Inspection
Jul 14, 2026
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 14, 2026 · Original Source
Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA
Essential Herb & Juice Cafe
501b Washington St
Last inspected Jul 14, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Passed
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
13 inspectionsInspection
Jan 28, 2026
Passed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Missing Servesafe certificate. Provide and post
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 issuesnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Missing Allergen certificate. Provide and post
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 28, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 21, 2026
Failed (extension granted)
4 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Missing Servesafe certificate. Provide and post
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 issuesmajorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed baked goods without proper labels. Provide labels for all products outside of original packaging.
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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Handsink missing soap. Provide at all times
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Missing Allergen certificate. Provide and post
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 21, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 15, 2026
Failed
4 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Missing Servesafe certificate. Provide and post
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 issuesmajorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling
Official wording
Food Labels (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed baked goods without proper labels. Provide labels for all products outside of original packaging.
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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Handsink missing soap. Provide at all times
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Missing Allergen certificate. Provide and post
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 15, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Aug 6, 2025
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 6, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Mar 7, 2025
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 7, 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 2, 2024
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 2, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 26, 2024
Passed
2 recorded violations
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Provide test kits for the chlorine used in the 3 bay sink
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
2024 health permit has not been paid for / Please make payment ASAP
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 26, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 21, 2024
Hearing scheduled
2 recorded violations
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Provide test kits for the chlorine used in the 3 bay sink
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
2024 health permit has not been paid for / Please make payment ASAP
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 21, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 14, 2024
Failed
2 recorded violations
majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Provide test kits for the chlorine used in the 3 bay sink
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
2024 health permit has not been paid for / Please make payment ASAP
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 14, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 20, 2023
Passed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)
Inspector’s notes
Door to the first basement coffin style freezer is damaged. Repair or 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 problemsmajorCode 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 for the 3 bay sink. 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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
No soap at hand sink located next to the 3 bay sink. Provide.
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 problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 20, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Dec 8, 2023
Failed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)
Inspector’s notes
Door to the first basement coffin style freezer is damaged. Repair or 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 problemsmajorCode 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 for the 3 bay sink. 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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
No soap at hand sink located next to the 3 bay sink. Provide.
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 problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Dec 8, 2023 · Original Source