Oriental House
Last inspected: Mar 9, 2026
55
Score
Across the available record, Oriental House has 16 inspections on file, the first dated 2022. On Mar 9, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Medium risk typically reflects a handful of issues that inspectors wrote up but didn't deem critical.
Violation counts have been trending down, averaging around four violations across recent inspections versus roughly six violations before.
The pattern that stands out is “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot”, which has been cited 11 times.
Compared to other Dorchester restaurants (averaging 86), there's room to close the gap. The record is unremarkable in either direction.
16
Inspections
1
Critical latest
2
Major latest
5
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 9, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Discarding or reconditioning unsafe adulterated or contaminated food (p)
Inspector notes: Observed rodent droppings on top of stored bags of flour with vistible holes. PIC discarded
590.003/3-701.11-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing testing device for 3 bay sink. Provide
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy rodent activity on multiple metal and wood shelving units. Clean to remove Observed rodent droppings on bulk plastic bins. Clean to remove. Observed multiple heavyily soiled glue traps with rodent droppings. Remove and replace accordingly.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Discharges from the eyes nose and mouth (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff wiping his nose while providing service. Retrain staff to not operate any food services.
590.002/2-401.12-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Observed personal clothing stored on top of dry goods used for packaging. Remove and provide proper storage of clothing
590.006/6-501.110-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple openings around electrical outlets and panels in the lobby and behing cooking equipment
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Observed the restroom with heavy soils. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy rodent activity observed on multiple pieces of serving and cooking equipment. Clean to remove
590.004/4-601.11-C
55
Nov 3, 2025
Routine
1 major violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: 1 live roach noted in the IPM binder while reviewing reports / IPM report from 10/24/25 does not reflect roach treatment / Contact pest control and ensure treatment for roaches
590.006/6-501.111-PF
90
Oct 27, 2025
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: Bean sprouts 65F Chicken fingers 72F / Brought out an hour ago for the lunch rush / Move to refrigeration and provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: 1 live roach noted in the IPM binder while reviewing reports / IPM report from 10/24/25 does not reflect roach treatment / Contact pest control and ensure treatment for roaches
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small rodent droppings noted on shelving in dry storage area as well as on the floors along the walls near the walk in / VN provides monthly exerminations last visit 9/11/25 / Contact exterminator for more frequent services / Remove droppings and maintain daily cleaning
590.006/6-501.111-PF
70
Oct 20, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Bean sprouts 65F Chicken fingers 72F / Brought out an hour ago for the lunch rush / Move to refrigeration and provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small rodent droppings noted on shelving in dry storage area as well as on the floors along the walls near the walk in / VN provides monthly exerminations last visit 9/11/25 / Contact exterminator for more frequent services / Remove droppings and maintain daily cleaning
590.006/6-501.111-PF
78
Aug 25, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink.Provide (Manager stating the vegetables get washed in the 3 bay sink using a colander) Provide SOP's for washing vegetables(standard operating procedures to ISDHealth@Boston.gov) Upon re-inspection It was explained to the owner to have a licensed plumber assess the location for the instalation of a prep sink with a proper air gap Owner instructed to send the plumbers report (on proper letterhead) to the Health division for review.
