Tropical Foods International
Last inspected: Sep 9, 2025
95
Score
Tropical Foods International appears in inspection records 12 times, starting in 2022. The newest entry in the record is dated Sep 9, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving in the right direction, with the rolling count dropping from around 10 violations to closer to two violations per visit.
The pattern that stands out is “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces”, which has been cited nine times.
Among Roxbury restaurants, the typical score is 83; Tropical Foods International is comfortably above that bar. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Sep 9, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Replace light bulb inside walk in freezer @ bakery station
590.004/4-501.11-C
95
Aug 21, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed packaged sliced deli meat improperly labeled and stored for retail. Discussed with deli manager to ensure all pre-packaged deli foods are properly labeled prior to storing in reach in units. COS
590.003/3-602.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy food debris on prep table / slicer and sliding door case in deli area; blood spills on shelves with raw packaged chicken feet; spills inside frozen juice unit. Thoroughly clean all stated equipment with frequency to remove spills / debris / soils
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Replace light bulb inside walk in freezer @ bakery station
590.004/4-501.11-C
Floors walls and ceilings-cleanability (c)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy flour spills on floors underneath racks near bulk pallets and at juice aisle; heavy trash on floors at dry storage back hall behind deli station. Clean to remove all spills / trash from stated areas.
590.006/6-201.11-C
74
Mar 5, 2025
Routine
2 major violations.
View 2 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed dusty filters on ice machine and ice build up in walk in freezer at bakery department; Soiled knives and prep tables in the produce area. Clean to remove all dust / ice from stated equipment and ensure all utensils / tables are clean and free of soils
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed dented seal on can good stored on retail shelves. Monitor and ensure all can goods are stored on retail shelves in good condition
590.003/3-202.15-PF
82
Sep 4, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Observed upon compliance. Two floor drains in the meat room not draining properly has stagnant water throughout. Company contacted for service today. No meat preparation in the area until repaired and the floor is cleaned and disinfected.
590.005/5-205.15-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Deli salads and other ready to eat prepared foods stored 24 hrs or more are date marked but not meeting the compliance/code. Review the requirements detail should be provided.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavily scored cutting boards in fish area.Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Fish shelving with spills and rear panel with rust floors in aisle 8 with debris below shelves ice build up in Mamita freezer. Clean all to remove. Resurface areas with rust if unable to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
70
Aug 28, 2024
Routine
2 critical violations. 7 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 14 violations
Before use after cleaning (p)
Inspector notes: Employee washed and rinsed cutting board but did not sanitize before storing. Retrain.
590.004/4-702.11-P
System maintained in good repair (p)
Inspector notes: Observed upon compliance. Two floor drains in the meat room not draining properly has stagnant water throughout. Company contacted for service today. No meat preparation in the area until repaired and the floor is cleaned and disinfected.
590.005/5-205.15-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Knives stored as clean in knife rack were soiled. Remove and wash- rinse-santize.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Certified manager must train employees in duties of warewashing (wash-rinse-sanitize) reporting of illness in a verifiable manner and monitoring temperatures.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepacked foods placed in retail without proper labels - smoked meat candy etc.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No soap in the meat room at the hand sink. Replaced by employee.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Several packages dented or compromised- dry baby food canned fish oat milk. Removed from service.
590.003/3-202.15-PF
(b) good repair and calibration (pf)
Inspector notes: Food thermometer and open case refrigeration thermometers not accurate. Replace.
590.004/4-502.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Deli salads and other ready to eat prepared foods stored 24 hrs or more are date marked but not meeting the compliance/code. Review the requirements detail should be provided.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Seal pads on packaging machine worn and torn. Replace.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Fish shelving with spills and rear panel with rust floors in aisle 8 with debris below shelves ice build up in Mamita freezer. Clean all to remove. Resurface areas with rust if unable to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavily scored cutting boards in fish area.Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wet soiled wiping cloths not in sanitizer solution in deli seafood area. Store properly between use.
590.003/3-304.14-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Floor drain with stagnant room. Remove water and repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
29
Aug 20, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 7 major violations. 5 minor violations.
View 13 violations
Before use after cleaning (p)
Inspector notes: Employee washed and rinsed cutting board but did not sanitize before storing. Retrain.
590.004/4-702.11-P
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Deli salads and other ready to eat prepared foods stored 24 hrs or more not date marked.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Food labels (pf)
Inspector notes: Prepacked foods placed in retail without proper labels - smoked meat candy etc.
590.003/3-602.11-PF
(b) good repair and calibration (pf)
Inspector notes: Food thermometer and open case refrigeration thermometers not accurate. Replace.
590.004/4-502.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Knives stored as clean in knife rack were soiled. Remove and wash- rinse-santize.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No soap in the meat room at the hand sink. Replaced by employee.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: Certified manager must train employees in duties of warewashing (wash-rinse-sanitize) reporting of illness in a verifiable manner and monitoring temperatures.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Package integrity (pf)
Inspector notes: Several packages dented or compromised- dry baby food canned fish oat milk. Removed from service.
590.003/3-202.15-PF
Cutting surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Heavily scored cutting boards in produce and fish area.Resurface or replace.
