Retail Food · Boston, MA

Hemenway Variety

91 Westland Av

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

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More Issues RecentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

Quick Answers

When was Hemenway Variety last inspected?: The most recent inspection on record was on Nov 9, 2026. The result listed by Boston Inspectional Services Department was “Failed”.
Were any violations recorded at the last inspection?: Yes: 4 violations recorded, including 1 marked critical. Each one is listed below with the official wording.
How many inspections are on record?: 8 inspections on record, from Jan 3, 2024 to Nov 9, 2026.
Has Hemenway Variety ever been closed by the health department?: No closure appears in the 8 inspection records we hold for this business. The earliest is dated Jan 3, 2024.

The Full Inspection History

8 inspections

Inspection

Nov 9, 2026

Failed

4 recorded violations

criticalCode 590.003/3-101.11-PContamination

Official Wording

Safe Unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P)

Inspector’s Notes

Expired sliced turkey for retail sale. PIC voluntarily discarded.

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

minorCode 590.004/4-602.13-CCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Nonfood Contact Surfaces (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Floors throughout retail area with visible soils under shelving and equipment. Clean floors throughout the business under around & behind shelving and equipment.

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 590.006/6-201.15-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Floor Covering Mats and Duckboards (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Remove all kickplates from bottom of shelving throughout the store for cleaning and pest control access.

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

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Numerous mice droppings observed on bottom shelf in candy aisle. Clean and sanitize all affected areas. Provide an updated Integrated Pest Management pest control report upon re-inspection. The pest control report must be post dated after today’s inspection.Have your pest control operator perform a service prior to the re inspection and as many visits as necessary to provide a clean IPM pest control report with no captures no evidence of pest activity any structural voids and issues have been resolved and that sanitation is at an acceptable level. Increase the frequency of pest control visits until the situation is brought under control. Literature explaining IPM has been provided to the PIC by email.

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 insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Nov 9, 2026 · Original Source

Inspection

Aug 5, 2025

Passed

2 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official Wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Please provide enclosed mop sink make sure licensed plumber applies for proper permits with ISD.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed holes and voids in basement not filled to prevent pest entry; provide door sweep at basement door leading to building to prevent pest entry; provide updated detailed pest control report to damien.yee@boston.gov 7/23/2025: In basement near three-bay sink area observed live large cockroach walking on floor.

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Aug 5, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 23, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

3 recorded violations

minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official Wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Please provide enclosed mop sink make sure licensed plumber applies for proper permits with ISD.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

In the basement there is no signage for the handwashing sink.

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 problems

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

Official record from Boston Inspectional Services Department, Jul 23, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 16, 2025

Failed (extension granted)

7 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-301.15-PFOther

Official Wording

Where to Wash (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Hand sink in basement does not turn on either hot or cold water; the only sink that functions is a 3-bay sink directly next to the handwashing sink.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

criticalCode 590.003/3-101.11-PContamination

Official Wording

Safe Unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P)

Inspector’s Notes

In single door refrigerator observed sour cream expired 6-7-25 roast beef cold cuts expired 6-16-25 and a package of dozen cage free eggs expired 7-1-25. PIC discarded expired items.

In Plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

minorCode 590.005/5-203.13-COther

Official Wording

Service Sink (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Please provide enclosed mop sink make sure licensed plumber applies for proper permits with ISD.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official Wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

In basement at handwashing sink there were no paper towels or air blower to properly dry hands after hand washing.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

In the basement there is no signage for the handwashing sink.

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 problems

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Observed rodent droppings under chips packages and under displays to the right of the cashier station; observed a dead cockroach in basement under wood shelving; observed rodent droppings throughout basement; observed a live mouse on second floor underneath Redbull drinks. Please send a detailed IPM report from a licensed pest control operator to damien.yee@boston.gov with the reports from the beginning of June to 7-9-2025. 7-16-25: Noted old used traps in basement; noted rodent droppings on floor on second floor; noted rodent droppings in basement along walls and noted holes and voids in basement not filled to prevent pest entry; provide door sweep at basement door leading to building to prevent pest entry; provide updated detailed pest control report to damien.yee@boston.gov

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Observed light from under front door due to holes in the bottom of door repair holes so no light is observable. Repair holes in basement to prevent pest entry.

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, Jul 16, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 9, 2025

Failed

6 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-301.15-PFOther

Official Wording

Where to Wash (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Hand sink in basement does not turn on either hot or cold water; the only sink that functions is a 3-bay sink directly next to the handwashing sink.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

criticalCode 590.003/3-101.11-PContamination

Official Wording

Safe Unadulterated and Honestly Presented (P)

Inspector’s Notes

In single door refrigerator observed sour cream expired 6-7-25 roast beef cold cuts expired 6-16-25 and a package of dozen cage free eggs expired 7-1-25. PIC discarded expired items.

In Plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.006/6-301.12-PFOther

Official Wording

Hand Drying Provision (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

In basement at handwashing sink there were no paper towels or air blower to properly dry hands after hand washing.

In Plain English

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

More about other finding

minorCode 590.006/6-301.14-CHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Signage (C)

Inspector’s Notes

In the basement there is no signage for the handwashing sink.

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 problems

majorCode 590.006/6-501.111-PFPests

Official Wording

Controlling Pests (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

In Plain English

More about signs of rodents or insects

minorCode 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Observed light from under front door due to holes in the bottom of door repair holes so no light is observable. Repair holes in basement to prevent pest entry.

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, Jul 9, 2025 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 22, 2024

Report filed

6 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No written procedures and kit I reviewed with the PIC during inspection

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official Wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Using crates for shelving - Raise all items 6" above the floor throughout retail

In Plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Per PIC the hand sink for the bathroom has been removed - Install a hand sink for hand washing only A three bay sink in basement is being used for mop sink and hand washing per PIC

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 problems

minorCode 590.006/6-303.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Intensity-Lighting (C)

Inspector’s Notes

No lighting in stairway to basement and in basement throughout

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Remove all unused and unnecessary articles from basement

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Walls to basement and in basment have openings and are in disrepair

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, Jul 22, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection

Jul 8, 2024

Failed

6 recorded violations

majorCode 590.002/2-501.11-PFCleaning and sanitizing

Official Wording

Clean-up of Vomiting and Diarrheal Events (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

No written procedures and kit I reviewed with the PIC during inspection

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 590.003/3-307.11-CContamination

Official Wording

Miscellaneous Sources of Contamination (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Using crates for shelving - Raise all items 6" above the floor throughout retail

In Plain English

More about food not protected from contamination

majorCode 590.005/5-202.12-PFHandwashing

Official Wording

Handwashing Sinks Installation (Pf)

Inspector’s Notes

Per PIC the hand sink for the bathroom has been removed - Install a hand sink for hand washing only A three bay sink in basement is being used for mop sink and hand washing per PIC

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 problems

minorCode 590.006/6-303.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Intensity-Lighting (C)

Inspector’s Notes

No lighting in stairway to basement and in basement throughout

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 590.006/6-501.114-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

Maintaining Premises Unnecessary Items and Litter (C)

Inspector’s Notes

Remove all unused and unnecessary articles from basement

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 590.006/6-501.11-CFacility maintenance

Official Wording

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

Inspector’s Notes

Stained ceiling tiles in retail Ceiling in disrepair in back/side retail Walls to basement and in basment have openings and are in disrepair

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, Jul 8, 2024 · Original Source

Inspection