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Retail Food · Boston, MA

Sam's Market

500 River St

Last inspected Apr 9, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Passed
ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

9 inspections

Inspection

Apr 9, 2026

Passed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of chips shewed into and mice droppings remove chips clean and sanitize area. Provide current pest control report.

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 9, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 31, 2026

Hearing scheduled

4 recorded violations

minorCode 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

clean establishment to remove pet odors.

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 590.006/6-302.11-PFOther

Official wording

Toilet Tissue Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No toilet paper availability provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of chips shewed into and mice droppings remove chips clean and sanitize area. Provide current pest control report.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

observed kitty inside the store animals not allowed on premises remove.

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 31, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 24, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 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

clean establishment to remove pet odors.

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 590.006/6-302.11-PFOther

Official wording

Toilet Tissue Availability (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No toilet paper availability provide.

In plain English

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

More about other finding
majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Evidence of chips shewed into and mice droppings remove chips clean and sanitize area. Provide current pest control report.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

observed kitty inside the store animals not allowed on premises remove.

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 24, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

May 14, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-701.11-PContamination

Official wording

Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed expired food items. Remove expired food items and ensure staff is trained on expired foods.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide door sweeps to exterior doors to help prevent rodents from coming in.

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, May 14, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

May 7, 2025

Failed

2 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-701.11-PContamination

Official wording

Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed expired food items. Remove expired food items and ensure staff is trained on expired foods.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-202.15-COther

Official wording

Outer Openings Protected (C)

Inspector’s notes

Provide door sweeps to exterior doors to help prevent rodents from coming in.

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, May 7, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 22, 2024

Passed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-701.11-PContamination

Official wording

Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few food items that were expired. Remove all expired foods from the store. Kirkland - Almond Milk 8/09/2024 Ensure- 05/01/24 Several TV dinners- Lean Cuisine- Nov 20222 Smart One-7/01/24

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
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sweep and clean floor throughout the store to remove debris.

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 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a cat in the back of the store. Remove cat

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, Aug 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 15, 2024

Failed

3 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-701.11-PContamination

Official wording

Discarding or Reconditioning Unsafe Adulterated or Contaminated Food (P)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a few food items that were expired. Remove all expired foods from the store. Kirkland - Almond Milk 8/09/2024 Ensure- 05/01/24 Several TV dinners- Lean Cuisine- Nov 20222 Smart One-7/01/24

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
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Sweep and clean floor throughout the store to remove debris.

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 590.006/6-501.115-PFOther

Official wording

Prohibiting Animals (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Observed a cat in the back of the store. Remove cat

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, Aug 15, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

May 23, 2024

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple boxes and food items being stored on the floor. Ensure that food items and boxes are being stored 6 inches from the ground.

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
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed debis on the floor through out the store. Clean/sweep floor to remove debis. Ensure that you are cleaning in the corners and remove all boxes and uncessary items throughout the store. Clean and organize the back room.

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

Hand sink is not accessible and items are being stored inside the sink. Remove items in front of the hand sink and remove items inside the sink.

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
majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

No paper towel or means to dry hands in the employee bathroom. Provide paper towels or means to dry hands in the bathroom.

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, May 23, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

May 14, 2024

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed multiple boxes and food items being stored on the floor. Ensure that food items and boxes are being stored 6 inches from the ground.

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 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing

Official wording

Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink is not accessible and items are being stored inside the sink. Remove items in front of the hand sink and remove items inside the sink.

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 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed debis on the floor through out the store. Clean/sweep floor to remove debis. Ensure that you are cleaning in the corners and remove all boxes and uncessary items throughout the store. Clean and organize the back room.

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 paper towel or means to dry hands in the employee bathroom. Provide paper towels or means to dry hands in the bathroom.

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, May 14, 2024 · Original Source

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