Pho Express

1 Brighton Av, Allston, MA 02134

Southeast Asian

Last inspected: Jun 4, 2025

Score

Low Risk

The health department has logged six inspections at Pho Express, the earliest from 2022. The most recent report on file is from Jun 4, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Inspection results have stayed in a similar range over the last few visits, averaging around four violations each.

Looking across the full record, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” is the recurring theme, flagged four times.

The city-wide average is 80, putting Pho Express squarely in typical territory. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Jun 4, 2025

Routine

1 major violation. 2 minor violations.

View 3 violations

Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)

Inspector notes: Multiplebowls stored in the handwashing sink- removed at the time of the inspection

590.005/5-205.11-PF

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired April 2025- Schedule hood cleaning/inspection

590.006/6-501.14-C

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Numerous soiled wiping cloths on counters throughout Corrected-Sanitizer set up atthe time of the inspection 50ppm

590.003/3-304.14-C

Sep 30, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 3 minor violations.

View 6 violations

Preventing contamination from hands (p)

Inspector notes: Observed the employee handling products with bare hands during preparation- Corrected on site- Product voluntarily discarded

590.003(C)/3-301.11-P

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Cockroaches noted in a bowl on the counter- Provide an updated detailed pest control report from a licensed pest control company

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)

Inspector notes: No test strips available for chlorine sanitizer- Provide

590.004/4-302.14-PF

Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)

Inspector notes: Bulk food containers and squeeze bottle with no labels- Provide

590.003/3-302.12-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: Utensils stored between equipment- Discontinue Corrected

590.003/3-304.12-C

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood sticker expired May 2024- Schedule hood cleaning/inspection

590.006/6-501.14-C

Nov 29, 2023

Routine

1 minor violation.

View 1 violation

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood Vent sticker expired. Provide a current one.

590.006/6-501.14-C

Nov 15, 2023

Routine

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)

Inspector notes: Slicer with dried up food debris. Clean and sanitize properly.

590.004/4-601.11-PF

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Soiled cardboard placed on the shelves at cooking line. remove and clean the area.

590.004/4-602.13-C

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood Vent sticker expired. Provide a current one.

590.006/6-501.14-C

Heating ventilation air conditioning system vents (c)

Inspector notes: Hood Vent with dust and grease build up. Clean properly.

590.006/6-202.12-C

Apr 6, 2023

Routine

5 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Wiping cloths stored soiled in counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.

590.003/3-304.14-C

Nonfood contact surfaces (c)

Inspector notes: Shelves at kitchen area soiled. Interior of two door freezer unit soiled. Clean properly

590.004/4-602.13-C

Clothes washers and dryers (c)

Inspector notes: Floor under and around cooking line soiled. Clean properly.

590.004/4-301.15-C

Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)

Inspector notes: Observed eggs and raw meats stored above ready to eat foods. Separate properly.

590.003/3-305.11-C

In-use utensils between-use storage (c)

Inspector notes: In use knife stored between equipment. Store properly on a clean/sanitized surface.

590.003/3-304.12-C

Aug 12, 2022

Routine

1 major violation. 3 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)

Inspector notes: Sanitizing test kit appear damaged by water. Provide a new set.

590.004/4-302.14-PF

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Wiping cloths placed soiled on counters. Store properly in sanitizer solution.

590.003/3-304.14-C

Sponges use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Observed sponges at three bay sink area. Discontinue use.

590.004/4-101.16-C

Manual warewashing equipment chemical sanitization using detergent-sanitizers (c)

Inspector notes: No evidence of proper warewashing. Three bay sink not set and missing two drain plugs. PIC will get them ASAP. Provide proper warewashing all the time.

590.004/4-501.115-C

Show all 6 inspections Show less

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pho Express last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Pho Express on file is from Jun 4, 2025. The public record contains six inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Pho Express?

Across the inspection record, “cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Pho Express.

How does Pho Express compare to other restaurants in Allston?

Pho Express most recently scored 82 out of 100, which is about the same as the Allston average of 80.

Has Pho Express' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Pho Express have averaged around four violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Pho Express 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 Pho Express inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Pho Express is inspected around two times per year on average.

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