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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Citra A Fresh Cafe

221 Longwood Av

Last inspected Mar 27, 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

11 inspections

Inspection

Mar 27, 2026

Passed

10 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

No proof of a full time on site CFPM who is certified in allergen awareness

In plain English

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

More about inspection finding
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed not hand washing during inspection Observed food handler donning on clean glove without washing hand

In plain English

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

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

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handler not wearing hair restraint

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
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No full time on site certified food protection manager

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

In use utensils stored on top of lids with food residue on them

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 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths not stored in a 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Old labels on clean food contact surfaces in storage

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

Observed food handler dumping liquids into hand sink

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

Built up soils on floors walls attachments and ceilings throughout

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Exposed wooden surface on window sill

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, Mar 27, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 20, 2026

Failed

10 recorded violations

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

No proof of a full time on site CFPM who is certified in allergen awareness

In plain English

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

More about inspection finding
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed not hand washing during inspection Observed food handler donning on clean glove without washing hand

In plain English

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

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

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food handler not wearing hair restraint

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
majorCode 590.002(B)/2-102.11-PFOther

Official wording

(A) (B) and (C)(1) (4)-(16) Demonstration (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No full time on site certified food protection manager

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

In use utensils stored on top of lids with food residue on them

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 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths not stored in a 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Old labels on clean food contact surfaces in storage

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

Observed food handler dumping liquids into hand sink

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

Built up soils on floors walls attachments and ceilings throughout

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Exposed wooden surface on window sill

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, Mar 20, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 18, 2025

Report filed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Built up soils on interior and exterior of all refrigeration units

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 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

No theremometer in open front Grab and Go refrigeration units - Customer Self Service

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

No plugs for 3 bay sink - Using disposable gloves as drain plugs

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
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Clean bottles containers etc in storage with old labels on them

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

Built up soils on floors walls and attachments prep/serving line Built up soils on wire shelving

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Walls and attachments chipped paint including pipe and wall vent behind equipment

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, Sep 18, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 10, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Built up soils on interior and exterior of all refrigeration units

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 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s notes

No theremometer in open front Grab and Go refrigeration units - Customer Self Service

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

No plugs for 3 bay sink - Using disposable gloves as drain plugs

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
majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Clean bottles containers etc in storage with old labels on them

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

Built up soils on floors walls and attachments prep/serving line Built up soils on wire shelving

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Walls and attachments chipped paint including pipe and wall vent behind equipment

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, Sep 10, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 9, 2025

Passed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide labels on all bulk containers in the storage room.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-502.13-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Use Limitations (C)

Inspector’s notes

Remove all cardboard from the wire rack shelving unit.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the interior of the bread freezer to remove food debris.

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, Apr 9, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 26, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide labels on all bulk containers in the storage room.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-502.13-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Single-Service and Single-Use Articles-Use Limitations (C)

Inspector’s notes

Remove all cardboard from the wire rack shelving unit.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the interior of the bread freezer to remove food debris.

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, Mar 26, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 31, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 20, 2024

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.14-COther

Official wording

Food Preparation (C)

Inspector’s notes

No food prep sink - Making salads and fruit salad Variance to use middle bay approved

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

No service sink - PIC stated mop water is dumped in 3 bay sink - Discontinue Variance approved to use mop sink in Medical building on site

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 20, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 12, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

10 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.14-COther

Official wording

Food Preparation (C)

Inspector’s notes

No food prep sink - Making salads and fruit salad

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

No "Use Utensil" sign at bake goods cabinet - Customer self service

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No test kit for 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 590.004/4-903.11-C1Equipment and utensils

Official wording

(A) (B) and (D) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles Storing (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean equipment above 3 bay sink not inverted

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 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

No service sink - PIC stated mop water is dumped in 3 bay sink - Discontinue

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Built up soils on ceiling fixtures and walls/attachements behind equipment - Prep/ware washing areas

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 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

No signage reminding employees to wash hands at hand sink - back area near upright refrigeration units

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Personal items stored in food and food container storage Unnecessary articles stored in storage room (storage room cluttered) Using milk and soda crates for shelving and storage - Ware washing/prep area

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Loose ceiling tiles in seating area and storage room

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide 2024 Health permit - Our records indcate permit it not paid for 2024

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, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 29, 2024

Failed

10 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.14-COther

Official wording

Food Preparation (C)

Inspector’s notes

No food prep sink - Making salads and fruit salad

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

No "Use Utensil" sign at bake goods cabinet - Customer self service

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No test kit for 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 590.004/4-903.11-C1Equipment and utensils

Official wording

(A) (B) and (D) Equipment Utensils Linens and Single-Service and Single-Use Articles Storing (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean equipment above 3 bay sink not inverted

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 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s notes

No service sink - PIC stated mop water is dumped in 3 bay sink - Discontinue

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Built up soils on ceiling fixtures and walls/attachements behind equipment - Prep/ware washing areas

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 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

No signage reminding employees to wash hands at hand sink - back area near upright refrigeration units

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Personal items stored in food and food container storage Unnecessary articles stored in storage room (storage room cluttered) Using milk and soda crates for shelving and storage - Ware washing/prep area

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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Loose ceiling tiles in seating area and storage room

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
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

Provide 2024 Health permit - Our records indcate permit it not paid for 2024

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, Jan 29, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 6, 2023

Report filed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the ceiling tiles above the prep counter to remove soils.

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, Dec 6, 2023 · Original Source

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