Eating & Drinking w/ Take Out · Boston, MA

El Centro

474 Shawmut Av

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

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Passed

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SteadyThe last two inspections recorded a similar number of violations. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was El Centro last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 9, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 3 violations recorded, none marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 13 inspections on record, from Jan 10, 2024 to Nov 9, 2026.
Has El Centro ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 13 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 10, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

13 inspections

Inspection

Nov 9, 2026

Passed

3 recorded violations

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

A couple of menu items are missing the proper disclosure / reminder - Make the necessary corrections were needed

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 590.004/4-202.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Clean all cutting boards with lacerations and visible food soils where needed

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Clean the vents in the hood system where needed from all visible grease and grime

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, Nov 9, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Oct 29, 2026

Failed

3 recorded violations

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

A couple of menu items are missing the proper disclosure / reminder - Make the necessary corrections were needed

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-202.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Food-Contact Surfaces-Cleanability (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Clean all cutting boards with lacerations and visible food soils where needed

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 590.004/4-202.18-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Ventilation Hood Systems Filters (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Clean the vents in the hood system where needed from all visible grease and grime

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 29, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Apr 23, 2026

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official Wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s Notes

All food handlers need proper hair restraints when working with exposed foods and preperation address where needed

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

Official Wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Ensure there is a designated PIC / Manager in place during all hours of business to address food safety and to oversee the day to day operations

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

Official Wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Post copies of both the current food safety and allergen awareness certificates of the on site manager in a conspicuous location of the restaurant as discussed

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

Several items on the menu that are offered under cooked do not have the proper disclosure / reminder - identify as we discussed with aan astrik [*] and then the astik by the verbiage [*] consumption of raw or under cooked .... to coincide with that particular item

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Apr 23, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Mar 3, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene

Official Wording

Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)

Inspector’s Notes

All food handlers need proper hair restraints when working with exposed foods and preperation address where needed

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

Official Wording

Assignment (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Ensure there is a designated PIC / Manager in place during all hours of business to address food safety and to oversee the day to day operations

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

Official Wording

(A) Certified Food Protection Manager (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Post copies of both the current food safety and allergen awareness certificates of the on site manager in a conspicuous location of the restaurant as discussed

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

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Mar 3, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 25, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

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

Observed raw beef stored inside refrigerated drawers between 45F-48F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS

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

Observed meat pans soiled with blood spills inside refrigerated drawers in main kitchen. Clean to remove all spills

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

Observed no paper towels at handsink inside main kitchen. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all handsinks are fully stocked with paper towels. COS

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-501.16-COther

Official Wording

Drying Mops (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed wet mops stored on floor in basement prep area. Remove and ensure mops are properly stored upright for air drying

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, Jul 25, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 18, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

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

Observed raw beef stored inside refrigerated drawers between 45F-48F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. COS

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

Observed meat pans soiled with blood spills inside refrigerated drawers in main kitchen. Clean to remove all spills

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

Observed no paper towels at handsink inside main kitchen. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all handsinks are fully stocked with paper towels. COS

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-501.16-COther

Official Wording

Drying Mops (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed wet mops stored on floor in basement prep area. Remove and ensure mops are properly stored upright for air drying

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, Jul 18, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Feb 5, 2025

Passed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored in kitchen and walk in cooler unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit adjacent fron hand sink. Provide

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed low temp dish machine in prep kitchen testing @ 0ppm. Discussed with PIC to contact company for services and use 3 bay compartment sink at this time - Quats 300ppm

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed leak underneath rinse bay @ 3 compartment sink. Contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide a plumbers report

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, Feb 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jan 29, 2025

Failed

4 recorded violations

minorCode 590.003/3-302.12-COther

Official Wording

Food Storage Containers Identified with Common Name of Food (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored in kitchen and walk in cooler unidentified. Provide a label with the common name of food item stored inside

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit adjacent fron hand sink. Provide

In Plain English

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature

majorCode 590.004/4-204.117-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Warewashing Machines Automatic Dispensing of Detergents and Sanitizers (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed low temp dish machine in prep kitchen testing @ 0ppm. Discussed with PIC to contact company for services and use 3 bay compartment sink at this time - Quats 300ppm

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 590.005/5-205.15-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

System Maintained in Good Repair (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed leak underneath rinse bay @ 3 compartment sink. Contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide a plumbers report

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, Jan 29, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 19, 2024

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit near prep table in kitchen. Provide and ensure thermometers are in all refrigerated units.

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

Observed ice machine filter with heavy dust and soiled rice bulk container. Clean to remove all soils / dust

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, Nov 19, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Nov 12, 2024

Failed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.004/4-204.112-CFood temperature

Official Wording

Temperature Measuring Devices-Functionality (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed no thermometer inside reach in unit near prep table in kitchen. Provide and ensure thermometers are in all refrigerated units.

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

Observed ice machine filter with heavy dust and soiled rice bulk container. Clean to remove all soils / dust

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, Nov 12, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection