Tsaocaa Tea
Last inspected: Dec 10, 2025
78
Score
Tsaocaa Tea has been inspected nine times since 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 10, 2025. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near three violations per visit across recent inspections.
“Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” comes up most often, recorded three times in the inspection record.
Compared to other Boston restaurants (averaging 86), there's room to close the gap. There isn't much in the file that would give a customer pause.
9
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 10, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: Service line hand sink without soap. Staff washing at prep hand sink. Ensure all hand sinks have soap and towels at all times.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior chute of ice machine with pink mold-like substance. Clean and sanitize chute regularly.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Soils and debris under all equipment- ice machine refrigeration prep tables and storage shelves. Clean all areas to avoid attracting pests.
590.004/4-602.13-C
78
Mar 11, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Cleaning agents and sanitizers availability (pf)
Inspector notes: No sanitizer set up in three bay sink. Ensure sanitizer available at all hours.
590.004/4-303.11-PF
Where to wash (pf)
Inspector notes: Employee observed washing hands in 3 bay sink. Spoke to PIC who corrected.
590.002/2-301.15-PF
Handwashing signage (c)
Inspector notes: Provide hand wash only sign in back of house hand sink.
590.006/6-301.14-C
78
Oct 18, 2024
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Posted certified food manager certificate observed expired. Schedule class to update certificate.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
95
Oct 1, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Back of house hand sink observed with pots inside sink. Corrected on site. Ensure hand sink is only for hand washing.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Ready-to-eat time/temperature control for safety food date marking (pf)
Inspector notes: Items in refrigerator observed with no date marking. Provide date marking for all items held longer than 24 hours.
590.003/3-501.17-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled glue trap in utility room in bathroom. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
System maintained in good repair (c)
Inspector notes: Dump sink faucet is damaged and not working properly. Repair as necessary.
590.005/5-205.15-C
(a) certified food protection manager (c)
Inspector notes: Posted certified food manager certificate observed expired. Schedule class to update certificate.
590.002(C)/2-102.12-C
70
Jan 4, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple pots observed in back of house hand sink. Remove
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Controlling pests (pf)
Inspector notes: Multiple dead roaches in multiple locations throughout establishment. In back of house and dry storage area. Provide updated pest reports.
590.006/6-501.111-PF
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Soiled glue trap under three bay sink. Remove.
590.006/6-501.112-C
78
Oct 12, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponge at warewashing station. Discard sponges and discontinue using sponges to wash food contact surfaces. Sponges can harbor harmful bacteria.
590.004/4-101.16-C
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Cup iused for scooping drink ice. Use scoop with handle to prevent contamination.
590.003/3-304.12-C
90
May 4, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Nonfood contact surfaces (c)
Inspector notes: Old rat droppings in cabinet under sugar dispenser. Clean and monitor for activity
590.004/4-602.13-C
Removing dead or trapped birds insects rodents and other pest (c)
Inspector notes: Dead roaches on glue traps. Discard dead pests to avoid accumulation.
590.006/6-501.112-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges at 3 compartment sink for washing. Discard sponges and discontinue using to wash food contact surfaces. Sponges may harbor high levels of bacteria.
590.004/4-101.16-C
86
Nov 14, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 5, 2022
Routine
1 critical violation. 5 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 10 violations
Packaged and unpackaged food-separation packaging and segregation (p)
Inspector notes: Eggs stored over gallons of milk in back cooler. Store raw eggs below ready to eat foods. Corrected on site.
590.003/3-302.11-P
(a) equipment food-contact surfaces nonfood-contact surfaces and utensils (pf)
Inspector notes: Interior chute of ice machine with pink and black mold-like substances. Clean to avoid possible contamination.
590.004/4-601.11-PF
Using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in back room with mixing bowl. Keep hand sinks clear for hand washing at all times.
590.005/5-205.11-PF
Handwashing cleanser availability (pf)
Inspector notes: HSoap for hand sink at service line under 3 compartment sink. Ensure hand sinks have towels and soap at all times.
590.006/6-301.11-PF
Conditions of use (pf)
Inspector notes: Cans of RAID insecticide under 3 compartment sink. Discard and discontinue using insecticides. Consult licensed pest control as needed.
590.007/7-202.12-PF
Hand drying provision (pf)
Inspector notes: Hand sink in back room out of paper towels. Ensure hand sinks have towels and soap at all times.
590.006/6-301.12-PF
In-use utensils between-use storage (c)
Inspector notes: Knives stored between wall and back on 3 compartment sink. Store knives clean and sanitized in a location that does not risk soils and contamination.
590.003/3-304.12-C
Wiping cloths use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Multiple wiping cloths on counters. Store cloths in sanitizing solution to prevent contamination.
590.003/3-304.14-C
Food storage-preventing contamination from the premises (c)
Inspector notes: Watermelons stored on floor. Store all food off the floor to avoid contamination.
590.003/3-305.11-C
Sponges use limitation (c)
Inspector notes: Sponges observed at 3 compartment sink. Discard and discontinue using sponges for cleaning foods contact surfaces because they can harbor pathogens.
590.004/4-101.16-C
43
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tsaocaa Tea last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Tsaocaa Tea on file is from Dec 10, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Tsaocaa Tea?
Across the inspection record, “using a handwashing sink-operation and maintenance” has been cited three times, more than any other issue at Tsaocaa Tea.
How does Tsaocaa Tea compare to other restaurants in Boston?
Tsaocaa Tea most recently scored 78 out of 100, which is lower than the Boston average of 86.
Has Tsaocaa Tea's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Tsaocaa Tea have averaged around three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a low risk rating mean?
A low risk rating at Tsaocaa Tea 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 Tsaocaa Tea inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Tsaocaa Tea is inspected around two times per year on average.
Nearby Restaurants