BOSTON – A local restaurant chain has temporarily closed two of its Boston locations in the city after inspections revealed a series of health violations, including unsanitary working conditions that appear to be linked to a salmonella outbreak in the area, officials said Friday.
Los Amigos Taqueria, at 366 Washington St. in Brighton, had its license to operate suspended after an inspection Thursday, according to the city.
An ISD report posted on the “Mayors Food Court” page states, “There are multiple reports of a foodborne illness from items consumed at this location.”
“All food has been seized. The owner has been instructed not to handle any food at this time without approval from the Health Division,” inspectors wrote in the report.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Boston Public Health Commission said: “The Boston Public Health Commission, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Boston Department of Inspectional Services are investigating an emerging Salmonella outbreak linked to the Los Amigos Taqueria restaurant in Brighton, affecting residents of Brighton. , Boston and the greater Boston area.”
An inspection of the interior walls and ceilings of one of the restaurant’s walk-in units also revealed “visible soiling and a mold-like substance,” the report said. Several wire shelves also had visible rust.
The restaurant was docked for not having sanitizer at work and prep stations and inspectors also ordered Los Amigos to clean the inside of chest freezers to remove excess ice build-up.
The restaurant’s “certified food handlers” certificate was also said to have expired.
“We encourage residents who visited the Brighton location between May 12 and 18 to monitor themselves for symptoms of Salmonella infection, including fever, diarrhea and abdominal pain, and to contact a health care provider for evaluation and testing if appropriate,” the BPHC said. added
Los Amigos’ second Boston location, 1741 Center Street in West Roxbury, also had its license to operate suspended after an inspection on Friday.
This location had “no verifiable evidence of illness policy training,” no one monitored the temperature of food being cooked, spatulas were stored in standing water, onions and salsa verde were stored on the floor, and there were no thermometers in cold storage units in the front and in the grill drawers, according to inspectors.
The city said “multiple rodent droppings” were also found on cans of pineapple, bags of pinto beans, disposable drink holders and storage tables.
Friends also has locations in Brookline, Newton and Somerville.
The Newton location currently remains open and is unaffected by reports of foodborne illness, Boston 25 has learned.
Boston 25 has reached out to the restaurant chain for comment, as well as health officials in Brookline and Somerville.
Below is a list of key facts about Salmonella:
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella are germs (bacteria) that cause an infectious disease (called “salmonellosis”) of the intestine in humans and animals. Although the disease is usually limited to the gut, and most infected people do not have serious medical complications, the salmonella germ can spread to other body systems, such as the blood and bones. This can cause serious complications in babies and the very old or immunocompromised.
What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?
The most common symptoms are stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 72 hours after the germs are ingested. Symptoms usually last for several days. Some people with salmonellosis become ill enough to require hospitalization.
How is Salmonella spread?
Germs must be swallowed to cause disease. This usually happens when someone eats food that has been contaminated with germs and has not been handled, prepared or cooked properly. Germs can also be spread when people don’t wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers, or handling reptiles. People who have the germs on their hands can become infected by eating, smoking or touching their mouths. They can also spread germs to anyone or anything they touch, especially food, which can make others sick if not cooked enough to kill the germs. Salmonella is commonly spread from person to person in daycare centers and other settings where hygiene may be poor.
What types of food are most likely to spread Salmonella?
Salmonella germs are common in raw animal food products, such as eggs, eggs, meat, meat products, poultry, unpasteurized milk, and other unpasteurized dairy products. However, thorough cooking and processing will kill the germ. Salmonella can be in any type of food if salmonella germs get into it. A food handler with salmonella can pick up germs in food if they do not wash their hands thoroughly before preparing the food.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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