Prietos Empanadas

196 Humboldt Ave, Dorchester, MA 02121

Mexican / Latin

Last inspected: Feb 13, 2026

Score

Low Risk

Going back to 2024, Prietos Empanadas has five inspections in the public record. On Feb 13, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near four violations per visit.

“(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.

That's lower than the typical Dorchester restaurant, which scores around 86. The record reflects steady performance over time.

Inspections

Critical latest

Major latest

Minor latest

Inspection History

Feb 13, 2026

Routine

5 minor violations.

View 5 violations

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from May 10 2025.Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection

590.006/6-501.14-C

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

Inspector notes: Multiples Squeeze bottle observed without label/ Provide

590.003/3-302.12-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Hood vent filters observed with grease build up. clean to remove

590.004/4-202.18-C

Outside storage prohibitions (c)

Inspector notes: Grease Trap observed frozen and overflowing Grease and waste water were backing up and spilling onto the ground creating unsanitary conditions and potential enviromental contamination risk. Grease trap is not being properly maintained. Clean and sanitize the affected ground area to remove

590.005/5-501.112-C

Walls and ceilings attachments (c)

Inspector notes: Bathroom celing observed damage .Repair ceiling to maintain the area in good conditions

590.006/6-201.17-C

Feb 9, 2026

Routine

4 minor violations.

View 4 violations

Walls and ceilings attachments (c)

Inspector notes: Bathroom celing observed damage .Repair ceiling to maintain the area in good conditions

590.006/6-201.17-C

Ventilation hood systems filters (c)

Inspector notes: Hood vent filters observed with grease build up. clean to remove

590.004/4-202.18-C

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

Inspector notes: Multiples Squeeze bottle observed without label/ Provide

590.003/3-302.12-C

Cleaning ventilation systems nuisance and discharge prohibition (c)

Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from May 10 2025.Address and provide up to date tags for the re-inspection

590.006/6-501.14-C

Jul 10, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Cooked empanadas in teh front service hot holding unit at between 117-125F. Address and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above. Empanadas to be reheated to 165F to ensure no bacterial growth.

590.003/3-501.16-P1

Controlling pests (pf)

Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly activity noted near the 3 bay sink. Address and provide an up to date pest control reprot for the re-inspection.

590.006/6-501.111-PF

Wiping cloths use limitation (c)

Inspector notes: Soiled wiping cloths observed being left out on counter tops. Discontinue and provoide a proper sanitizing solution.

590.003/3-304.14-C

Feb 6, 2025

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 1 minor violation.

View 3 violations

(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Cooked chicken and salmon Empanadas in the front service hot holding unit at 123F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above.

590.003/3-501.16-P1

Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)

Inspector notes: Sanitizer in buckets and 3 bay sink registering way over the required 50-100ppm. Address and Properly train staff on how to set up and test sanitizer.

590.004/4-302.14-PF

Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)

Inspector notes: Hood and Ventilation tags with a past expiration date from Jan. 2025. Address and provide up to date tags prior to the re-inspeciton being condcuted.

590.006/6-201.11-C

Nov 19, 2024

Routine

1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.

View 2 violations

(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)

Inspector notes: Empanadas in the front hot holding unit at 123F. Discontinue and ensure all TCS foods are being maintained at 135F and above. Empanadas to be reheated to 165F to ensure no bacterial growth.

590.003/3-501.16-P1

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Prietos Empanadas last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Prietos Empanadas on file is from Feb 13, 2026. The public record contains five inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Prietos Empanadas?

Across the inspection record, “(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Prietos Empanadas.

How does Prietos Empanadas compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?

Prietos Empanadas most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.

Has Prietos Empanadas' inspection record improved over time?

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

What does a low risk rating mean?

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

Nearby Restaurants

Lemar and Son's Seafood Distributors

196 Humboldt Ave

Score: 78 — Low Risk

Prieto El Rey De Las Empanadas

196 Humboldt Ave

Score: 90 — Low Risk

Chamas Mart & Convenience Store

198 Humboldt Av

Score: 70 — Medium Risk

Explore More

→ All locations in Dorchester → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Boston → Mexican / Latin restaurants in Dorchester