The Andover Health Division regularly inspects restaurants and stores that serve and sell food. Andover News reviewed reports from health inspections conducted during the month of November.
It’s important to note it’s not unusual for a restaurant to have a few minor infractions in a report. It’s also worth noting the health division only resumed inspections this year after curtailing them in March 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The reports do not always reflect the nuances of the regulations, and very few establishments will have ‘no violations’,” Andover Public Health Director Thomas Carbone said when we posted restaurant inspection reports from June 1 through Aug. 21. “Our inspection program is designed to assist the establishments in providing a safe product for their customers; compliance with the food code is the best way to ensure that safety.”
Andover News publishes reports monthly. Look for December’s inspection reports in early December.
The reports below are broken into three categories: restaurants, stores and other establishments, which can include schools, daycare centers, nursing homes, hotels and other facilities that serve food.
Restaurants
The Bistro, 10 Campanelli Drive, on Oct. 25: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No handwashing signage available at handwashing sink behind bar area.
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed consumer advisory on menu board and on paper menus missing footnote.
- Observed hood sticker with next service due in “October 2022,” PIC states hood has been cleaned this month and existing sticker will be replaced.
- No food permit available on site.
The Bistro, 10 Campanelli Drive, RE-INSPECTION on Nov 14: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
The Chateau Restaurant, 131 River Road, on Nov. 23: 2 violations, 0 repeat violations
- Observed multiple shellstock tags kept in container with no date written on them of when last shell from container was sold/used.
- Observed ice machine with accumulation of what appears to be mold around chute area.
- Observed strainer being stored inside of handwashing sink at bar area.
- Observed bulk containers of clam fry and cornmeal not labeled with common name of food/ingredient they contain.
- Observed pizza slicer being stored in container of water at room temperature.
- Observed employees cooking and prepping food wearing bracelets and/or watches.
- Observed allergen certificate with an expiration date of “12/19/2021.”
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM and allergen certificates adjacent to food permit in public view.
Chili’s Grill & Bar, 131 River Road, on Nov. 23: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Elm Square Oyster Company, 2 Elm Square, on Nov. 23: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- Observed multiple shellstock tags kept in container with no date written on them of when last shell from container was sold/used.
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM and allergen certificates adjacent to food permit in public view.
Gati Thai Bistro, 12 Post Office Avenue, on Oct. 25: 5 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No written procedure or kit available for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events at time of inspection.
- Observed handwashing sink closest to entrance of kitchen not providing water of at least 100ºF. Handwashing sink also observed with decreased water pressure.
- Observed ice machine with what appears to be mold on front of chute.
- Observed container of bean sprouts sitting out of temperature control near in-line refrigerator across from grill.
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed beef and other items on menu that PIC states can be cooked to order missing asterisks next to items.
- Observed covered container of hard-boiled eggs in the process of cooling in refrigerator at time of inspection.
- Observed bags of frozen raw shrimp sitting out of temperature control in the process of thawing in warewashing area.
- Observed metal scoops in bulk containers of dry ingredients with their handles making contact with ingredient/food.
- No quaternary sanitizer testing strips available at time of inspection.
Gati Thai Bistro, 12 Post Office Avenue, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 14: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed metal scoops in bulk containers of dry ingredients with their handles making contact with ingredient/food.
Grassfields Food & Spirits, 207 North Main Street, on Nov. 22: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- Observed plates of stuffed mushrooms being stored on top of oven at 123ºF.
- Observed multiple containers of in-use utensils being stored in water below 135ºF.
- Observed several boxes and containers of foods being stored on floor of walk-in freezer.
- Observed bleach sanitizer testing strips with an expiration date in “2020.”
- No covered receptacle available in unisex employee toilet room at time of inspection for the proper disposal of sanitary napkins.
- PIC to replace batteries in dish plate thermometer to accurately test high-temperature warewashing machine.
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM and allergen certificates adjacent to food permit in public view.
Mootone, 15 Railroad Street, on Nov. 15: 3 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No handwashing soap available at handwashing sink in kitchen area upon arrival to inspection.
- Observed handwashing sink in kitchen area to be inaccessible upon arrival to inspection due to buckets being stored directly in front of it and cutting board being stored on top of sink.
- Observed ice machine with slight accumulation of what appears to be mold around chute area.
- Observed incomplete consumer advisory on paper take-out menus and absent consumer advisory on menus used in restaurant.
- Observed pH strips with an expiration date in “2015.” PIC to obtain new pH testing strips to accurately test pH of sushi rice.
- Observed sushi rice lab testing results dated “2014” in establishment’s HACCP binder.
- Observed ample amounts of grease on side of fryer, on floor behind fryers, and under grill in kitchen area.
- Observed food permit posted in public view with in expiration date in “2021.”
