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Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

Equis Pica Pollo

600 Blue Hill Av

Last inspected Jan 28, 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

5 inspections

Inspection

Jan 28, 2026

Passed

10 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed an employee returning from outside and failing to washing hands before resuming work duties. Ensure that all employees are trained properly on handwashing procedures.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No posted Allergen training observed on site. Post and ensure staff training is provided.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed Plantains storted inside the three compartment sink./ Discontinue. PIC stated the prep sinks leaks when filled with water resulting in standing water.

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-PFood temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed diced plantains held at ambient temperature of 60F Cold TCS food must be maintained at 41F or below to prevent 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
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrong test strips on site. Provide accurate testing strip for quat sanitizer

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Compartment three bay sink observed missing drain plugs/ Provide

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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Water pipe stored in the handsink. Discontinue . The hand sink needs to be accessible.( corrected on site) There was a handsink in the front that was accessible and stocked where the employee could wash their hands)

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed the handwashing sink with improper plumbing configuration. Drain and water supply lines are not properly installed and show signs of leaking. Repair

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired Dec.29.25. Provide updated sticker

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 proper allergen warning on menus PIC to post current Site Cleanliness License . Violation being issued for the non-payment of the 2026 Health Permit.Address and pay in full

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 28, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 16, 2026

Failed

10 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed an employee returning from outside and failing to washing hands before resuming work duties. Ensure that all employees are trained properly on handwashing procedures.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No posted Allergen training observed on site. Post and ensure staff training is provided.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed Plantains storted inside the three compartment sink./ Discontinue. PIC stated the prep sinks leaks when filled with water resulting in standing water.

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-PFood temperature

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Observed diced plantains held at ambient temperature of 60F Cold TCS food must be maintained at 41F or below to prevent 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
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Wrong test strips on site. Provide accurate testing strip for quat sanitizer

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 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)

Inspector’s notes

Compartment three bay sink observed missing drain plugs/ Provide

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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Water pipe stored in the handsink. Discontinue . The hand sink needs to be accessible.( corrected on site) There was a handsink in the front that was accessible and stocked where the employee could wash their hands)

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed the handwashing sink with improper plumbing configuration. Drain and water supply lines are not properly installed and show signs of leaking. Repair

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 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood sticker observed expired Dec.29.25. Provide updated sticker

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 proper allergen warning on menus PIC to post current Site Cleanliness License . Violation being issued for the non-payment of the 2026 Health Permit.Address and pay in full

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, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 14, 2025

Passed

1 recorded violation

minorCode 590.005/5-501.11-COther

Official wording

Outdoor Storage Surface (C)

Inspector’s notes

Outside area around the dumpster with what appears to be rodent burrows. Address and resurface to limit any rodent activity.

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, Oct 14, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 9, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

12 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Knives observed being stored in between wall and 3 bay sink. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.

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

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a 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 590.004/4-101.16-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
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Single door upright refrigeration unit operating at 55F. Discontinue use unless the unit is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. Wooden storage shelves in the main koitchen areamade of unfinished wood. Discontinue and resurface with a non-toxic material ensuring all surfaces remain cleanabel durable and smooth. Compressor inside of the walk-in cooler dripping on boxes of food. Address and make any necessary repairs. Door handle missing on the inside of the walk-in cooler. 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 available 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood Filters visibly soiled. 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
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Drainage pipe to the hand sink disconnected. Address and make any necessary repairs.

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 590.005/5-501.11-COther

Official wording

Outdoor Storage Surface (C)

Inspector’s notes

Outside area around the dumpster with what appears to be rodent burrows. Address and resurface to limit any rodent activity.

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

Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from July 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of fruit fly activity in the main kitchen. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Remove all unecessary equipment from the rear of the building.

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, Oct 9, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 25, 2025

Failed

11 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Knives observed being stored in between wall and 3 bay sink. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.

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

Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a 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 590.004/4-101.16-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
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Single door upright refrigeration unit operating at 55F. Discontinue use unless the unit is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. Wooden storage shelves in the main koitchen areamade of unfinished wood. Discontinue and resurface with a non-toxic material ensuring all surfaces remain cleanabel durable and smooth. Compressor inside of the walk-in cooler dripping on boxes of food. Address and make any necessary repairs. Door handle missing on the inside of the walk-in cooler. 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 available 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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood Filters visibly soiled. 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
minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Drainage pipe to the hand sink disconnected. Address and make any necessary repairs.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from July 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (C)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of fruit fly activity in the main kitchen. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the 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
minorCode 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s notes

Remove all unecessary equipment from the rear of the building.

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 25, 2025 · Original Source

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