sponges Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sponges being used at the 3 bay sink. Discontinue use.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.004/4-202.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Plastic bowl being used to dispense out of bulk food bin with flour. Discontinue and use an handled scoop to prevent possible contamination from soiled hands.

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 590.004/4-204.119-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Warewashing Sinks and Drain boards Self-Draining (C)

Inspector’s notes

One of the 3 drain plugs is damaged and not allowing for the proper usage at the 3 bay sink. Replace.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interior of the single door upright Admiral freezer with excess frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove. Unit was functioning properly at the time of the inspection.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from Sept. 2025. Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 15, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 10, 2025

Passed

7 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Large pot of cooked chicken observed being left out at room temperature (68F). Discontinue and ensure proper cooling methods are in place.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Light out above stove top. Replace.

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 590.004/4-302.12-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No food thermometers availabel at the time of the inspection. Provide.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Poriton of ceiling in the basemet damaged. Address and make any necessary repairs.

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
criticalCode 590.007/7-206.12-PPests

Official wording

Rodent Bait Stations (P)

Inspector’s notes

Open block of poison observed on the basement floor. Discontinue use.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 10, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 9, 2025

Failed

7 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide proper sanitizing solution.

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 590.003/3-501.15-PFFood temperature

Official wording

(A )Cooling Methods (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Large pot of cooked chicken observed being left out at room temperature (68F). Discontinue and ensure proper cooling methods are in place.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Light out above stove top. Replace.

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 590.004/4-302.12-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Food Temperature Measuring Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No food thermometers availabel at the time of the inspection. Provide.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Poriton of ceiling in the basemet damaged. Address and make any necessary repairs.

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
criticalCode 590.007/7-206.12-PPests

Official wording

Rodent Bait Stations (P)

Inspector’s notes

OPen block of poison observed on the basement floor. Discontinue use.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 9, 2025 · Original Source

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