590.004/4-501.11-C
95
Aug 9, 2025
Routine
5 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 16 violations
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: No procedures on site for vomit clean up or kit.Provide a vomit/diarrhea cleanup kit on site. (procedures to be emailed to the manager)
590.002/2-501.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Per the video complaint Manager must retrain staff in regards to the proper use of the 3 bay sink.(Not for personal hygiene)
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: There was evidence of mouse activity observed on the lower shelf of the prep table(droppings) Provide a full pest report upon re-inspection. Manager cleaning the location
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Common name-working containers (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide labels on all chemical spray bottles
590.007/7-102.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: There is no datemarking on prepped items in the walkin.Provide datemarkings on all prepped items held 41F or below for more than 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interiors of the out of service refrigeration and chest freezer units to remove soils. Clean the exterior of the rice cooker to remove soils.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Service sink (c)
Inspector notes: There is no mop sink.Provide (Manager stating mop water is thrown in the 3 bay sink)
590.005/5-203.13-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Provide working internal thermometers in all refrigeration units as needed
590.004/4-204.112-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: There is a single door under counter refrigeration unit and a chest freezer that are not operating.Repair or discard
590.006/6-501.114-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: There were items on the lower prep table shelf that were stored in the original can.Discontinue.Provide food grade containers for storage after opening. Walk in unit--Items are stored unwrapped in the walk in.Provide proper wraps or covers during storage
590.003/3-305.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: There is no prep sink.Provide (Manager stating the vegetables get washed in the 3 bay sink using a colander) Provide SOP's for washing vegetables(standard operating procedures to ISDHealth@Boston.gov) There is a samsung refrigeration unit at the cook line.Provide specifications to ensure it is commercial grade
590.004/4-501.11-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the overhead light fixture chains to remove dust build up
590.006/6-201.17-C
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Remove the soiled cardboard from the interior shelving of the samsung refrigeration unit and from on top of the chest freezer
590.004/4-502.13-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the floors under the cook line & fryers to remove grease and soils.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: There was peeling & cracked paint on the employee rest room walls.Remove peeling paint repair/resurface
590.006/6-101.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Remove all sponges (discontinue using)
590.004/4-101.16-C
35
Jun 16, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation.
View 2 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fried rice 64F Chicken fingers 50F Mung beans 47F / All out at room temperature. moved back to refrigeration to cool down discussed prepping food in smallet batches. Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Small rodent droppings noted on dry good shelving / Remove. VN provides monthly exterminations last IPM on site dated 5/5/25. Discussed increasing exterminations. Maintain daily cleaning
590.006/6-501.111-PF
78
Jan 27, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Bean sprouts out at 51F / Moved to refrigeration to cool down after being out for 1 hour during lunch prep / Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several small rodent droppings noted near water heater and on shelving with bulk rice / Remove and maintain. VN pest control provides monthly exterminations last IPM on file for 1/2/25 / Recommended more frequent exterminations to help eliminate activity.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Back closet near water heater cluttered allowing for possible harborage / Declutter and maintain clean and organized
590.006/6-501.114-C
Storing maintenance tools (c)
Inspector notes: Mops on floor / Elevate at least 6" off of floor
590.006/6-501.113-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: 1 dead mouse on glue trap behind deep freezer / remove
590.006/6-501.112-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior bulk food bins with visible soils / Clean to remove
590.004/4-602.13-C
64
Sep 27, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fresh bean sprouts and other cooked foods observed being left out at room temperature (52F). Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at belwo 41F. Foods were placed back under refrigeration at the time of the visit.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked beef observed being stored in the same box that raw chicken was transported in. Discontinue to ensure no cross contamination from raw chicken.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Management not properly overseeing in regards to adequate pest control management. Establishment shall increase the amount of inspection by pest management due to the amount of activity noted in the report.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Plastic container being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and provide handled scoops for all bulk food bins.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead mouse observed on glue board. Address and remove more frequently.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Storage shelves in the rear of the kitchen observed with what appears to be rodent droppings. Clean and sanitize all. Interior of Samsung refrigeration/freezer unit visibly soiled and with food spills. Interior of the single door refrigeration unit visibly soiled and with cacked on foods. Clean to remove all.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: First 2 door True refrigeration unit is not operating properly (55F). Discontinue use unless the unit is able to maintain a temperature of below 41F. All foods were removed at the time of the inspection and placed into the walk-in cooler.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be mouse droppings on storage shelves in the main kitchen area. Address clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Crad board being used to cover knives being used in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and store all knives in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of smoke ashes inside of the hand sink. Address and discontinue all Soking inside of the establishment.
590.002/2-401.11-C
43
Aug 5, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic in oil mixture - 72F Baby shrimp 50F / Provide 41F or below. Discussed keeping lid closed during down time or using ice to help maintain 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood filters above fryers with visible grease build up / Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.17-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths out on counter / Keep in sanitizer solution when not in use
590.003/3-304.14-C
78
Feb 20, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic in il mixture 45F Bean sprouts 45F Rice 46F / All out for less than 1 hour / Moved to refrigeration to cool down / Provide 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide test kits for the sanitizer
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths out on counter / Store in sanitizer solution
590.003/3-304.14-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Hood vent covers wiith visible grease build up / Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.17-C
70
Aug 11, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: obseved live cock roach near ware washing sink area service and provide current pest control report.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: In use wiping cloth stored on counter no sanitizer provide.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove clutter of empty ingredient buckets under ware washing area and organize.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Observed no restraint on chef preparing foods at wok range provide hair restraint
590.002/2-402.11-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Remove cardboard box used as liner remove and provide commercial grade equipment.
