Shah's Halal Food
Last inspected: Mar 31, 2026
95
Score
Going back to 2022, Shah's Halal Food has 13 inspections in the public record. The latest inspection on file is from Mar 31, 2026. A low risk tier reflects an inspection that turned up minimal issues.
Recent inspections have turned up more issues than earlier ones, averaging around five violations lately compared to roughly two violations before.
“Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing seven times across the record.
Among Boston restaurants, the typical score is 86; Shah's Halal Food is comfortably above that bar. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
13
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 31, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Provide full extermination and IPM report dated today or prior to reinspection date The following procedures must be provided by your Licensed Pest Control Operator (Exterminator): • Inspection of premises • Identification of pests pest damage and/or potential for pest infestation • Determination of the extent of the pest problem • Appropriate treatment • Action plan for correction including follow up All voids must be sealed The exterminator must be thorough check all drop ceilings under and behind all equipment throughout
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
Mar 30, 2026
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in disrepair - not smooth durable and easliy cleanable - Storage (basement) Steps to basement in disrepair - exposed wood Steps to rear egress in disrepair Pipes above storage in basement has exposed insulation
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Provide full extermination and IPM report dated today or prior to reinspection date The following procedures must be provided by your Licensed Pest Control Operator (Exterminator): • Inspection of premises • Identification of pests pest damage and/or potential for pest infestation • Determination of the extent of the pest problem • Appropriate treatment • Action plan for correction including follow up All voids must be sealed The exterminator must be thorough check all drop ceilings under and behind all equipment throughout
590.006/6-501.111-C
90
Feb 27, 2026
Routine
3 critical violations. 4 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Cleaning procedure (p)
Inspector notes: Observed food handler washing gloves when PIC ask food handler to wash hands Observed food handlers not lathering for 20 seconds rinsing drying properly and using a barrier between hands and faucet. Employees using hand sink that does not have cold running water - Manager is trying to repair during inspection
590.002/2-301.12-P
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: No hand washing performed during inspection. Food handlers are multitasking wearing gloves that are intended for single/task specific only No barrier in employee bathroom to allow employees to shut off faucet and open door with to prevent recontamination of hands I provided training materials at all previous inspections
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Fried potatoes on hot holding unit 85 F I asked PIC to remove item from service
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Assignment (pf)
Inspector notes: No person in charge at time of inspection - Repeat violation
590.002(A)/2-101.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed live mice in Basement - Provide full extermination and IPM report dated today or prior to reinspection date I provided the IPM recommendation during this inspection and past inspections Evidence of mouse dropping on floor under and behind equipment shelving etc throughout basement
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Person in charge was called and arrived during inspection Repeat violations: Multiple Priority Priority Foundation Core Violations General unsanitary conditions noted on inspection Proof employees are not properly trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties per code.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Oberved food handler rinsing hands at 3 bay sink
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of food containers soiled
590.004/4-602.13-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: In use wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution between uses and per code
590.003/3-304.14-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in disrepair - not smooth durable and easliy cleanable - Kitchen/prep/ware washing/storage/serviing area Doors to the exterior are not pest proofed to prevent vermin to enter establishment Bathroom door is not self closing Steps to basement in disrepair - exposed wood Steps to rear egress in disrepair Pipes above storage in basement has exposed insulation Loose ceiling tiles in prep/ware washing areas
590.006/6-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy built up soils on walls attachments cabinet doors interior of cabinets refrigeration units incling door handles throughout Food splashing on ceiling in basement Steps soiled to basement and rear egress Soils on floor under and behind all equipment throughout Prep/ware washing/bathroom/storage/etc
590.006/6-201.11-C
35
Oct 24, 2025
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy soiled glue traps with dead insects. Remove and discard
590.006/6-501.112-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed wood panels broke on the stairs at basement door to exit to the street. Repair Observed a hole at the baseboard of wall. Repair . Top of stairs that exit to street.
590.006/6-501.11-C
Cleaning of plumbing fixtures (c)
Inspector notes: Handsinks observed with heavy food soils and grease build up. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.18-C
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple bottles on the service line without labels. Provid at all times
590.003/3-302.12-C
82
Jun 20, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: IPM report notation shows activity in the drop ceiling. More frequent visit from licensed exterminator recommended. ***PIC to provide current detailed IPM Report from a licensed exterminator report at: isdhealth@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
May 29, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: IPM report notation shows activity in the drop ceiling. More frequent visit from licensed exterminator recommended. ***PIC to provide current detailed IPM Report from a licensed exterminator report at: isdhealth@boston.gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
95
May 19, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Precooked chickpeas 70F chopped tomato 45F diced cucumeber 54F stored in cold holding unit. All products were placed back in the walkin to cooldown to 41F below. PIC to train staff on cooling and temperature monitoring.
590.003/3-501.14-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of rice cooker observed soiled shelvings in the kitchen area observed soiled flat grilled backsplash observed soiled from visible dry foodspills interiorof cold holding draw observed with oderous stagnant water exterior of rice bulk bins observed soiled in between equipments observed with soils build up walkins door handles observed soiled by handprints. Clean and sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provideactive managerial control and train staff on P's and PF's violations noted on the inspection report
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the establishment (basement under equipments walk in) observed soiled by loose debris and soils accumulation. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed heavily scored. Resuface/Replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed shelvings lined with carboard boxes. Discontinue.
