The Boston Ice Cream Factory
Last inspected: Mar 24, 2026
23
Score
The Boston Ice Cream Factory has been inspected 13 times since 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Mar 24, 2026. Diners may want to take note: high risk reflects issues that a health inspector considered important.
Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near eight violations per visit.
“Controlling pests” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.
That's lower than the typical Dorchester restaurant, which scores around 86. Taken together, the history suggests a facility that has struggled with consistency.
13
Inspections
2
Critical latest
8
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Mar 24, 2026
Routine
2 critical violations. 8 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 17 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Observed water leaking and a rag on the floor to soak up the water from the refrigerator units leaking into the warewash area. Provide a plumbers report for the repair of replace unit.
590.005/5-205.15-P
Backflow prevention air gap (p)
Inspector notes: Observed staff washing fruits and veggies in the sink without an airgap or collander. Provide a plumbers report from a licensed plumber for installation of a prep sink with the proper air gap.
590.005/5-202.13-P
Clean-up of vomiting and diarrheal events (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing a Vomit and diarrhea kit with clean up procedures. Provide
590.002/2-501.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy rodent droppings around multiple refrigeration and freezer units. Clean to remove Observed rodent droppings near the front door and behind the counter. Clean to remove Observed rodent droppings on multiple pieces of stored equipment. Clean to remove
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing proper sanitizer for 3 bay sink. Provide at all times
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing a testing device for sanitizer. Provide at all times
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Food temperature measuring devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Thermometers missing from refrigerator and freezer units. Provide
590.004/4-302.12-PF
Cooling heating and holding capacities-equipment (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed multiple fruit baskets sitting on the freezer chest at temps 47f-55F. PIC was not able to provide an accurate place to store products to maintain a temp of 41f or below. Provide
590.004/4-301.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed staff utilizing a prep sink for handwashing and washing fruit. Provide proper hand sink and retrain staff on proper use.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Missing paper towels. Provide at all times
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Observed broke equipment stored. Remove
590.006/6-501.114-C
Using dressing rooms and lockers (c)
Inspector notes: Observed staff personal belongings stored on equipment. Provide proper lockers or storage space
590.006/6-501.110-C
Effectiveness-hair restraints (c)
Inspector notes: Staff missing hair restraints. Provide for use at all times.
590.002/2-402.11-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Missing a valid Servesafe certificate. Provide and post
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Observed boxes of bananas stored on the floor. PIC removed and placed on the shelf. Continue to elevate all products at least 6inches.
590.003/3-305.11-C
(b) and (c) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (c)
Inspector notes: Heavy food soils and spills observed inside and exterior of multiple refrigerator and freezer units. Clean to remove Brown subtance observed inside of the portable ice machine. Clean to remove Provide a pest control report via email prior to the reinspection date.
590.004/4-601.11-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Observed broke and cracked ceiling tiles. repair or replace
590.006/6-501.11-C
23
Jun 13, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several small rodent droppings noted in back storage area along walls and floors throughout establishment. Several small flies noted in the ware wash room / Uclear on extermination frequency / Remove droppings and contact exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment throughout is in need of a deep clean to the floors and walls / Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment is cluttered throughout the enitre space / remove clutter and broken equipment and maintain
590.006/6-501.114-C
82
Jun 4, 2025
Routine
1 major violation. 5 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several small rodent droppings noted in back storage area along walls and floors throughout establishment. Several small flies noted in the ware wash room / Uclear on extermination frequency / Remove droppings and contact exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Baseboard broken at front of store / Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment is cluttered throughout the enitre space / remove clutter and broken equipment and maintain
590.006/6-501.114-C
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Areas of floor in disrepair / Repair where needed throughout. **5/28/2025** - Standing water in the 3 bay sink room appears to be coming from the back of the refrigeration units / Clean and maintain
590.006/6-101.11-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles with water damage/ Replace Ceiling tiles broken / Replace
590.006/6-201.17-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment throughout is in need of a deep clean to the floors and walls / Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
70
May 14, 2025
Routine
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 7 minor violations.
View 12 violations
Hot water and chemical-methods (p)
Inspector notes: Observed employee washing blender pitcher with soap and water / Discontinue and properly set up the 3 bay sink for wash rinse and sanitizing.