Ninety-Nine Restaurant, 464 Lowell Street, on Nov. 28: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Oak & Iron Brewing Co, 18 Red Spring Road, on Nov. 1: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
OTTO Pizza, 27 Main Street, on Oct. 27: 4 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No written procedure or kit available for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events.
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed ice machine with slight accumulation of what appears to be mold on sides of chute.
- Observed diced tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and roasted corn all in top section of in-line refrigerator between 43-45ºF upon arrival to inspection. Observed salads in cabinet section of unit at 45ºF. PIC adjusted thermostat on unit during time of inspection and temperatures returned to 41ºF.
- No written procedure or method being used for pizza held under TPHC for slices.
- No quaternary sanitizer testing strips available at time of inspection.
OTTO Pizza, 27 Main Street, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 14: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Palmer’s Restaurant & Tavern, 18 Elm Street, on Nov. 22: 3 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No disposable paper towels available at handwashing sink at bar or in prep kitchen at time of inspection.
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed low-temperature warewashing machine not dispensing a detectable amount of bleach sanitizer after being run for multiple cycles and replacing bleach sanitizer bottle attached to machine.
- Observed incomplete consumer advisory on paper menus.
- Observed containers of cooked mushrooms and onions in the process of cooling wrapped tightly with plastic wrap.Observed containers of in-use utensils being stored in water below 135ºF.
- Observed cutting board across from toaster with deep scratches, scores, and discoloration.
- No covered receptacle available in unisex toilet room at time of inspection for the proper disposal of sanitary napkins.
- Observed allergen certificate with an expiration date of “1/7/2022.”
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM and allergen certificates adjacent to food permit in public view.
Pazzo Pizza Company, 10 Main Street, on Oct. 27: 4 violations, 0 repeat violations
- Observed bag of fresh mussels in “True” branded single-door refrigerator without shellstock tag.
- Through discussion with PIC and staff, burgers are cooked to order. PIC to ensure foods that may be served or ordered raw/undercooked or contain raw or undercooked ingredients (such as hamburger, steak tips, undercooked eggs, etc.) are identified on menu by asterisking them to a footnote that states, “these items are served raw or undercooked, or contain (or may contain) raw or undercooked ingredients” in addition to a reminder that states, “Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.”
- Observed covered container of spaghetti in the process of cooling in refrigerator at time of inspection.
- Observed chicken breasts in the process of cooling on sheet pans near stove between 70-72ºF.
- Observed container of pasta in refrigerator at 52ºF that PIC was cooked yesterday.
- Observed pizza cutters being kept in buckets containing sanitizer.
- Observed container of raw ground beef being stored above bags of produce.
- Observed expired bleach sanitizer testing strips at time of inspection.
- No allergen statement available on menus.
Pazzo Pizza Company, 10 Main Street, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 15: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- Observed container of pasta in refrigerator at 52ºF that was cooked yesterday.
- OBSERVED PIZZA CUTTERS BEING KEPT IN BUCKETS CONTAINING SANITIZER UPON ARRIVAL TO RE-INSPECTION. EMPLOYEE EMPTIED BUCKETS DURING TIME OF RE-INSPECTION.
- OBSERVED QUATERNARY SANITIZER TESTING STRIPS INSTEAD OF BLEACH SANITIZER STRIPS.
Sebastian’s Cafe, 200 Brickstone Square, on Nov. 21: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed pan with large portion of grilled chicken breasts in the process of cooling in walk-in refrigerator.
- No handwashing signage available at handwashing sink to left of pizza in-line refrigerator at time of inspection.
- Observed ice machine with slight accumulation of what appears to be mold/residue on back of plastic chute guard.
- Observed expired food permit on site at time of inspection.
Teatone, 17 Railroad Street, on Oct. 25: 2 violations, 0 repeat violations
- Observed knives on magnetic knife strip with accumulation of food particles on blades.Observed deli slicer with slight accumulation of food particles on back of blade.
- Observed raw chicken wings and cooked pork both in “Coca Cola” branded single-door refrigerator at 44ºF and 51ºF. PIC states raw chicken was placed in unit over an hour and a half ago and has not been used.
- Observed buckets of sauce being stored directly on floor of walk-in refrigerator.
- Observed multiple dry storage containers not labeled with common name of ingredient/food they contain.
- Observed plastic barrel containing duck sauce to be heavily soiled on both interior and exterior.
- Observed exterior of “Coca Cola” branded single-door refrigerator to be soiled with food residues.
Teatone, 17 Railroad Street, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 15: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Yella, 16 Post Office Avenue, on Nov. 16: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- Observed multiple shellstock tags kept in container with no date written on them of when last shell from container was sold/used.
