Inspection
Oct 31, 2024
Not required
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 31, 2024 · Original Source
Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA
The Purple Shell
11 W Broadway
Last inspected Oct 31, 2024 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗
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ImprovingThe latest inspection recorded fewer violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.
The full inspection history
7 inspectionsInspection
Aug 1, 2024
Passed
8 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Expired food safety certificate. Provide
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 issuesmajorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Missing testing device for low temp dishmachine. Provide
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 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Inspector’s notes
Exterior of refrigeration units observed with heavy food soils. Clean to remove Interior of all refrigeration and freezer units observed with food spills and debris. Clean to remove. Exterior of dishmachine with heavy debris and food soils. Clean to remove Exterior of rice cooker with food soils and debris 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 problemsmajorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed soiled equipment and food soils inside designated handsinks. Retrain staff on proper use of handsinks
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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Multiple handsinks missing soap. Provide at all times
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Signage (C)
Inspector’s notes
Handsink at bar missing signage. Provide
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed rodent activity behind refrigeration units and next to fryer. Clean to remove and provide updated 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 insectsmajorCode 590.008/8-103.12-PFOther
Official wording
Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Logging of sushi accidification not logged per proper guidelines since 7/1/24. Advised pic to retrain staff to log properly daily.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 1, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Jul 24, 2024
Failed
8 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Expired food safety certificate. Provide
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 issuesmajorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Missing testing device for low temp dishmachine. Provide
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 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Inspector’s notes
Exterior of refrigeration units observed with heavy food soils. Clean to remove Interior of all refrigeration and freezer units observed with food spills and debris. Clean to remove. Exterior of dishmachine with heavy debris and food soils. Clean to remove Exterior of rice cooker with food soils and debris 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 problemsmajorCode 590.005/5-205.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Observed soiled equipment and food soils inside designated handsinks. Retrain staff on proper use of handsinks
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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Multiple handsinks missing soap. Provide at all times
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Signage (C)
Inspector’s notes
Handsink at bar missing signage. Provide
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 problemsminorCode 590.006/6-501.111-CPests
Official wording
Controlling Pests (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed rodent activity behind refrigeration units and next to fryer. Clean to remove and provide updated 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 insectsmajorCode 590.008/8-103.12-PFOther
Official wording
Conformance with Approved Procedures (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Logging of sushi accidification not logged per proper guidelines since 7/1/24. Advised pic to retrain staff to log properly daily.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 24, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 27, 2024
Passed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Current servesafe expired. Provide and post accordingly
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 issuescriticalCode 590.003/3-101.11-PContamination
Official wording
Safe Unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P)
Inspector’s notes
Observed unwrapped food products in the deep freezer with heavy ice build up. Advised pic to remove and assure proper storage of products in all refrigeration units .
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 590.004/4-101.16-COther
Official wording
Sponges Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed heavy soiled sponges being utilized for wiping purposes. Discard and discontinue use.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed heavy soils and food debris on the interior and exterior of refrigeration units. 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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Missing soap at handsink. Provide
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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther
Official wording
Hand Drying Provision (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Missing paper towels at hand sink. Provide
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s notes
Hood sticker exp 12/23. Provide valid inspection sticker or proof of scheduled cleaning.
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 590.006/6-501.18-CWater, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)
Inspector’s notes
Heavy food soils and debris on interior and exterior of all handsink fixtures. Clean to remove
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Fees outstanding for 2024 Health Permit. Provide
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 27, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 20, 2024
Failed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings
Official wording
(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)
Inspector’s notes
Current servesafe expired. Provide and post accordingly
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 issuescriticalCode 590.003/3-101.11-PContamination
Official wording
Safe Unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P)
Inspector’s notes
Observed unwrapped food products in the deep freezer with heavy ice build up. Advised pic to remove and assure proper storage of products in all refrigeration units .
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 590.004/4-101.16-COther
Official wording
Sponges Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed heavy soiled sponges being utilized for wiping purposes. Discard and discontinue use.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.004/4-601.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
(B) and (C) Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces Nonfood-Contact Surfaces and Utensils (C)
Inspector’s notes
Observed heavy soils and food debris on the interior and exterior of refrigeration units. 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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.11-PFHandwashing
Official wording
Handwashing Cleanser Availability (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Missing soap at handsink. Provide
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 problemsmajorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther
Official wording
Hand Drying Provision (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
Missing paper towels at hand sink. Provide
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingminorCode 590.006/6-501.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Cleaning Ventilation Systems Nuisance and Discharge Prohibition (C)
Inspector’s notes
Hood sticker exp 12/23. Provide valid inspection sticker or proof of scheduled cleaning.
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 590.006/6-501.18-CWater, plumbing, and sewage
Official wording
Cleaning of Plumbing Fixtures (C)
Inspector’s notes
Heavy food soils and debris on interior and exterior of all handsink fixtures. Clean to remove
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 problemsnotedCode L1Other
Official wording
No wording provided in the official record.
Inspector’s notes
Fees outstanding for 2024 Health Permit. Provide
In plain English
A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.
More about inspection findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 20, 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
Sep 28, 2023
Passed
6 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/sanitze all equipment and and food contact surfaces in all affected areas.
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 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official wording
Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)
Inspector’s notes
Clean/sanitize floors/walls all affected locations due to sprinkler break.
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 590.005/5-205.15-PFacility maintenance
Official wording
System Maintained in Good Repair (P)
Inspector’s notes
2 sprinklers went off in the dining area.Repair sprinkler heads & affected pipes. Provide necessary documentation from a licensed company before approval to re-open
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 590.006/6-101.11-COther
Official wording
Surface Characteristics-Indoor Areas (C)
Inspector’s notes
Ceiling observed heavily damaged from a sprinkler discharge.Repair ceiling locations as needed.
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
Make all necessary repairs to all wall & ceiling surfaces equipment and life safety mechanisms. Obtain clearance from ISD building department prior to being allowed to reopen. Email all pertinent work orders receipts and invoices to isdhealth@boston.gov.
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 issuesmajorCode 590.008/8-404.11-PFOther
Official wording
(A) Ceasing Operations and Reporting (Pf)
Inspector’s notes
A sprinkler pipe break occured on 2/5/23 at the location. Dining room & parts of the kitchen floors were flooded with ceilings damaged. PIC instructed to have pipe repaired wall/ceiling damage repaired clean and disinfect all affected floors & walls and surfaces and provide all cleaning & repair documentation to isdhealth@boston.gov. Establishment must be re-inspected by Building & Health divisions prior to approval to re-open.
In plain English
An issue that does not fit the common categories. Check the official wording for details.
More about other findingOfficial record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Sep 28, 2023 · Original Source