590.004/4-703.11-P
Food contact with equipment utensils and linens (p)
Inspector notes: Openings into ice cream chest are beginning to rust out over uncovered ice cream potentially risking contamination / Repair. Suggested taking unit out of service and/or covering individual ice cream containers
590.003/3-304.11-P
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Several small rodent droppings noted in back storage area along walls and floors throughout establishment. Several small flies noted in the ware wash room / Uclear on extermination frequency no IPM reports available / Remove droppings and contact exterminator.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink next to 3 bay sink - No paper towels avaible / Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink next to 3 bay sink as well as hand sink in the middle of the store blocked with items in basin / Remove and maintain clear
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Surface characteristics-indoor areas (c)
Inspector notes: Areas of floor in disrepair / Repair where needed throughout.
590.006/6-101.11-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Ice cream reach ins with rusted out or missing gaskets preventing some lids from fully closing and causing ice build up. / Clean to remove ice build up. Replace all ripped missing gaskets.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide at the hand sink next to the 3 bay sink as well as the main hand sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment throughout is in need of a deep clean to the floors and walls / Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Baseboard broken at front of store / Repair
590.006/6-501.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Establishment is cluttered throughout the enitre space / remove clutter and broken equipment and maintain
590.006/6-501.114-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Ceiling tiles with water damage/ Replace Ceiling tiles broken / Replace
590.006/6-201.17-C
39
May 13, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Wall has damage due to accident / repair wall
590.006/6-501.11-C
95
Feb 21, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in back warewash area without liquid hand soap / Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towels out at hand sink in ware wash area / Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Replace missing ceiling tiles
590.006/6-201.17-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of coke reach in with visible soils / Clean to remove Ice cream reach ins with ice build up / Remove and maintain
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in the back warewash area with visible soils water marks evident of a leak / Clean walls and determine if and where possible leak is coming from Floors throughout in need of a deep clean/ Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Wall has damage due to accident / repair wall
590.006/6-501.11-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple broken refrigeration/freezer units / A removal company is scheduled for pick up. Ensure all unused/broken equipment is removed by the complaince date
590.006/6-501.114-C
64
Feb 12, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towels out at hand sink in ware wash area / Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in back warewash area without liquid hand soap / Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple broken refrigeration/freezer units / A removal company is scheduled for pick up. Ensure all unused/broken equipment is removed by the complaince date
590.006/6-501.114-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in the back warewash area with visible soils water marks evident of a leak / Clean walls and determine if and where possible leak is coming from Floors throughout in need of a deep clean/ Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
Repairing-premises structures attachments and fixtures-methods (c)
Inspector notes: Wall has damage due to accident / repair wall
590.006/6-501.11-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Replace missing ceiling tiles
590.006/6-201.17-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of coke reach in with visible soils / Clean to remove Ice cream reach ins with ice build up / Remove and maintain
590.004/4-602.13-C
64
Jan 31, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in back warewash area without liquid hand soap / Provide
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Paper towels out at hand sink in ware wash area / Provide
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple broken refrigeration/freezer units / A removal company is scheduled for pick up. Ensure all unused/broken equipment is removed by the complaince date
590.006/6-501.114-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Exterior of coke reach in with visible soils / Clean to remove Ice cream reach ins with ice build up / Remove and maintain
590.004/4-602.13-C
Walls and ceilings attachments (c)
Inspector notes: Replace missing ceiling tiles
590.006/6-201.17-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Walls in the back warewash area with visible soils water marks evident of a leak / Clean walls and determine if and where possible leak is coming from Floors throughout in need of a deep clean/ Provide
590.006/6-501.12-C
67
Nov 17, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings behind equipment and on several storage shelves. Address and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: It appears that the small Vevor ice machine is leaking onto the floor. Address and make any necessary repairs. Drainage tube to the water well holding ice cream scoops is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs. Pipe to the hand sink in the back dish room is completley disconnected. Address and make any necessary repairs. Additional hand sinks to be used until repairs have been made. Pipe under the 3 bay sink is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No one on site with a current Food Safety Certification. Provide documentation of at least one full time employee who has been enrolled in some type of Food Safety Course for the re-inspection.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Wall behind where the Coke machine is located is damaged and with missing tiles. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.006/6-201.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings behind equipment and on storage shelves. Clean and sanitize to remove. Area behind Coke cooler visibly soiled and with debris. Clean to remove all. Area behind the Coke and ice machines is visibly soiled and with debris. Clean to remove all. Several ice cream freezers with excess frost and ice build-up. Defrost and clean to remove all. Excess moisture observed on the floor in the back dish room . Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
74
May 5, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings inside of the green storage cabinets. Clean to remove all and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection. Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the front service area. Address.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels at the hand sink located in the dish room. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Coke cooler in back dish room with no equipment thermometer. GE refrigeration unit in the front service are with no evidence of an equipment thermometer. Provide equipment thermometers for all refrigeration units.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Bug light observed being hung directly over where clean equipment/dishes are being stored. Discontinue and relocate.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Handwashing aids and devices use restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: No soap observed at the hand sink in the dish room. Provide.
