Backwoods Pizza

539 Dudley St, Roxbury, MA 02119
Pizza
Last inspected: Apr 15, 2026
86
Score
Low Risk

Backwoods Pizza has been inspected 15 times since 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Apr 15, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Recent visits have produced comparable findings, with counts hovering near six violations per visit.

Looking across the full record, “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces” is the recurring theme, flagged 10 times.

Compared to the broader Roxbury restaurant scene, this is about average. Overall, the inspection record reads well.

15
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 15, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the vents in the hood above the char grille from heavy grease and grime
590.004/4-202.18-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post current food safety certificate on site as we discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all food handlers are wearing proper hair restraints while working with foods
590.002/2-402.11-C
86
Apr 13, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 7 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: A few mwnu items aremissing the p[roper disclosure / reminder - Address where needed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Ensure all food handlers are wearing proper hair restraints while working with foods
590.002/2-402.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post current food safety certificate on site as we discussed
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post a copy of the PIC's current food safety certificate on site
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the vents in the hood above the char grille from heavy grease and grime
590.004/4-202.18-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove heavy grease and grime where needed
590.004/4-202.18-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Enclose where needed to reduce spills snd splashes
590.005/5-203.13-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors throughpout the facility from all visible food spills especially under the equipment
590.006/6-101.11-C
64
Apr 7, 2026
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Consumption of animal foods that are raw undercooked or not otherwise processed to eliminate pathogens (pf)
Inspector notes: A few mwnu items aremissing the p[roper disclosure / reminder - Address where needed
590.003/3-603.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Post a copy of the PIC's current food safety certificate on site
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floors throughpout the facility from all visible food spills especially under the equipment
590.006/6-101.11-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: Enclose where needed to reduce spills snd splashes
590.005/5-203.13-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Clean to remove heavy grease and grime where needed
590.004/4-202.18-C
74
Sep 11, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 9 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed individual packed pasta stored in reach in unit @ 48F over 24hrs per PIC. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC discarded pasta held over 24hrs
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed prep tables in prep kitchen soiled with coffee and food spills; Observed bulk containers and lids inside walk in cooler / underneath prep table in prep kitchen heavily soiled; shelves above and along 3 bay sink / prep tables with heavy dust and grease spills; racks inside pizza station soiled; heavily soiled microwave and soils inside condiment fridge at front counter. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment and maintain cleaning with frequency
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed metal container stored in handsink at prep kitchen. Discussed with PIC to remove and maintain handsinks clear and accessible for handwashing only. COS
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no handsoap at handsink in prep kitchen. Discussed with PIC to maintain handsoap at all handsinks at all times. COS
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple can goods with heavy dents at the seals stored on can good rack. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all are in good condition while stored.
590.003/3-202.15-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hood sticker expired August 2025. PIC contact company while on site. Instructed PIC to submit confirmation of cleaning to the Health Division upon scheduling
590.006/6-501.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed boxes of food stored in walk in on the floor. Remove and ensure all foods are properly stored elevated at least 6" off the floor. Observed cut lettuce stored in stagnant water in reach in unit @ grill station. Discontinue and maintain cut lettuce stored dry
590.003/3-305.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Provide constant running water at 3 bay compartment sink without leaks. Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease on floors under and around fryers. Thoroughly clean to remove all grease
590.006/6-201.11-C
47
May 14, 2025
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease on floor behind fryolator. Move all equipment to thoroughly clean all grease and food debris
590.006/6-201.11-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food debris under lift top of sandwich station; heavy grease build up on sides between flat grill and fryolator. Thoroughly clean clean all equipment
590.004/4-601.11-C
90
May 7, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed can good dented at the seal. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all can goods are in good condition while stored on racks
590.003/3-202.15-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizer on site at all. Discussed with PIC to monitor and maintain sanitizer on site for proper sanitization of food contact surfaces and utensils. COS
