NEW YORK CITY — Vermin, dirty dishes and poor personal cleanliness — restaurants across the city have dirty secrets they'd rather not share. But New York City's Health Department is watching.
Every year, inspectors arrive unannounced at more than 25,000 restaurants to examine health and safety standards. Most eateries pass inspections, but some fall short of the city's standards, accruing violation points for everything from broken light bulbs to "public health hazards," like vermin and failure to follow food safety protocols.
Restaurants hit with non-food-safety violations might get a fine or a lower letter grade, with zero to 13 points warranting an 'A' and violations totaling 28 points or more earning a 'C' (this system is criticized for its efficacy by some gourmands).
Public health hazards that can't be resolved on the spot, like a mouse or fly infestation, pose a bigger issue: immediate closure.
Here's all the eateries that the Department of Health closed down since May 8.
Manhattan
Crepe House (103 Dyckman St.)
Violation Points: 52
Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan.
Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Brooklyn
Tulcingo Restaurant (5520 5th Ave.)
Violation Points: 56
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
Evidence of rats or live rats in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Coffee With Milk (504 Nostrand Ave.)
Violation Points: 88
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display, service or from customer’s refillable, reusable container. Condiments not in single-service containers or dispensed directly by the vendor.
Properly scaled and calibrated thermometer or thermocouple not provided or not readily accessible in food preparation and hot/cold holding areas to measure temperatures of TCS foods during cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding.
Dishwashing and ware washing: Cleaning and sanitizing of tableware, including dishes, utensils, and equipment deficient.
Anti-siphonage or back-flow prevention device not provided where required; equipment or floor not properly drained; sewage disposal system in disrepair or not functioning properly. Condensation or liquid waste improperly disposed of.
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.
Wash hands sign not posted near or above handwashing sink.
Wiping cloths not stored clean and dry, or in a sanitizing solution, between uses.
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
No handwashing facility in or adjacent to restroom or within 25 feet of a food preparation, food service or ware washing area. Handwashing facility not accessible, obstructed or used for non-hand washing purposes. No hot and cold running water or water at inadequate pressure. No soap or acceptable hand-drying device.
Gyro Express (3160 Coney Island Ave.)
Violation Points: 11
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Queens
Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant (234-16 Linden Blvd)
Violation Points: 40
Evidence of mice or live mice in establishment's food or non-food areas.
Hot TCS food item not held at or above 140 °F.
Establishment is not free of harborage or conditions conducive to rodents, insects or other pests.