590.006/6-301.13-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of several ice cream chests with excess frost build-up and ice cream spills. Defrost and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Large single bay sink located in the front service are with a slow drain. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
64
Apr 26, 2023
Routine
3 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: No test strips available at the time of the inspection. Provide.
590.004/4-302.14-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: No paper towels at the hand sink located in the dish room. Provide.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings inside of the green storage cabinets. Clean to remove all and provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection. Evidence of fruit fly activity noted in the front service area. Address.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Handwashing aids and devices use restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: No soap observed at the hand sink in the dish room. Provide.
590.006/6-301.13-C
Miscellaneous sources of contamination (c)
Inspector notes: Bug light observed being hung directly over where clean equipment/dishes are being stored. Discontinue and relocate.
590.003/3-307.11-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Coke cooler in back dish room with no equipment thermometer. GE refrigeration unit in the front service are with no evidence of an equipment thermometer. Provide equipment thermometers for all refrigeration units.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of several ice cream chests with excess frost build-up and ice cream spills. Defrost and clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Large single bay sink located in the front service are with a slow drain. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
58
Oct 5, 2022
Routine
3 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No soap/paper towels at the hand sink in the back 3 bay sink area. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Evidence of fruit fly acrivity observed on the fresh bananas and pineapples. Address and provide and updated pest control report reflecting treatments for the fruit flies.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Conformance with approved procedures (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there were no updated lab results for the ice cream machine being used on site. Provide and ensure all documentation is provided on a regular basis and held on site for review by the City of Boston Health Department.
590.008/8-103.12-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of several ice cream chests/freezers with visible food spills and frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove all.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Temperature measuring devices-functionality (c)
Inspector notes: Singel door GE refrigerator where the 3 bay sink is located with no evidence of an equipment thermometer. Provide.
590.004/4-204.112-C
Nonfood-contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Several ceiling tiles in the front service area with what appears to be water damage. Replace.
590.004/4-202.16-C
64
May 4, 2022
Routine
2 major violations. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Conformance with approved procedures (pf)
Inspector notes: At the time of the inspection there were no up to date lab results for the the ice cream machine on site. Provide and have accessible for the Health department to be able to review at the time of the inspections.
590.008/8-103.12-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No hand soap at the sink located near the 3 bay sink. Provide.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Interior of the freezer protion of the upright GE cooler near the 3 bay sink visibly soiled and with food debris. Interior of the silver ice cream chests visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove. Interior of the sliding glass door ice cream cooler with excess frost build-up. Defrost and clean to remove. Floor under the stainless steel storage racks with wjat appears to be rodent droppings. Clean to remove. Interior of the frozen fruit freezer visibly soiled and with food debris. Clean to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Controlling pests (c)
Inspector notes: Evidence of what appears to be rodent droppings observed in the storage room located next to the restroom. Address and clean to remove. Provide an up to date pest control report for the re-inspection.
590.006/6-501.111-C
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide hand washing signage at all hand sinks.
590.006/6-301.14-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Pipe under the hand sink in the restroom is leaking. Faucet at the hand sink in the smoothie area is leaking. Faucet at the 3 bay sink in the dish room is leaking. Address and make any necessary repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Maintaining premises unnecessary items and litter (c)
Inspector notes: Excess debris and equipment observed in teh back storage room. Address and remove any and all unecessary equipment/debris not related to the buisiness in order to help minimize any rodent activity.
590.006/6-501.114-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: No one on site with a current Food Allergen Certification. Provide.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
61
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Boston Ice Cream Factory last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at The Boston Ice Cream Factory on file is from Mar 24, 2026. The public record contains 13 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at The Boston Ice Cream Factory?
Across the inspection record, “controlling pests” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at The Boston Ice Cream Factory.
How does The Boston Ice Cream Factory compare to other restaurants in Dorchester?
The Boston Ice Cream Factory most recently scored 23 out of 100, which is lower than the Dorchester average of 86.
Has The Boston Ice Cream Factory's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at The Boston Ice Cream Factory have averaged around eight violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at The Boston Ice Cream Factory means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is The Boston Ice Cream Factory inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, The Boston Ice Cream Factory is inspected around three times per year on average.
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