NEW YORK CITY — Behind the glitz and glamour of New York City’s dining scene lies a less appetizing reality. From uninvited pests to unsanitary conditions,some restaurants are hiding secrets that could make even the most adventurous diner think twice. But the city’s Health Department is on the case,ensuring that eateries meet strict health and safety standards.
Each year, unannounced inspections are conducted at over 25,000 restaurants across the city. While many establishments pass with flying colors, others fall short, racking up violation points for issues ranging from minor infractions like broken light bulbs to serious public health hazards such as vermin infestations or improper food handling.
Restaurants that fail to meet standards face consequences. Minor violations might result in fines or a lower letter grade, with zero to 13 points earning an ‘A’ and 28 points or more landing a ‘C’. However, severe issues like rodent infestations or unsanitary conditions can lead to immediate closure. As one critic noted, the grading system is sometimes “criticized for its efficacy” by food enthusiasts who question its impact on restaurant quality.
Since January 3, several Manhattan restaurants have been shuttered due to health violations. Here’s a closer look at the establishments that didn’t make the cut:
Manhattan
Table of Contents
- 1. Manhattan
- 2. Health Violations at Popular NYC Eateries: What you Need to know
- 3. Emmy Squared Pizza: A Slice of Trouble
- 4. Ewe’s Tasty Treats: A Recipe for Concern
- 5. Common Violations Across the Board
- 6. What This Means for diners
- 7. Key Takeaways
- 8. Health Inspection Reveals Critical Violations at 8718 Queens Boulevard Establishment
- 9. key Violations Uncovered
- 10. Implications for Public Health
- 11. What Can Be Done?
- 12. Conclusion
- 13. What specific steps were taken to sanitize the S and equipment, and how did their storage contribute to contamination?
- 14. Implications for Public Health
- 15. What diners Should Know
- 16. Conclusion
Gotham Pizza (144 9th Avenue)
Violation Points: 58
- Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
- Wash hands sign not posted near or above handwashing sink.
- Contract with a pest management professional not in place. Record of extermination activities not kept on premises.
- live roaches in facility’s food or non-food area.
- Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.
- Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required.Jewelry worn on hands or arms.Fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
- Non-food contact surface or equipment made of unacceptable material, not kept clean, or not properly sealed, raised, spaced, or movable to allow accessibility for cleaning on all sides, above, and underneath the unit.
- Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
Mee Noodle Shop (223 1st Avenue)
Violation Points: 86
- Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential sources of contamination during storage, readiness, transportation, display, or service. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
- Sewage disposal system is not provided, improper, inadequate, or unapproved.
- Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects, or other pests.
- Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
- Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required. Jewelry worn on hands or arms. fingernail polish worn or fingernails not kept clean and trimmed.
- Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment’s food or non-food areas.
- Live roaches in facility’s food or non-food area.
- Raw, cooked, or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
Sip & Scoop (569 Lexington Avenue)
Violation Points: 72
- Food contact surfaces not properly cleaned and sanitized after each use.
- Handwashing sinks not accessible or not provided with adequate supplies.
- Evidence of flies or other flying insects in the establishment.
- Food not protected from contamination during storage, preparation, or display.
- Non-food contact surfaces not cleaned frequently enough to prevent contamination.
- Personal cleanliness is inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn where required.
- Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
- Cold TCS food item not held at or below 41 °F.
Thes closures serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high health and safety standards in the food industry. For diners, it’s a call to stay informed and vigilant about where they choose to eat. For restaurant owners, it’s a wake-up call to prioritize cleanliness and compliance to avoid the same fate.
Health Violations at Popular NYC Eateries: What you Need to know
New york City is renowned for its vibrant food scene, but recent health inspections have revealed troubling violations at several popular restaurants.From improper food handling to pest infestations, these findings highlight critical lapses in food safety protocols. Here’s a closer look at some of the most concerning issues uncovered during recent inspections.
Emmy Squared Pizza: A Slice of Trouble
Located at 311 West 48th Street, Emmy Squared Pizza racked up 65 violation points during its inspection.Among the most alarming findings were evidence of mice in both food and non-food areas,and also improper cooling methods for time/temperature control for safety (TCS) foods. Inspectors noted that TCS foods were not cooled to the required internal temperatures within the mandated timeframes, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
Additionally,the restaurant’s dishwashing and ware-washing practices were deemed deficient,with tableware and equipment not being properly cleaned and sanitized. personal hygiene standards also fell short, with staff members observed wearing soiled outer garments and inadequate hair restraints.
Ewe’s Tasty Treats: A Recipe for Concern
At Ewe’s Delicious Treats, an African restaurant located at 453 Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn, inspectors assigned a staggering 73 violation points.The establishment was cited for failing to protect food, supplies, and equipment from potential contamination during storage and preparation.Non-food contact surfaces were found to be made of unacceptable materials and not properly cleaned or sealed.
perhaps most disturbingly, the restaurant was not free of conditions conducive to pests, with evidence of both mice and rats in food and non-food areas. Inspectors also noted that cold TCS foods were held above the required 41°F, posing a meaningful risk to food safety.
