Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Food 4 Thought Cafe

Name: Food 4 Thought Cafe
Address: 145 Harrison Av, Boston, MA

145 Harrison Av

Last inspected Mar 11, 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

8 inspections

Inspection

Mar 11, 2026

Passed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide labels on all grab n go items in the display case listing all ingredients.

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

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

There is a partial payment remaining for the 2026 Health Permit(MS license) Provide payment Email ISDHealth@Boston.gov to request a bill & payment link Provide an Allergy warning on the menu

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, Mar 11, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 3, 2026

Failed

2 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Provide labels on all grab n go items in the display case listing all ingredients.

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

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

There is a partial payment remaining for the 2026 Health Permit(MS license) Provide payment Email ISDHealth@Boston.gov to request a bill & payment link Provide an Allergy warning on the menu

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, Mar 3, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Dec 1, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food product obsevred stored on ground. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.

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 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple foods observed without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.

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 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer in 3 bay sink tested at 0ppm by PIC. Corrected on site. Ensure proper testing and use of 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

majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Milk at coffee bar observed expired on 11.20.25. Discarded. Monitor expiration dates.

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, Dec 1, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 24, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food product obsevred stored on ground. Elevate to prevent potential contamination.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.003/3-501.17-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Ready-To-Eat Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Date Marking (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Multiple foods observed without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer than 24 hours.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-303.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Agents and Sanitizers Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer in 3 bay sink tested at 0ppm by PIC. Corrected on site. Ensure proper testing and use of 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

majorCode 590.006/6-404.11-PFOther

Official wording

Segregation and Location-Distressed Merchandise (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Milk at coffee bar observed expired on 11.20.25. Discarded. Monitor expiration dates.

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, Nov 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 24, 2025

Passed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

At the time of the inspection there was no Allergen Certification present. Provide at the time of the re-inspection.

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

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

Half and Half inside of the single door True refrigeration unit with an elevated temperature of 49F and visibly spoiled. Remove and ensure all foods are being checked prior to and while in the unit.

In plain English

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

Single door True refrigeration unit with an elevated temperature of 45F. Discontinue use unless the unit is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. All TCS foods to be removed from the unit until it is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F.

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, Jul 24, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 17, 2025

Failed

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

At the time of the inspection there was no Allergen Certification present. Provide at the time of the re-inspection.

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

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

Half and Half inside of the single door True refrigeration unit with an elevated temperature of 49F and visibly spoiled. Remove and ensure all foods are being checked prior to and while in the unit.

In plain English

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

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, Jun 17, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 25, 2024

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

Several squeeze bottles filled with dressings/sauces have no labels. Provide.

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

Spray arm at the 3 bay sink is taped together (preventing it from leaking). 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 25, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 23, 2023

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Interiors of unused refrigerators with spills and debris. Store clean to avoid attracting pests.

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 590.006/6-303.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Intensity-Lighting (C)

Inspector’s notes

Burned out light above warewashing area. Replace as needed.

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 23, 2023 · Original Source