Eating & Drinking · Boston, MA

The White Bull

Name: The White Bull
Address: 1 Union St, Boston, MA

1 Union St

Last inspected Jul 16, 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

9 inspections

Inspection

Jul 16, 2026

Passed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Beer tap hose observed dispensing inside food prep sink. Discontinue

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 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

2 bay food prep sink observed direct to waste. Missing air gap. PIC to provide detailed plumbers report on the cost of install of an air gap to: inca.prince@boston.gov *** Additional food prep sink on site (upstairs observed in compliance) If an airgap is installed prior to compliance inspection: A Permit must be secured from Inspectional Services Plumbing Division prior to Commencement of any Plumbing work. Additionally a final approval from the plumbing inspector is required before a reinspection may be scheduled

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 problems

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Restroom handsink on site observed missing employee must wash hands 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.

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ceiling tiles observed missing downstairs in the kitchen area. Provide

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

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide Allergen Awareness Certificate. Post current Allergen Awareness Certificate

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 16, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 8, 2026

Failed

5 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s notes

Beer tap hose observed dispensing inside food prep sink. Discontinue

In plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

criticalCode 590.005/5-402.11-PWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Backflow Prevention (P)

Inspector’s notes

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 problems

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Restroom handsink on site observed missing employee must wash hands 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.

Official wording

Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)

Inspector’s notes

Ceiling tiles observed missing downstairs in the kitchen area. Provide

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

notedCode L1Other

Official wording

No wording provided in the official record.

Inspector’s notes

PIC unable to provide Allergen Awareness Certificate. Post current Allergen Awareness Certificate

In plain English

A plain-English explanation is being prepared. The official wording is the authoritative record.

More about inspection finding

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 8, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 6, 2025

Passed

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 6, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 4, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Inspector’s notes

Reoair the ceiling in the kitchen with visible cracks and water damage

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

minorCode 590.006/6-202.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Light Bulbs Protective Shielding (C)

Inspector’s notes

Address the light issue above the deli / sandwich case

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, Apr 4, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 28, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

When inquiring about a manager n o one took charge - no food safety / allergen awareness certificates on site either - Address - scheduled a re-inspection for Thursday March 27th 2025

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 590.006/6-201.16-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Wall and Ceiling Coverings and Coatings (C)

Inspector’s notes

Reoair the ceiling in the kitchen with visible cracks and water damage

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

minorCode 590.006/6-202.11-CFacility maintenance

Official wording

Light Bulbs Protective Shielding (C)

Inspector’s notes

Address the light issue above the deli / sandwich case

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, Mar 28, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 25, 2025

Failed

1 recorded violation

majorCode 590.002(A)/2-101.11-PFPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

When inquiring about a manager n o one took charge - no food safety / allergen awareness certificates on site either - Address - scheduled a re-inspection for Thursday March 27th 2025

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 25, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 16, 2024

Passed

6 recorded violations

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

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

No current allergen awareness nor food safety certificates on site - address

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

majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

The consumer advisory is written too vaguely - make the necessary corrections we discussed - [ seafood - shellfish - eggs- beef - game animals and the other items discussed ] also need to enhance the font size on the consumer advisory

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 590.004/4-204.120-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Equipment Compartments Drainage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clearly identify each basin of the three bay sink in the proper flow we discussed during inspection

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 problems

minorCode 590.004/4-204.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment Openings Closures and Deflectors (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink in the basement / prep area in the back is missing a barrier on the right side that happens to be directly beside a prep table without any protection from soiled hands - address

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 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Replace compromised chlorine test strips

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 590.004/4-803.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Storage of Soiled Linens (C)

Inspector’s notes

Keep soiled aprons / uniforms in a segragated container with a lid of sort -keep soiled linen bag elevated off the floors a minimum of six inches during storage - ensure these soiled linens are segragated enough so that the clean linen will not get compromised - address

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 16, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 8, 2024

Failed

6 recorded violations

majorCode 590.004/4-302.14-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

Sanitizing Solutions Testing Devices (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

Replace compromised chlorine test strips

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 590.004/4-803.11-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Storage of Soiled Linens (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 590.002(C)/2-102.12-CPermits, training, and postings

Official wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s notes

No current allergen awareness nor food safety certificates on site - address

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

majorCode 590.003/3-603.11-PFFood temperature

Official wording

Consumption of Animal Foods that are Raw Undercooked or Not Otherwise Processed to Eliminate Pathogens (Pf)

Inspector’s notes

In plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

minorCode 590.004/4-204.120-CWater, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

Equipment Compartments Drainage (C)

Inspector’s notes

Clearly identify each basin of the three bay sink in the proper flow we discussed during inspection

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 problems

minorCode 590.004/4-204.12-CEquipment and utensils

Official wording

Equipment Openings Closures and Deflectors (C)

Inspector’s notes

Hand sink in the basement / prep area in the back is missing a barrier on the right side that happens to be directly beside a prep table without any protection from soiled hands - address