Inspection
Apr 29, 2026
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 29, 2026 · Original Source
Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA
Purple Cactus
674 Centre St
Last inspected Apr 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
Passed
Get the next inspection, free.
We'll email you when Purple Cactus has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.
Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
11 inspectionsInspection
Jul 15, 2025
Passed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Inspector’s notes
Please clean the hood filters on the cooking line. Hood sticker good until Aug 2025
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)
Inspector’s notes
PIC will need to fix the leak in the ceiling from the rain in the warewashing area. PIC is working with owner of the build now.
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 15, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Jul 9, 2025
Failed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)
Inspector’s notes
Please clean the hood filters on the cooking line. Hood sticker good until Aug 2025
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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)
Inspector’s notes
PIC will need to fix the leak in the ceiling from the rain in the warewashing area. PIC is working with owner of the build now.
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 9, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Mar 21, 2025
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 temperature dishwasher rinse gauge not working. A new dishwasher was delivered and it cam in broken and another one is on the way. PIC will have the plumber install the washer when it delivered. At the plate it was 170.4F. PIC stated that it will take another 2 weeks for another one to come in and a week to get installed. Please let me know if its repaired before re-inspection date.
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 temperatureOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 21, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Mar 17, 2025
Failed
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 temperature dishwasher rinse gauge not working. A new dishwasher was delivered and it cam in broken and another one is on the way. PIC will have the plumber install the washer when it delivered. At the plate it was 170.4F. PIC stated that it will take another 2 weeks for another one to come in and a week to get installed. Please let me know if its repaired before re-inspection date.
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 temperatureOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 17, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Aug 26, 2024
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
Bulk food containers not labeled. Please provide labels.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther
Official wording
Service Sink (C)
Inspector’s notes
Location has a mop sink in the kitchen area. PIC stated that she has a variance to use the toilet. Mop sink in kitchen is not used. PIC will need to print variance and post.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s notes
Hand sink at front counter leaking from faucet. Please have repaired.
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 26, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Aug 19, 2024
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
Bulk food containers not labeled. Please provide labels.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther
Official wording
Service Sink (C)
Inspector’s notes
Location has a mop sink in the kitchen area. PIC stated that she has a variance to use the toilet. Mop sink in kitchen is not used. PIC will need to print variance and post.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s notes
Hand sink at front counter leaking from faucet. Please have repaired.
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 19, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Jan 17, 2024
Report filed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.004/4-202.16-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood-Contact Surfaces (C)
Inspector’s notes
As discussed please replace the caulking behind three 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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-202.11-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Light Bulbs Protective Shielding (C)
Inspector’s notes
PIC will need to repair or replace light sheild above three bay sink.
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 issuesOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 17, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 8, 2023
Passed
2 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination
Official wording
Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)
Inspector’s notes
Open mop sink in kitchen. Enclose or install away from food equipment and paper products.
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 contaminationcriticalCode 590.005/5-203.14-PWater, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Backflow Prevention Device When Required (P)
Inspector’s notes
Prep sink drain not indirect to use / no air gap. Provide. continue to use a collander until repaired
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 8, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 24, 2023
Failed (extension granted)
13 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-302.15-COther
Official wording
Washing Fruits and Vegetables (C)
Inspector’s notes
Wash produce before cutting (romaine greens).
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingcriticalCode 590.002/2-301.12-PCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Procedure (P)
Inspector’s notes
Employee wiping hands on soiled apron. Discontinue. Properly wash and dry hands as trained. PIC instructed employee.
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 problemsminorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination
Official wording
Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)
Inspector’s notes
Open mop sink in kitchen. Enclose or install away from food equipment and paper products.
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 contaminationminorCode 590.003/3-501.15-CFood temperature
Official wording
(B) Cooling Methods (C)
Inspector’s notes
Foods stored in deep containers to cool. Other recently prepped foods covered. Review proper procedures and verify cooling.
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 temperatureminorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther
Official wording
Sponges Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s notes
Using sponge to clean food contact surfaces. Discontinue.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils
Official wording
Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)
Inspector’s notes
Can opener blade worn. Replace. Irrversible thermometer not working. Pressure gauge not working on dishmachine. Repair.