590.004/4-303.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food debris under lift top of sandwich station; heavy grease build up on sides between flat grill and fryolator. Thoroughly clean clean all equipment (new violation)
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food debris under lift top of sandwich station; heavy grease build up on sides between flat grill and fryolator. Thoroughly clean clean all equipment
590.004/4-601.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak at prep sink. Contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide plumbers report
590.005/5-205.15-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease on floor behind fryolator. Move all equipment to thoroughly clean all grease and food debris
590.006/6-201.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed screen door opened to in the rear and unable to tightly close. Maintain a tight fitting door to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored inside pizza / sandwich stations and inside single door upright refrigerated unit identified. Provide and maintain labels of the common food stored inside all squeeze bottles
590.003/3-302.12-C
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease on filters. Remove and clean all filters to remove grease
590.004/4-202.18-C
55
Apr 29, 2025
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed can good dented at the seal. Discussed with PIC to monitor and ensure all can goods are in good condition while stored on racks
590.003/3-202.15-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed food debris / spills inside all refrigerated units / freezer at front kitchen area. Thoroughly clean clean all equipment and maintain clean
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizer on site at all. Discussed with PIC to monitor and maintain sanitizer on site for proper sanitization of food contact surfaces and utensils. COS
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Ventilation hood systems filters (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease on filters. Remove and clean all filters to remove grease
590.004/4-202.18-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles stored inside pizza / sandwich stations and inside single door upright refrigerated unit identified. Provide and maintain labels of the common food stored inside all squeeze bottles
590.003/3-302.12-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed leak at prep sink. Contact licensed plumber for repairs and provide plumbers report
590.005/5-205.15-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy grease build up on sides of flat grill and on pipes inside fryolator. Thoroughly clean to remove all grease
590.004/4-601.11-C
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Observed screen door opened to in the rear and unable to tightly close. Maintain a tight fitting door to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
58
Oct 22, 2024
Routine
4 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed evidence of pest activity in kitchen prep. PIC provided detailed report (10/08/24) with evidence of activity. Contact license pest control for bi-weekly services until remedied and provided detail reports to the Health Division]
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple soiled knives stored in knife rack; soiled microwave; food debris inside beverage unit; soiled ice build up in deep freezer. Clean all stated equipment to remove ice / soils / debris
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizer solution on site. Discussed with PIC to maintain sanitizing soution at all times of operation. PIC purchased while on site. Chlorine 100ppm
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed sliced produce / previous made tuna stored in refrigerated units held over 24hrs per PIC without date marking. Provide date marking on all ready to eat foods stored and held over 24hrs in refrigerated unit
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food stored on floor in walk in cooler. Maintain foods elevated 6" off the floor in walk in.
590.003/3-305.11-C
64
May 15, 2024
Routine
3 critical violations. 3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Sanitizers criteria-chemicals (p)
Inspector notes: Observed no sanitizer on site. Discussed with PIC to ensure and maintain sanitizing solution on site at all times for proper sanitization of food contact surfaces and utensils. PIC corrected
590.007/7-204.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food items (cold cuts / raw chicken / pasta / fish) stored in walk in cooler between 45F-47F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below at all times. Observed interior thermometer @ 40F / exterior thermometer with error message which indicates failed sensor. PIC contacted company and vented food items
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed pizza stored outside of hot warmer on 5 tier shelving at counter. Discussed with PIC to maintain hot holding @ 135F and above.
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed broken food thermometer on site. Provide and maintain functioning thermometers
590.004/4-204.112-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed kitchen prep handsink with cup and bowl stored. Discussed with PIC to remove and maintain clear and accessible for handwashing only. Corrected on site
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed food spills / debris stored inside upright 2 door freezer / sandwich station and microwave; soiled knives stored in knife rack. Clean to remove all soils / spills / debris
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Observed sandwich station unit @ 53F. Ensure equipment is in good condition and maintaining required temperatures
590.004/4-501.11-C
Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)
Inspector notes: Observed non-circulation of air inside establishment. Repair to prevent humidity in establishment
590.006/6-202.12-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple squeeze bottles unidentified. Provide a label with common name of food items stored inside.