590.004/4-501.12-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Fan guards in meat room with dust fish shelving with spills and rear panel with rust floors in aisle 8 with debris below shelves floors and storage racks in produce and meat storage with soils exterior of ice unit soiled ice build up in Mamita freezer. Clean all to remove. Resurface areas with rust if unable to remove.
590.004/4-602.13-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Floor drain with stagnant room. Remove water and repair.
590.005/5-205.15-C
Good repair and proper adjustment-equipment (c)
Inspector notes: Seal pads on packaging machine worn and torn. Replace.
590.004/4-501.11-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Wet soiled wiping cloths not in sanitizer solution in deli seafood area. Store properly between use.
590.003/3-304.14-C
33
May 16, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled knives stored in knife rack (produce); Observed food spills inside sliding door gaskets (deli); Dusty ice filters (bakery) Clean to remove all soils / spills / dust from stated equipment.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Observed Certified Food Protection Manager certificates expired. Submit confirmation of registration for Course to the Health Division upon receipt
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
86
Jul 5, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled knives / tables / cutting boards in produce area; bloody spills on shelves with fish and raw chicken; ice filters with dust build up; food debris on sliding door deli case gaskets. Clean all to remove soils / spills / debris.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Segregation and location-distressed merchandise (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed expired yogurt on retail shelves. Discussed with PIC to monitor and maintain foods in compliance for retail sale
590.006/6-404.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled cardboard boxes at front chip display. Remove and maintain a clean and durable surface
590.004/4-602.13-C
78
Feb 17, 2023
Routine
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed blood spills at meat case and spilled chips underneath shelf. Clean all to remove soils / spills Observed soiled knives stored in knife rack @ produce station. Maintain clean utensils on clean contact surfaces
590.004/4-601.11-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Observed handsink clogged in meat room. Discussed with PIC to contact license plumber for repairs
590.005/5-205.15-C
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed unsealed pack of turkey wings stored in retail case. Provide a covering in order to protect from contamination
590.003/3-302.11-C
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled cardboard used for lining at the frito lay chip display. Remove and maintain a smooth clean adnd durable surface
590.004/4-602.13-C
Cleaning frequency and restrictions (c)
Inspector notes: Observed food debris on floors in produce prep area. Clean with frequency to remove all debris
590.006/6-501.12-C
74
Oct 17, 2022
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed handsink with no running water. Provide and maintain running water at least 100F at all times
590.005/5-202.12-PF
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Contact licensed plumber for all water repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
86
Oct 5, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Observed employee cutting cooked packaged ham next to raw chicken. Discussed with PIC to maintain cooked and raw seperated. Corrected on site
590.003/3-302.11-P
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed no hand soap at handsink. Provide and maintain at all times for proper handwashing
590.006/6-301.11-PF
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC on site not monitoring the operation of handsinks in all departments. Hand sink in meat / butcher room not operating with constant water. Instructed PIC to contact licensed plumber for repairs and informed to maintain constant flow of water at all times. Also not monitoring the seperation of raw and cooked meat products being handled in raw meat room. Immediately discontinue practice
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Handwashing sinks installation (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed handsink with no running water. Provide and maintain running water at least 100F at all times
590.005/5-202.12-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed items stored in bare hand sink. Discussed with PIC to remove and maintain clear and accessible for handwashing only. Corrected on site
590.005/5-205.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed heavy ice build up in mamitas ice cream chest and blood spills on meat shelves in the "pork"open air refrigerated unit. Clean to remove all ice and spills
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Outer openings protected (c)
Inspector notes: Provide door sweeps on siding of doors @ loading dock to prevent pest entry
590.006/6-202.15-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled wiping clothes stored on cutting boards. Remove and maintain all wiping cloths in a sanitizing solution after each use
590.003/3-304.14-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Contact licensed plumber for all water repairs.
590.005/5-205.15-C
45
Jun 13, 2022
Routine
4 major violations.
View 4 violations
(a)-(p) person-in-charge-duties (pf)
Inspector notes: PIC not monitoring the continuous operation of water / sanitizer in 3 bay sink at all times and instructed PIC to monitor the expiration dates on food product. Review food safety guidelines with employees.
590.002(D)/2-103.11-PF
Sanitizing solutions testing devices (pf)
Inspector notes: Provide test strips for proper testing of Quats sanitzer
590.004/4-302.14-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed soiled knives in produce prep room / meat room stored in knife rack. Maintain knives clean and sanitized while stored
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Segregation and location-distressed merchandise (pf)
Inspector notes: Observed expired packaged deli meats. Remove and monitor expiration dates of food products. PIC corrected on site
590.006/6-404.11-PF
67
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tropical Foods International last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tropical Foods International on file is from Sep 9, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tropical Foods International?
Across the inspection record, “equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces” has been cited nine times, more than any other issue at Tropical Foods International.
How does Tropical Foods International compare to other restaurants in Roxbury?
Tropical Foods International most recently scored 95 out of 100, which is higher than the Roxbury average of 83.
Has Tropical Foods International's inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Tropical Foods International have averaged around two violations per visit, down from roughly 10 earlier in the record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tropical Foods International 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 Tropical Foods International inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tropical Foods International is inspected around four times per year on average.
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