Repeat ProblemsSerious findings or closures appear in two or more of the last three inspections. Review the dated records below.
Quick Answers
When was El Jefe's Taqueria Of Northeastern last inspected?
The most recent inspection on record was on Oct 13, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Passed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?
Yes: 4 violations recorded, including 2 marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?
10 inspections on record, from Nov 21, 2023 to Oct 13, 2026.
Has El Jefe's Taqueria Of Northeastern ever been closed by the health department?
No closure appears in the 10 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Nov 21, 2023.
The Full Inspection History
10 inspections
Inspection
Oct 13, 2026
Passed
4 recorded violations
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.12-PCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Procedure (P)
Inspector’s Notes
No handwashing observed amongst food workers. Corrected on site.
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.
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Inspector’s Notes
Salsa 45F product made within the hour placed on indirect ice to cool to below 41F. Cold well unit is holding at 38F.
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.
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Box of tortilla chips obstructing cookline handsink other cookline handsink found with plastic container inside. Corrected on site.
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.
Small flies evident in warewashing area. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 13, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Oct 5, 2026
Failed
4 recorded violations
criticalCode 590.002/2-301.12-PCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Procedure (P)
Inspector’s Notes
No handwashing observed amongst food workers. Corrected on site.
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.
(A)(2) and (B) Time/Temperature Control for Safety Food Hot and Cold Holding (P)
Inspector’s Notes
Salsa 45F product made within the hour placed on indirect ice to cool to below 41F. Cold well unit is holding at 38F.
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.
Using a Handwashing Sink-Operation and Maintenance (Pf)
Inspector’s Notes
Box of tortilla chips obstructing cookline handsink other cookline handsink found with plastic container inside. Corrected on site.
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.
Small flies evident in warewashing area. Provide updated IPM pest control report upon re inspection. Clean and sanitize all affected areas.
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Oct 5, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Feb 6, 2026
Passed
0 recorded violations
No violations recorded in this inspection.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Feb 6, 2026 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 19, 2025
Passed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution Observed employees filling sanitizing bucket at 3 bay sink (sanitizer was 0 PPM) - corrected on site by PIC
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.
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
Residue on handles of scoops tongs etc. from improper glove use Old label residue on food containers in storage and ware washing
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Built up soils on floors under and behind equipment soils on walls and attachments - Prep/kitchen/cooking line and ware washing
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.
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Remove all unused and unnecessary articles from premises at rear interior of establishment
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Rust on wire shelving along wall in prep/warewashing area Remove all bungee cords from holding food contacts as these are not food grade smooth non-porous and easily cleanable Low hot water pressure at 3 bay sink
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 19, 2025 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 5, 2025
Failed
9 recorded violations
minorCode 590.003/3-304.14-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Wiping Cloths Use Limitation (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution Observed employees filling sanitizing bucket at 3 bay sink (sanitizer was 0 PPM) - corrected on site by PIC
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.
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
Residue on handles of scoops tongs etc. from improper glove use Old label residue on food containers in storage and ware washing
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-201.11-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Floors Walls and Ceilings-Cleanability (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Built up soils on floors under and behind equipment soils on walls and attachments - Prep/kitchen/cooking line and ware washing
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.
Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Remove all unused and unnecessary articles from premises at rear interior of establishment
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.
Repairing-Premises Structures Attachments and Fixtures-Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Rust on wire shelving along wall in prep/warewashing area Remove all bungee cords from holding food contacts as these are not food grade smooth non-porous and easily cleanable Low hot water pressure at 3 bay sink
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.
Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jun 14, 2024 · Original Source
Inspection
Nov 21, 2023
Report filed
3 recorded violations
minorCode 590.002/2-402.11-CEmployee health and hygiene
Official Wording
Effectiveness-Hair Restraints (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Employee missing a hair restraint.Provide
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.
3 bay sink observed leaking.Repair Manager on site stating a plumber is addressing the issue
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.
minorCode 590.006/6-501.13-CCleaning and sanitizing
Official Wording
Cleaning Floors Dustless Methods (C)
Inspector’s Notes
Clean to remove excess water under the 3 bay sink. Maintain the floor clean/dry
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.