590.003/3-302.12-C
41
Nov 20, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed shaved steak / raw hamburgers / pizza sauce stored in low boy reach in unit between 48F-52F. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC removed and stored in walk in unit @ 39F. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Observed refrigerated unit not operating and maintaining cold holding @ 41F or below. Repair unit
590.004/4-501.11-C
82
Aug 21, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple food items stored in walk in ranging between 50F - 55F tightly covered. PIC uncovered and stored in refrigerated unit @ 39F. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand soap at hand sink in cooking area. Provide and maintan hand soap at hand sinks at all times. Corrected on site
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed ready to eat food items stored in walk in unit without date marking. Provide date marking on all sliced ready to eat foods stored in walk in and refrigerated units.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled knives stored in knife rack / food debris in upright refrigerated unit with pizza dough and inside sandwich unit / soiled shelves on dunning racks. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all squeeze bottles with the common name of food stored inside
590.003/3-302.12-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide thermometer for walk in unit.
590.004/4-204.112-C
58
Apr 3, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations.
View 3 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed cooked chicken stored in walk in @ 153F in deep plastic bin. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC removed from walk in until proper cooling temp is met. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed food spills / debris inside low boy with deli meats and 2 door upright freezer. Clean to remove all spills / soils Observed soiled knives stored in soiled knife rack and soil/rusted can opener. Clean and maintain clean utensils and replace can opener
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand soap at hand sink near cooking grill. Discussed with PIC to maintain hand soap at hand sinks at all times.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
70
Dec 2, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed raw shave steak @ 48F stored in walk in cooler. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC not monitoring cold holding of food products proper warewashing and cleanliness of the establishment. Discussed with PIC to review / retrain employee on food safety guidelines and proper cleaning procedures. Documents submitted via email
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled knives stored in knife rack. Maintain clean and sanitized knives in knife rack. Observed food debris / spills inside sandwich reach in unit. Clean to remove all spills
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed bowls in hand sink. Discussed with PIC to remove and maintain hand sink clear and accessible for handwashing only. Corrected on site
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy marinara sauce on walls near 2 door freezer. Clean to remove all spills.
590.006/6-501.12-C
61
Jul 18, 2022
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed sliced cold cuts stored in walk in unit held over 24hrs per PIC without date marking. Provide date marking on all ready to eat foods held over 24hrs
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed food spills and soils in refrigerated units / deep freezer. Thoroughly clean all refrigerated units / reach ins / freezers to remove all soils/spills Observed soiled knives stored in soiled knife rack. Clean to remove all soils and maintain only clean and sanitized knives in clean knife rack.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
82
Jul 1, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Observed cold cuts @ 50F stored in reach in unit. Discussed with PIC to maintain cold holding @ 41F or below. PIC removed and replaced with products @ 41F. Corrected on site
590.003/3-501.16-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed sliced cold cuts stored in walk in unit held over 24hrs per PIC without date marking. Provide date marking on all ready to eat foods held over 24hrs
590.003/3-501.17-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC not monitoring the required cold holding temperatures of food or unit. Hood Sticker expired in March 2022. Discussed with PIC to review and retrain employees on food safety guidelines and to contact hood cleaning company immediately for cleaning appointment.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed food spills and soils in refrigerated units / deep freezer. Thoroughly clean all refrigerated units / reach ins / freezers to remove all soils/spills
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)
Inspector notes: Observed hood sticker expired March 2022. Discussed with PIC to contact hood cleaning immediately for appointment and submit confirmation to the Health department
590.006/6-501.14-C
61

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Backwoods Pizza last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Backwoods Pizza on file is from Apr 15, 2026. The public record contains 15 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Backwoods Pizza?

Across the inspection record, “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces” has been cited 10 times, more than any other issue at Backwoods Pizza.

How does Backwoods Pizza compare to other restaurants in Roxbury?

Backwoods Pizza most recently scored 86 out of 100, which is about the same as the Roxbury average of 83.

Has Backwoods Pizza's inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Backwoods Pizza have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Backwoods Pizza means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Backwoods Pizza inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Backwoods Pizza is inspected around four times per year on average.