590.004/4-101.11-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Grease trap/ grease dispenser barrel observed soiled with excess oil spilled around. Clean to remove
590.005/5-402.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Boxes of food not stored 6" above the floor inside walkin freezer in basement and back storage areas. Discontinue/ Elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff handling food while chewing gum. Discontinue / Corrected on site
590.002/2-401.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Gap observed between the counter and floor serving as mice harborage. Repair (sealed)
590.006/6-501.11-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Numerous rodent droppings observed in the kitchen area bottom shelvings downstairs in the basement ( grease barrel ). Clean to remove ***PIC to provide current detailed IPM Report from a licensed exterminator report at: Inca.Prince@Boston.Gov
590.006/6-501.111-C
47
May 12, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Cooling (p)
Inspector notes: Precooked chickpeas 70F chopped tomato 45F diced cucumeber 54F stored in cold holding unit. All products were placed back in the walkin to cooldown to 41F below. PIC to train staff on cooling and temperature monitoring.
590.003/3-501.14-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Live mouse observed running in the dinning area. Numerous rodent droppings observed in the kitchen area bottom shelvings downstairs in the basement ( grease barrel ). Clean to remove ***PIC to provide current detailed IPM Report from a licensed exterminator report at: Inca.Prince@Boston.Gov
590.006/6-501.111-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC to provideactive managerial control and train staff on P's and PF's violations noted on the inspection report
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior and exterior of rice cooker observed soiled shelvings in the kitchen area observed soiled flat grilled backsplash observed soiled from visible dry foodspills interiorof cold holding draw observed with oderous stagnant water exterior of rice bulk bins observed soiled in between equipments observed with soils build up walkins door handles observed soiled by handprints. Clean and sanitize to remove
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Boxes of food not stored 6" above the floor inside walkin freezer in basement and back storage areas. Discontinue/ Elevate
590.003/3-305.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Gap observed between the counter and floor serving as mice harborage. Repair (sealed)
590.006/6-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Floor throughout the establishment (basement under equipments walk in) observed soiled by loose debris and soils accumulation. Clean to remove
590.006/6-201.11-C
Grease trap(c)
Inspector notes: Grease trap/ grease dispenser barrel observed soiled with excess oil spilled around. Clean to remove
590.005/5-402.12-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Cutting boards observed heavily scored. Resuface/Replace
590.004/4-501.12-C
Characteristics-materials for construction and repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed shelvings lined with carboard boxes. Discontinue.
590.004/4-101.11-C
Eating drinking or using tobacco (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff handling food while chewing gum. Discontinue / Corrected on site
590.002/2-401.11-C
45
Dec 6, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 2 major violations. 8 minor violations.
View 12 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand washing during inspection
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Food handlers wearing single use gloves - Handling multiple touch points ready to eat foods wearing the same single use gloves
590.003/3-304.15-P
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: Hot water at hand sinks (Prep ware washing bathroom) Plumber called during inspection The owner/operator must email to isdhealth@boston.gov the plumbers report upon their assessment and repair
590.005/5-202.12-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple Priority Priority Foundation Core Violations General unsanitary conditions noted on inspection Proof employees are not properly trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties per code.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Food items stored in hallway - Public access - Remove all food from hallways
590.003/3-305.11-C
Food storage prohibited areas (c)
Inspector notes: Back storage area is a bathroom - No food Food contact equipment shall be stored in here. If converted to a storage area all bathroom fixtures must be remove and plumbing must be capped off
590.003/3-305.12-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn cutting boards Worn cutting board under produce slicer
590.004/4-501.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy build up of soils on interior and exterior of refrigeration units/freezers/cabinets and shelving - Kitchen/prep/storage/ware washing
590.004/4-602.13-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Basement door is not pest proofed Steps to basement and to the basement egrees are in disrepair and have exposed wood Exposed insulation in basement on ceiling pipes Openings in ceiling in basement storage areas
590.006/6-501.11-C
Storage refuse recyclables and returnable (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy grease built up on grease bin
590.005/5-501.110-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on floor walls (attachments) ceiling fixtures including all vents and attached fixtures - Kitchen/prep/ware washing/bathoom storage hallway etc
590.006/6-201.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Unused and unnecessary articles in hallway basement storage areas
590.006/6-501.114-C
41
Nov 26, 2024
Routine
5 critical violations. 3 major violations. 11 minor violations.