590.004/4-101.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean floor below cooking equipment and prep areas to remove visible soil. Clean floor inside walk in cooler to remove visible soil.
590.006/6-201.11-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean wok range and sides to remove visible soil.
590.004/4-601.11-C
67
Jun 7, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken observed being stored in boxes that originally came with raw chicken. Discontinue and esnure all foods are being stored in a clean and protected manner to ensure no cross contamination from raw chicken.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic and oil mixture observed being left out at room temperature (62F). Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Garlic and oil mixture was removed at the time of the inspection and placed back under refrigeration.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Singel use plastic container being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoops to prevent contamination from hands. Paint on the restroom walls is peeling. Address and provide a fresh coat of paint.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Self closing mechanism to the walk-in cooler is damaged and not attached. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.004/4-202.16-C
Thawing (c)
Inspector notes: Raw frozen shrimp observed being thawed in stagnant water. Discontinue and ensure proper thawing methods are in place.
590.003/3-501.13-C
61
Feb 21, 2023
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)
Inspector notes: Metal rods used for haning meats in the single door upright smoker observed being stored on the ground. Discontinue and store all food equipment in a clean and protected manner.
590.003/3-304.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic and oil mixture observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at below 41F. Mixture was removed at the time of the inspection and placed back under refrigeration.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: Plastic cups being used to dispense out of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoops to prevent contamination from hands.
590.004/4-202.11-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bag of onions observed being stored on the ground of the main kitchen area. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
61
Oct 7, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken observed being stored in the same box raw chicken has been delivered in. Discontinue and store all food products in a clean and safe manner so there is no possability of cross contamination from raw chicken.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Garlic and oil misture being left out at room temperature (48F). Discontinue and store all TCS foods at below 41F. Garlic and oil mixture was removed at the time of the inspection and placed back under refrigeration.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food-contact surfaces-cleanability (pf)
Inspector notes: PLastic single use container being used to dispense pout of bulk food bins. Discontinue and use handled scoops to prevent contamination from hands
590.004/4-202.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there was no up to date Food Allergen Certifications. Provide an up to date Allergen Certification for the re-inspection.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bag of onions observed being stored on the ground in the main kitchen area. Boxes of fresh meats observed being stored on the ground of the walk-in freezer. Discontinue and store all foods elevated a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
58
May 25, 2022
Routine
2 critical violations. 1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked chicken observed being stored in the same box that raw chicken was delivered in. Discontinue and store all cooked products appropriately to ensure no cross contamination from raw products.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Cooked rice observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maitained at below 41F. Cooked rice was removed at the time of the inspection.
590.003/3-501.16-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings on the back storage shelves near and around where the bags of rice and back equipment are. Address clean to remove and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Bag of onions observed being stored on teh ground in the main kitchen area. Discontinue and ensure all fods are being store a minimum of 6 inches off the ground.
590.003/3-305.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being let out on counter tops. Disocntinue and provide a proper sanitizing solution.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Storage shelves in back room with what appears to be rodent droppings. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Hand sink located directly next to hand sink with only 1 splash guard. Discontinue and provide on both sides to ensure no contamination while washing hands. Paint in the restroom is chipping and peeling off wall. Address and resurface.
590.004/4-202.16-C
55
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Oriental House last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Oriental House on file is from Mar 9, 2026. The public record contains 16 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Oriental House?
Across the inspection record, “(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited 11 times, more than any other issue at Oriental House.
How does Oriental House compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
Oriental House most recently scored 55 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.
Has Oriental House's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Oriental House have averaged around four violations per visit, down from roughly six earlier in the record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Oriental House means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Oriental House inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Oriental House is inspected around four times per year on average.
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