- Observed two metal pans with large portions of beef short rib in the process of cooling in two door refrigerator upon arrival to inspection.
- Observed one employee not wearing a hair restraint while prepping/cooking foods.
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM and allergen certificates adjacent to copy of food permit in public view.
Stores
Mobil Gas, 13 River Road, on Oct. 27: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No written procedure or kit available for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Provided PIC with written procedure for how to respond to a bodily spill.
Other Establishments
Andover Country Club 19th Hole, 60 Canterbury Street, on Nov. 16: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Andover Country Club Pool & Tennis Facility, 60 Canterbury Street, on Nov. 16: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Corporate Cafe & Catering LLC, 18 New England Business Center Drive, on Nov. 22: 2 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed incomplete consumer advisory on menu board and on paper menus.
- Observed hood sticker with an expiration date of “September 2022.”
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM and allergen certificates adjacent to food permit in public view.
Corporate Chefs, 6 Tech Drive, on Nov. 1: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Crest Collaborative – Branch Cafe, 20 Shattuck Road, on Nov. 15: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Crest Collaborative – Broadway Cafe, 20 Shattuck Road, on Nov. 15: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- PIC could not locate irreversible registering temperature indicator at time of inspection to test high-temperature warewashing machine.
- Observed quaternary sanitizer testing strips with an expiration date of “Aug 15, 2022.”
- Observed hood sticker indicating next service due “October 2022.”
Crest Collaborative – Broadway Cafe, 20 Shattuck Road, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 28: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Eurest Dining (Raytheon), 50 Minuteman Road, RE-INSPECTION on Oct. 25: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Honeybee, 101 Summer Street, on Nov. 1: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test non-commercial high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
Kindercare Learning Center, 511 South Main Street, on Oct. 27: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No handwashing signage available at handwashing sink in kitchen area.
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- No food thermometer available on site at time of inspection.
- Observed expired quaternary sanitizer testing strips available at time of inspection.
Kindercare Learning Center, 511 South Main Street, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 14: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Lanam Club, 260 North Main Street, on Nov. 15: 2 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed ice machine with slight accumulation of what appears to be mold and soil residues on front of plastic chute guard.
- Observed incomplete consumer advisory on paper menus. Consumer advisory missing footnote.
- No allergen certificate on site at time of inspection.
- Discussed with PIC to obtain current copy of food permit
La Quinta Inn and Suites, 131 River Road, on Nov. 23: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
The Learning Experience, 161 River Road, on Nov. 1: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
The Learning Experience, 161 River Road, on Nov. 14: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
LTD Refreshments, 40 Shattuck Road, on Nov. 16: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Marland Place – Bistro Area, 15 Stevens Street, on Nov. 21: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Marland Place – Main Dining, 15 Stevens Street, on Nov. 21: 2 violations, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed chicken salad, sliced tomatoes, and hard-boiled eggs all in top section of in-line refrigerator at 46ºF, 52ºF, and 54ºF respectively. Observed containers of foods listed above to be double-panned in unit which may be contributing to elevated temperatures.
- Observed quaternary sanitizer testing strips with an expiration date of “November 2021.”
Melmark New England, 461 River Road, on Nov. 21: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Nexdine, 95 Old River Road, on Nov. 22: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed ice machine with cubed ice with slight accumulation of what appears to be mold/residue on plastic chute guard.
- Observed plastic container with large portion of cooked chicken in the process of cooling in walk-in refrigerator.
- Observed employees cooking and prepping food wearing bracelets and watches.
- Observed CFPM certificate with an expiration date of “11/10/2022.”
Next Generation Children’s Center, 516 South Main Street, on Nov. 16: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- Observed low-temperature warewashing machine not dispensing a detectable amount of bleach sanitizer after being run for multiple cycles.
- Discussed with PIC to post CFPM certificates adjacent to food permit and allergen certificate.
Primrose School of Andover, 503 Main Street, on Oct. 25: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No certified food protection manager certificate available on site at time of inspection.
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- Observed ice machine with slight accumulation of what appears to be mold/residue on sides of chute.
- Observed food thermometer appearing to have dead batteries. PIC to replace batteries in thermometer to ensure it is readily accessible to take temperatures of foods.
- Observed food thermometer appearing to have dead batteries.
- Observed PIC’s allergen certificate with an expiration date of “12/29/2021.”
Primrose School of Andover, 503 South Main Street, RE-INSPECTION on Nov. 14: 0 violations, 0 repeat violations
Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggets Pond Road, on Nov. 28: 1 violation, 0 repeat violations
- No irreversible registering temperature indicator available to test non-commercial high-temperature warewashing machine at time of inspection.
- No bleach sanitizer testing strips available at time of inspection.
- Observed expired food permit on site from “2021.”