Boston Shake Shack's Health Woes: A Closer Look at the Issues

Boston's Seaport Shake Shack has been under the microscope lately, and not in a good way. Health inspectors have been making frequent visits, and what they've found isn't pretty. Rodents have been spotted behind the heating system, near the custard machine, and even by the grease trap. It's not just rodents, though. There's been a buzz about small black flies hanging out in the back kitchen and near the dish machine's drain. The custard machine has been a recurring problem. Back in November 2023, inspectors noted that it was broken and couldn't be properly cleaned. Fast forward to this year, and they're still finding issues, like a high level of black sticky stuff in the drip tray. And let's not forget the ice cream chest, which was found to be heavily soiled with food and ice buildup. This isn't the first time this location has had issues. In June and July, rodent droppings were found. Then, in July and August, pink and black spots were spotted on the ice chute, and the freezer floors were heavily soiled. It's clear that this Shake Shack has some serious cleaning and maintenance work to do. But why does this matter? Well, some of these issues, like the custard machine problems, have led to unsafe levels of bacteria. E. coli, for instance, is a type of bacteria that can make people sick. It's important to remember that these issues aren't just about cleanliness; they're about health and safety. It's also worth noting that this isn't just a one-time thing. The problems at this location have been ongoing, with inspectors finding issues over several months and even years. It's a pattern that needs to be addressed. So, what's the takeaway? Well, it's a reminder that even popular food chains can have problems. It's also a call to action for Shake Shack to step up and fix these issues. After all, no one wants to enjoy a meal only to worry about what they might be eating along with it.