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Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Dana Farber Cancer Institute Cafeteria

450 Brookline Av

Last inspected May 21, 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

12 inspections

Inspection

May 21, 2026

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Build up of soils under dish machine. 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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Mice droppings on floor in rear corner of dry storage room. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection.

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, May 21, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 13, 2026

Failed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Build up of soils under dish machine. 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 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Mice droppings on floor in rear corner of dry storage room. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection.

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, May 13, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 3, 2026

Report filed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Worn cutting boards on serving line

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

Built up soils on doors and handles of refrigeration units on serving line

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 590.004/4-901.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment and Utensils Air-Drying Required (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wet nesting clean equipment

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 3, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 12, 2025

Passed

6 recorded violations

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 - Pizza prep/kitchen/ware washing

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 590.003/3-304.15-POther

Official wording

(A) Gloves Use Limitation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed employees leaving and returning to food prep wearing disposable gloves observed multiple employees multasking handling equipment utensils etc wearing disposable glove

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Worn cutting boards - Prep/serving line/kitchen

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.005/5-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

Capacity-Quantity and Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hot water at hand sink on line 66 F (plumbing arrived and will be able to repair after 3 PM) A sink on the line has been temporarily Another hand sink is located between pizza and food line

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 walls door attachment - Prep/Ware washing/locker and bathrooms

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 wood on shelving on serving line Rust on grease traps (ware washing)

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, Aug 12, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 5, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

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 - Pizza prep/kitchen/ware washing

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 590.003/3-304.15-POther

Official wording

(A) Gloves Use Limitation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed employees leaving and returning to food prep wearing disposable gloves observed multiple employees multasking handling equipment utensils etc wearing disposable glove

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Worn cutting boards - Prep/serving line/kitchen

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.005/5-103.11-PFOther

Official wording

Capacity-Quantity and Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hot water at hand sink on line 66 F (plumbing arrived and will be able to repair after 3 PM) A sink on the line has been temporarily Another hand sink is located between pizza and food line

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 walls door attachment - Prep/Ware washing/locker and bathrooms

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 wood on shelving on serving line Rust on grease traps (ware washing)

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, Aug 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 10, 2025

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Replace the missing door at the 4 door refrigeration unit. (PIC stating part is ordered)

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 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clean the floor under/around the cook line to remove soils/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, Feb 10, 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

Aug 19, 2024

Passed

5 recorded violations

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

Bowls pans etc not inverted storage

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
criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Roasted mushroom 57 F Cheese 51 F

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
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

Fried chicken 128 F - Discarded from 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
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Prepacked foods for grab and go are not properly labeled

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils on doors to employee locker room

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, Aug 19, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 2, 2024

Failed

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Roasted mushroom 57 F Cheese 51 F

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
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

Fried chicken 128 F - Discarded from 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
majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Prepacked foods for grab and go are not properly labeled

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 590.004/4-903.11-C1Equipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Bowls pans etc not inverted storage

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Soils on doors to employee locker room

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, Aug 2, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 18, 2024

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dish machine with Chlorine sanitizer Disk 154 F Chlorine 0PPM Placed out of service and dish company called All ware washing will be performed in 3 bay sink with Smartpower sanitizer at 700 PPM

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 18, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 16, 2024

Failed (extension granted)

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

In use food containers including squeeze type on serving line not labeled with common name

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution per code

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 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Spinach 57 F Cut lettuce 57 F Cooked broccoli 57 F

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 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Prepackaged for grab and go not properly labeled with Business name address and list of ingredients (baked goods bread at salad bar and some cold holding items)

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
majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dish machine with Chlorine sanitizer Disk 154 F Chlorine 0PPM Placed out of service and dish company called All ware washing will be performed in 3 bay sink with Smartpower sanitizer at 700 PPM

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 590.004/4-602.12-CFood temperature

Official wording

Cooking and Baking Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Built up soils on cooking and baking equipment Remove foil from equipment

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 590.004/4-903.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Knives stored between equipment on serving line

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 590.005/5-501.13-COther

Official wording

Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide covers for all waste receptacles

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Health permit not paid

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 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 2, 2024

Failed

9 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

In use food containers including squeeze type on serving line not labeled with common name

In plain English

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

More about other finding
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)

Inspector’s notes

Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution per code

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 590.003/3-501.16-PFood temperature

Official wording

(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Spinach 57 F Cut lettuce 57 F Cooked broccoli 57 F

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 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Prepackaged for grab and go not properly labeled with Business name address and list of ingredients (baked goods bread at salad bar and some cold holding items)

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
majorCode 590.004/4-501.112-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Mechanical Warewashing Equipment Hot Water Sanitization Temperatures (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

High temp dish machine with Chlorine sanitizer Disk 154 F Chlorine 0PPM Placed out of service and dish company called All ware washing will be performed in 3 bay sink with Smartpower sanitizer at 700 PPM

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 590.004/4-602.12-CFood temperature

Official wording

Cooking and Baking Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Built up soils on cooking and baking equipment Remove foil from equipment

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 590.004/4-903.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Knives stored between equipment on serving line

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 590.005/5-501.13-COther

Official wording

Receptacles (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide covers for all waste receptacles

In plain English

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

More about other finding
notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

2024 Health permit not paid

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 2, 2024 · Original Source

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