View 19 violations
When to wash (p)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand washing during inspection
590.002/2-301.14-P
(a)(1) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Lamb 109 F
590.003/3-501.16-P1
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: No indirect plumbing at food pre sink
590.005/5-202.13-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Refrigeration (glass up right) 50 F Cut tomatoes 53 F Shrredded lettuce 47 F Removed and placed in walk in unit during inspection
590.003/3-501.16-P
(a) gloves use limitation (p)
Inspector notes: Food handlers wearing single use gloves - Handling multiple touch points ready to eat foods wearing the same single use gloves
590.003/3-304.15-P
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple Priority Priority Foundation Core Violations General unsanitary conditions noted on inspection Proof employees are not properly trained in food safety and sanitation as it relates to their assigned duties per code.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towel dispenser empty on prep/cooking/serving line
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloth bucket stored in hand sink (corrected on site by PIC)
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Toilet rooms enclosed (c)
Inspector notes: Bathroom door not self closing
590.006/6-202.14-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: No thermometer in salad/sandwich unit
590.004/4-204.112-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Unused and unnecessary articles in hallway basement storage areas
590.006/6-501.114-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Stained ceiling tiles in hallway storage room bathroom food prep area Missing and loose ceiling tiles in hallway storage room bathroom food prep area Broken tiles at Order Here section Steps to basement and to the basement egrees are in disrepair and have exposed wood Exposed insulation in basement on ceiling pipes Openings in ceiling in basement storage areas
590.006/6-501.11-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Boxes of food not stored 6" above the floor in basement and back storage areas Food items stored in hallway - Public access - Remove all food from hallways
590.003/3-305.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wiping cloths not stored in a sanitizing solution per code
590.003/3-304.14-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food prep in 3 bay sink All food prep (washing/cleaning) produce etc. must be performed in food prep sink only
590.003/3-302.11-C
Storage refuse recyclables and returnable (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy grease built up on grease bin and grease bin is open
590.005/5-501.110-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Built up soils on floor walls (attachments) ceiling fixtures including all vents and attached fixtures - Kitchen/prep/ware washing/bathoom storage hallway etc
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy build up of soils on interior and exterior of refrigeration units/freezers/cabinets and shelving - Kitchen/prep/storage/ware washing
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Worn cutting boards Worn cutting board under produce slicer
590.004/4-501.12-C
20
Jun 17, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: Provide an air gap at the prep sink drain.
590.005/5-202.13-P
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Items in the open top sandwich station unit reading 50-56F for 20-30 min per PIC(Tomato 54F Cucumbers 53F Onions 55F) Maintain cold holding 41F or below. PIC stating items were just prepped. Discussed cooling & cold holding with the PIC. PIC removed to cool/hold 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Food storage containers identified with common name of food (c)
Inspector notes: Provide a label on the bulk rice storage bin.
590.003/3-302.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items in the walk in refrigerator & freezer observed stored on the floor or plastic bread racks. Elevate all items at least six inches off the floor during storage. Provide dunnage racks for storage shelving.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior floors of the walk in refrigerator and freezer to remove soils. Clean the lower storage floor to remove debris.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Remove/discard all unused boxes & items from the side storage.
590.006/6-501.114-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the walls around the basement grease bin to remove soils.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Repair/replace the damaged bulk rice bin cover.
590.004/4-501.11-C
55
Apr 28, 2023
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Sliced tomatoes at the service line reading 51f.Maintain cold holding 41F or below. PIC stating that the item was just prepped. Discussed cooling procedures with the PIC PIC removed to cool/hold 41F or below
590.003/3-501.16-P
Single-service and single-use articles-use limitations (c)
Inspector notes: Remove/discard the soiled cardboard from the metal dunnage racks.
590.004/4-502.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: There is an open can of black beans observed stored in the original can.Discontinue.Provide food grade containers for storage. Items in the basement walk in freezer observed stored on the floor.Discontinue.Elevate all items at least 6 inches off the floor during storage.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the basement floor around the grease bins & interior floor of the walk in freezer to remove soils/debris.
590.006/6-501.13-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the exteriors of the grease bins to remove built up soils-Basement. Clean the exteriors of the bulk rice storage bins & exterior glass doors of the refrigeration units--Kitchen
590.004/4-601.11-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Drainpipes at 2 handwash stations observed with visible leaks.Repair
590.005/5-205.15-C
67
Oct 14, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a)(2) and (b) time/temperature control for safety food hot and cold holding (p)
Inspector notes: Hummus 50F Tomatoes 52F Shredded lettuce 55F for less than 30 min at the service line.Maintain cold holding 41F or below. PIC stating items were recently prepped. Items were removed to cool/hold 41F or below. Discussed cooling methods with the PIC
590.003/3-501.16-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No handsoap available in the rest room.Provide Re-attach damaged dispenser next to handsink
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Cleaning floors dustless methods (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the interior floor of the walk in unit to remove debris.
590.006/6-501.13-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Items in the walk in unit observed stored directly on the floor.Elevate all items 6 inches off the floor. Personal items observed stored next to the food prep table.Discontinue.Provide designated location to store personal items.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Clean the exterior of the grease barrel to remove built up soils.
590.006/6-501.12-C
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Shah's Halal Food last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Shah's Halal Food on file is from Mar 31, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Shah's Halal Food?
Across the inspection record, “repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Shah's Halal Food.
How does Shah's Halal Food compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Shah's Halal Food most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Boston average of 86.
Has Shah's Halal Food's inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Shah's Halal Food have averaged around five violations per visit, up from roughly two earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Shah's Halal Food 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 Shah's Halal Food inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Shah's Halal Food is inspected around four times per year on average.
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