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 issuesminorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Inspector’s notes
Carbon build up on grill and interior of oven. Foil on the pipes. Remove and maintain clean.
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 problemsminorCode 590.004/4-603.16-COther
Official wording
Rinsing Procedures (C)
Inspector’s notes
Employee soaking in 1st bay washing in 2nd bay and then sanitizing without rinsing in between. Follow proper procedures to Wash-rinse -sanitze. PIC corrected during the inspection.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingcriticalCode 590.005/5-203.14-PWater, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Backflow Prevention Device When Required (P)
Inspector’s notes
Prep sink drain not indirect to use / no air gap. Provide. continue to use a collander until repaired
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsminorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
System Maintained in Good Repair (C)
Inspector’s notes
Pressure on hand sinks fluctuate when warewash water is running in kitchen. Leaks at 3 bay hand sink and waste pipe in basement. 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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)
Inspector’s notes
Ceiling tiles missing or broken in restroom and dry storage. 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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dripping grease on hood filters. Clean to remove. Schedule cleaning due in November.
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 problemscriticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals
Official wording
Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)
Inspector’s notes
Chlorine solution for wiping cloths exceeds 200PPM. Corrected by PIC.
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelyOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 24, 2023 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 17, 2023
Failed
13 recorded violations
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.12-PCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Procedure (P)
Inspector’s notes
Employee wiping hands on soiled apron. Discontinue. Properly wash and dry hands as trained. PIC instructed employee.
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 problemsminorCode 590.003/3-302.15-COther
Official wording
Washing Fruits and Vegetables (C)
Inspector’s notes
Wash produce before cutting (romaine greens).
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination
Official wording
Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)
Inspector’s notes
Open mop sink in kitchen. Enclose or install away from food equipment and paper products.
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 contaminationminorCode 590.003/3-501.15-CFood temperature
Official wording
(B) Cooling Methods (C)
Inspector’s notes
Foods stored in deep containers to cool. Other recently prepped foods covered. Review proper procedures and verify cooling.
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 temperatureminorCode 590.004/4-101.16-COther
Official wording
Sponges Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s notes
Using sponge to clean food contact surfaces. Discontinue.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.004/4-501.11-CEquipment and utensils
Official wording
Good Repair and Proper Adjustment-Equipment (C)
Inspector’s notes
Can opener blade worn. Replace. Irrversible thermometer not working. Pressure gauge not working on dishmachine. Repair.
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 issuesminorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Inspector’s notes
Carbon build up on grill and interior of oven. Foil on the pipes. Remove and maintain clean.
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 problemsminorCode 590.004/4-603.16-COther
Official wording
Rinsing Procedures (C)
Inspector’s notes
Employee soaking in 1st bay washing in 2nd bay and then sanitizing without rinsing in between. Follow proper procedures to Wash-rinse -sanitze. PIC corrected during the inspection.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingcriticalCode 590.005/5-203.14-PWater, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Backflow Prevention Device When Required (P)
Inspector’s notes
Prep sink drain not indirect to use / no air gap. Provide. continue to use a collander until repaired
In plain English
The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.
More about water, plumbing, or sewage problemsminorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
System Maintained in Good Repair (C)
Inspector’s notes
Pressure on hand sinks fluctuate when warewash water is running in kitchen. Leaks at 3 bay hand sink and waste pipe in basement. 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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance
Official wording
Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)
Inspector’s notes
Ceiling tiles missing or broken in restroom and dry storage. 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 issuesminorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s notes
Dripping grease on hood filters. Clean to remove. Schedule cleaning due in November.
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 problemscriticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals
Official wording
Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)
Inspector’s notes
Chlorine solution for wiping cloths exceeds 200PPM. Corrected by PIC.
In plain English
Cleaning products, pesticides, or other chemicals were stored or labeled in a way that could let them get into food. This is serious because chemical contamination can make people sick quickly.
More about chemicals stored or used unsafelyOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 17, 2023 · Original Source