Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center

Name: Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center
Address: 49 Harvard Wy, Boston, MA

49 Harvard Wy

Last inspected Sep 28, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

Read Reviews on Google

Passed

Get the next inspection, free.

We'll email you when Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center has a new health inspection. No spam, one-click unsubscribe.

Own this restaurant? Add an inspection badge to your website · Inspection prep checklist

Repeat problemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

10 inspections

Inspection

Sep 28, 2026

Passed

3 recorded violations

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

Chicken in the grill area (steam table)- 112F. PIC discarded and replaced chicken- 153F. Ensure staff is checking the chicken temperature before placing on the steam table. Chicken- 110F Spot light area. PIC removed chicken and replaced chicken 159F. Ensure staff is setting the heat burner on the hot holding units to the correct temperature. Heater was on 10. PIC switched to 50.

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 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few scored and worn cutting boards. Replace boards.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few hood stickers expired in August. Exterior of the hoods were clean. Contact licensed company to inspect and update stickers.

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, Sep 28, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 17, 2026

Failed

3 recorded violations

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

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-501.12-COther

Official wording

Cutting Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few scored and worn cutting boards. Replace boards.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few hood stickers expired in August. Exterior of the hoods were clean. Contact licensed company to inspect and update stickers.

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, Sep 17, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 19, 2026

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed no signage on the self serving buffets. "Please use utensils". Please provide signage.

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-P1Food temperature

Official wording

(A)(1) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)

Inspector’s notes

Took temperature of the chicken in the hot holding unit chicken- 130F . PIC asked the staff to remove and reheat. Chicken 165F.

In plain English

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 at the 3 bay sink (behind the bakery). Provide test kit.

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No means to dry hands at the handsink between the walk in and hot holding unit (near the grill) Provide means to dry hands

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, Mar 19, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 11, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed no signage on the self serving buffets. "Please use utensils". Please provide signage.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

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

Took temperature of the chicken in the hot holding unit chicken- 130F . PIC asked the staff to remove and reheat. Chicken 165F.

In plain English

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 at the 3 bay sink (behind the bakery). Provide test kit.

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 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No means to dry hands at the handsink between the walk in and hot holding unit (near the grill) Provide means to dry hands

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, Mar 11, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jun 18, 2025

Report filed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Food employee observed with unrestrained beard. Provide hair restraint.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Stained ceiling tile outside basement kitchen elevator. Determine source of moisture and make all 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 18, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 20, 2024

Passed

6 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food worker don clean gloves without first washing hands. Corrected on site. Retrain staff.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.002/2-401.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food workers eating in the kitchen. Corrected on site.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

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

Rolling rack of foods for next day breakfast not date marked. Corrected on site.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

criticalCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food employees touching ready to eat cheese and fruit with bare hands. Foods voluntarily discarded. Retrain staff.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walkin cooler floor with soils. 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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rolling rack of pastry obstructing bakery handsink rolling rack obstructing kitchen handsink. Corrected on site.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 20, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

May 13, 2024

Failed

6 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food worker don clean gloves without first washing hands. Corrected on site. Retrain staff.

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.002/2-401.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Eating Drinking or Using Tobacco (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food workers eating in the kitchen. Corrected on site.

In plain English

This covers things like hair restraints, jewelry, clean clothing, eating or drinking in food prep areas, touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands, or not having a sick-employee policy.

More about employee hygiene or health policy issues

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

Rolling rack of foods for next day breakfast not date marked. Corrected on site.

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

criticalCode 590.003(C)/3-301.11-PHandwashing

Official wording

Preventing Contamination from Hands (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed food employees touching ready to eat cheese and fruit with bare hands. Foods voluntarily discarded. Retrain staff.

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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

Walkin cooler floor with soils. 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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Rolling rack of pastry obstructing bakery handsink rolling rack obstructing kitchen handsink. Corrected on site.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, May 13, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 3, 2024

Not required

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jan 3, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 12, 2023

Passed

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed staff preparing products without properly washing hands- Corrected on site

In plain English

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

More about other finding

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Priorityviolations noted on inspection report Provide information to the Health Department for approval of a HACCP for the acidification of rice

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 590.003/3-302.15-COther

Official wording

Washing Fruits and Vegetables (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed employees cutting vegetables without previously washing- Corrected on site

In plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Both handwashing sinks at the coffee station covered at the time of the inspection- Review with all staff

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 590.008/8-201.13-COther

Official wording

When a HACCP Plan is Required (C)

Inspector’s notes

Rice at the action station is being acidified and at the time of the inspection was at 54F-60F The location does not have an approved HACCP for the rice At the time of the inspection the rice was tested and was at 4.3ph Discontinue the process acidifying sushi rice to serve in ambient temperatures until a HACCP is approved by the Health Department Reviewed with Principal Inspector Diane Chalifoux Judge at the time of the inspection

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 12, 2023 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 3, 2023

Failed

5 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.002/2-301.14-POther

Official wording

When to Wash (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed staff preparing products without properly washing hands- Corrected on site

In plain English

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

More about other finding

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

Priorityviolations noted on inspection report Provide information to the Health Department for approval of a HACCP for the acidification of rice

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 590.003/3-302.15-COther

Official wording

Washing Fruits and Vegetables (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed employees cutting vegetables without previously washing- Corrected on site

In plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Both handwashing sinks at the coffee station covered at the time of the inspection- Review with all staff

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 590.008/8-201.13-COther