Common Violations Across the Board
Several recurring issues were identified across multiple establishments, including:
- Lack of Handwashing Facilities: Many restaurants lacked accessible handwashing facilities with hot and cold running water, soap, or proper drying devices. In some cases, these facilities were obstructed or used for non-handwashing purposes.
- Pest Infestations: Evidence of rodents and other pests was a common theme, with live mice and rats found in food and non-food areas.
- Improper Food storage and handling: Foods were often stored at unsafe temperatures, and proper cooling methods were not followed, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Inadequate Cleaning Practices: Non-food contact surfaces and equipment were frequently not cleaned or maintained properly, while dishwashing and ware-washing practices were often subpar.
What This Means for diners
These violations serve as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent food safety practices. For diners, it’s crucial to stay informed about the conditions at your favorite eateries. While many restaurants work diligently to maintain high standards, these findings underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and accountability.
As one inspector noted, ”Food safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a fundamental responsibility to protect public health.” By addressing these issues, restaurants can ensure a safer dining experience for all.
Key Takeaways
- Always check inspection scores before dining out.
- Look for visible signs of cleanliness and proper food handling practices.
- Report any concerns to local health authorities to help maintain high standards across the industry.
By staying informed and proactive, diners can play a role in promoting food safety and holding restaurants accountable for maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and care.
Health Inspection Reveals Critical Violations at 8718 Queens Boulevard Establishment
in a recent health inspection, a food establishment located at 8718 Queens Boulevard was cited for multiple critical violations, accumulating a staggering 82 violation points.The findings highlight significant lapses in food safety and hygiene practices, raising concerns about the overall cleanliness and operational standards of the facility.
key Violations Uncovered
The inspection report detailed several alarming issues,including:
- Unsanitary Non-Food Contact Surfaces: Equipment and surfaces not intended for direct food contact were found to be made of unacceptable materials,inadequately cleaned,or improperly sealed. This lack of proper maintenance can lead to contamination and poses a serious health risk.
- Improper Food Contact surface Sanitization: Surfaces that come into direct contact with food were not washed, rinsed, or sanitized correctly after use or following potential contamination events. This oversight increases the likelihood of foodborne illnesses.
- Bare Hand Contact with Food: Workers were observed handling food without using utensils or barriers, a practice that violates health codes designed to prevent contamination.
- Mishandling of Sanitized Equipment: Utensils and equipment meant to be sanitized were either improperly stored or used, undermining efforts to maintain a hygienic environment.
- Pest Infestation: Evidence of rats was found in both food and non-food areas, indicating a failure to maintain a pest-free environment. The establishment also lacked measures to prevent conditions conducive to rodents, insects, and other pests.
- Poor Personal Hygiene: Employees were not adhering to basic cleanliness standards. Issues included soiled outer garments, lack of effective hair restraints, and wearing jewelry or nail polish, which can harbor bacteria.
- Inadequate Food Protection: Food, supplies, and equipment were not properly shielded from potential contamination during storage, preparation, or service. Condiments were not stored in single-service containers or dispensed directly by staff, further increasing contamination risks.
- Improper Food temperature Control: Hot time/temperature control for safety (TCS) food items were not held at or above the required 140 °F, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive.
Implications for Public Health
These violations underscore a troubling disregard for food safety protocols, which are critical to protecting public health. The presence of pests, improper food handling, and inadequate sanitation practices can lead to foodborne illnesses, posing a direct threat to consumers. As one health inspector noted, “These violations are not just minor oversights; they represent a systemic failure to prioritize hygiene and safety.”
What Can Be Done?
For establishments like the one at 8718 Queens Boulevard, immediate corrective action is essential. This includes:
- Implementing rigorous cleaning and sanitization protocols for all surfaces and equipment.
- Training staff on proper food handling techniques, including the use of utensils to avoid bare hand contact.
- Addressing pest control issues by sealing entry points and maintaining a clean, clutter-free environment.
- Ensuring all employees adhere to strict personal hygiene standards, including wearing clean uniforms and appropriate hair restraints.
- Regularly monitoring food temperatures to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
Conclusion
The findings from this inspection serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to food safety regulations. For consumers, it’s a call to remain vigilant about where and how their food is prepared. For food establishments, it’s a wake-up call to prioritize hygiene and safety above all else. As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”—especially when it comes to public health.
What specific steps were taken to sanitize the S and equipment, and how did their storage contribute to contamination?
S and equipment that had been sanitized were not stored in a manner to protect them from contamination, rendering the sanitization process ineffective.
The violations identified at this establishment pose important risks to public health. Improper food handling, inadequate sanitization, and pest infestations can led to foodborne illnesses, which can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. The findings underscore the importance of rigorous health inspections and the need for food establishments to adhere strictly to safety protocols. For consumers, these findings serve as a reminder to be vigilant about where thay choose to dine. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself: the critical violations found at the 8718 Queens Boulevard establishment highlight the ongoing need for stringent food safety practices in the food service industry. Both restaurant operators and diners have roles to play in ensuring public health. By adhering to safety protocols and staying informed, we can all contribute to a safer dining experience.Implications for Public Health
What diners Should Know
Conclusion
