Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

Sorelle Cafe

Name: Sorelle Cafe
Address: 280 Congress St, Boston, MA

280 Congress St

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

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

The full inspection history

7 inspections

Inspection

Apr 28, 2026

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Handle of ice scoop obsevred stored in ice. Corrected on site.

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 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

Foods in walk in cooler obsevred without date marking. Packaged sliced cheese and portioned sliced turkey without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer then 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

Detergent on high temperature dish machine observed empty. This was corrected on site. Ensure detergent is availabe at all hours.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Pink soils inside the interior of the ice machine. 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

criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer on production line at 0ppm after tested with chlorine strips. Ensure proper mix and dilute to proper ppm.

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 unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 28, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 21, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Handle of ice scoop obsevred stored in ice. Corrected on site.

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 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

Foods in walk in cooler obsevred without date marking. Packaged sliced cheese and portioned sliced turkey without date marking. Provide for all foods held longer then 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

Detergent on high temperature dish machine observed empty. This was corrected on site. Ensure detergent is availabe at all hours.

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 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Pink soils inside the interior of the ice machine. 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

criticalCode 590.007/7-204.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Sanitizers Criteria-Chemicals (P)

Inspector’s notes

Sanitizer on production line at 0ppm after tested with chlorine strips. Ensure proper mix and dilute to proper ppm.

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 unsafely

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 21, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 14, 2025

Report filed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed employee without hair restraints / provide proper hair restraints for all food prep workers

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

CFPM Certificate expired (05.06.2024)/ Provide updated certified food manager 10/14/15 Appointment Scheduled for Friday 10/24/25 to take the CFPM exam.

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 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Walk-in/ Observed pork stored on top of Ready to eat food/ Properly store all raw foods( Pork) Below Ready to eat foods

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Bulk foods/flour/provide proper scoop with handle for bulk food bin Portion cup observed in use to dispense foods from bulks. Discontinue and provide scoop with handle to prevent contamination by hands

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 issues

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

walk-in fridge observed foods stored directly on ground. Eleveate all foods items at least 6" off 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

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

Tuna Salad on a true salad prep table with refrigerated is 50F. Provide proper cold Holding of 41F or Below

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Front counter interior of double door fridge observed soiled interior and exterior of ice machine located in the kitchen observed soiled interior of the microwave observed with soiled. Clean to remove. Floor Cake Mixer oberved with flour build up/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

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

kitchen/clean floor area under all shelving kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 14, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 1, 2025

Failed

8 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s notes

Observed employee without hair restraints / provide proper hair restraints for all food prep workers

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

CFPM Certificate expired (05.06.2024)/ Provide updated certified food manager

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 590.003/3-302.11-POther

Official wording

Packaged and Unpackaged Food-Separation Packaging and Segregation (P)

Inspector’s notes

Walk-in/ Observed pork stored on top of Ready to eat food/ Properly store all raw foods( Pork) Below Ready to eat foods

In plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.003/3-304.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

In-Use Utensils Between-Use Storage (C)

Inspector’s notes

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 issues

minorCode 590.003/3-305.11-CContamination

Official wording

Food Storage-Preventing Contamination from the Premises (C)

Inspector’s notes

walk-in fridge observed foods stored directly on ground. Eleveate all foods items at least 6" off the ground.

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

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

Tuna Salad on a true salad prep table with refrigerated is 50F. Provide proper cold Holding of 41F or Below

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-601.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

(A) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (Pf)

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

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s notes

kitchen/clean floor area under all shelving kitchen/clean walls to remove dust and 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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 1, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 24, 2024

Passed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Grab and go salads and mixed fruit cups without labels / Provide labels with list of 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

criticalCode 590.004/4-703.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Hot Water and Chemical-Methods (P)

Inspector’s notes

High temperature dish machine rinse temp 121F / Irreversible temperature measuring device reads 150F / Repair machine to provide 180F-194F rinse temperture. Machine will be taken out of service. There is a 2 bay sink on site that can be used with a detergent no rinse sanitizer until machine is repaired.

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 unsafely

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Dish machine appears to be leaking during cycle / 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 issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 24, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Sep 27, 2024

Failed

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.003/3-602.11-PFFood source and labeling

Official wording

Food Labels (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Grab and go salads and mixed fruit cups without labels / Provide labels with list of 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

criticalCode 590.004/4-703.11-PChemicals

Official wording

Hot Water and Chemical-Methods (P)

Inspector’s notes

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 unsafely

minorCode 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s notes

Dish machine appears to be leaking during cycle / 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 issues

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 27, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection