NYC Eateries Shut Down July 11-18

New York City Restaurants Face Closure Due to Health Violations

New York City is known for its vibrant food scene, but beneath the surface, many restaurants are hiding unsanitary conditions. From vermin infestations to poor personal hygiene, some eateries have failed to meet the city's health and safety standards. The Department of Health continuously monitors these establishments through unannounced inspections, ensuring that they adhere to strict regulations.

Every year, over 25,000 restaurants across the city are inspected. While most pass without issues, some face serious violations that can lead to fines or even closure. These violations range from minor infractions like broken light bulbs to major public health hazards such as pest infestations and improper food handling. The health department assigns points based on the severity of the violations, with higher point totals resulting in lower letter grades.

Restaurants that accumulate 28 points or more may receive a 'C' grade, which can significantly impact their reputation. Some critics argue that the grading system is not always effective in addressing the root causes of health violations. However, certain violations, especially those involving immediate threats to public health, can result in an instant closure.

Notable Closures in Manhattan

Several restaurants in Manhattan have been shut down due to severe health code violations. One of the most notable cases is Indian Express located at 130 W. 154th St. This establishment was cited for 84 violation points, including:

• Food contact surfaces not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
• Live roaches found in both food and non-food areas.
• Food, supplies, or equipment not protected from contamination.
• Presence of filth flies and other nuisance pests.
• Improper sewage disposal systems and condensation issues.
• Inadequate hot holding and cold storage equipment.

Another restaurant, 1915 Lanzhou Hand Pulled Noodles & Dumplings at 207 E. 26th St., received 16 violation points due to:

• Evidence of rats and mice in the premises.
• Conditions conducive to rodents and pests.
• Presence of filth flies and other nuisance pests.
• Food not properly protected from contamination.

Na Tart at 77 Bayard St. was cited for 32 points, primarily due to:

• Presence of mice and conditions that attract pests.
• Lack of proper pest management practices.

Brooklyn Establishments Also Shut Down

In Brooklyn, Vis-A-Vis located at 3100 Ocean Pkwy. was closed after receiving 7 violation points. The main issues included:

• Non-food contact surfaces made of unacceptable materials.
• Poor drainage and sewage disposal systems.
• Improperly sealed equipment that hindered cleaning efforts.

Good Friends Restaurant at 9528 Avenue L faced 46 violation points, with problems such as:

• Hot TCS food not held at the correct temperature.
• Poor personal hygiene among staff, including soiled garments and jewelry worn on hands.
• Lack of pest management contracts and records of extermination activities.

These closures highlight the importance of maintaining high health and safety standards in the food service industry. The Department of Health continues to enforce these regulations to protect public health and ensure that all restaurants provide safe and clean dining experiences for customers.